Fake it till you make it.
I’m sure you’ve heard that expression before. It’s usually heard in the world of show business or business in general. The gist behind the expression is that if you look like a success, others will treat you like a successful person (this might mean more projects and more opportunities are sent your way). The at some point you won’t have to fake it anymore because you will have become what you pretended to be.
It sounds a little deceptive and phony. But I assure you, it isn’t as bad as it sounds! What you are really doing is modeling behaviors until you’ve internalized them. Once that happens, you will start to see results, because you’ve been working hard at exactly the types of things a successful person does. It only makes sense then that you start to see results.
This works in all sorts of different contexts. If you want to be a thin and fit person, start acting like one, eating the things they eat, working out, moving around more, etc. After a few months of doing that, you’ll be feeling better, starting to slim down and making the choices that thing and fit people do.
Since happiness is on my mind a lot during this project, I did a little research to see if the same concept could also work for feelings – including increasing a feeling of self-worth, wellbeing, and of course being happier. The good news is that it does. You really can fake happiness until your mood improves.
How To Start Faking Happiness
This is easier than it sounds. You can start with something as simple as smiling. A fake smile will do in a pinch, but if you can get your entire face, including your eyes involved that’s even better. Give smiling your best effort, even if you aren’t feeling it.
After a bit of smiling, you should feel your mood start to increase. Remind yourself throughout the day to smile more. When you’re ready to kick it up a notch, give laughing a try. Again, if there’s nothing funny going on, just start giggling and laughing. It has a profound impact on the body. Not only will it instantly lift your bad mood and make you feel happier, laughing has also been shown to increase your body’s ability to heal and it will improve your immune system.
Give it a try and start practicing faking happiness. You can smile and laugh at yourself in front of the bathroom mirror in the mornings. Then make an effort to smile more and laugh often as you go about your day. Not only will you notice your own happiness levels increase, you’ll also make a difference in those around you.
Would you be interested in an exciting, unique, and fun way to experience happiness? If so be sure to check out Experience.Happy – our newest coloring adventure, a 5 senses immersive coloring adventure! Each month, we’ll present to you a different topic on something that will make you happy.