The Solo Grind

The Real Cost of Pretending

Teresa Schlup, The Original Caffeine Creative Episode 79

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0:00 | 22:53

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Today I’m getting real about a piece of advice we hear all the time in business: "fake it till you make it." Honestly? I hate that advice. After seeing a totally staged, AI-generated post on social media from an acquaintance, I started thinking about the high price we pay when we pretend to be someone we aren’t.

In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey of tossing out the "different hats" I felt I had to wear in the corporate world and what happened when I finally started showing up as the real me. We’re talking about why pretending attracts the wrong people, how it drains your energy, and why focusing on becoming a better version of yourself is so much more powerful than just appearing like one.

What I hope you take away from today's episode...

  • Why the "fake it" mentality backfires: Understand how playing a role actually attracts the wrong clients and collaborators into your circle.
  • The true cost of appearances: Why keeping up a persona is the fastest way to hit burnout and lose sight of your original dream.
  • It’s okay to "try things on": Why following the wrong path for a little while isn’t a failure—it’s actually a necessary part of figuring out who you really are.
  • Becoming vs. Appearing: Why real success lives in doing the work to improve yourself rather than spending that same energy trying to look successful for others.

Previous Episodes Mentioned that you may want to check out... 
The DARKSIDE of Marketing
The “Fairy Tale” Business Mindset

Links to connect with me...
Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/)
Email me HERE! theperfectblendcaffeinecreative.io

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