Faking it implies you want to give others the impression you’re already a big shot, and it dilutes out the accomplishments of people who actually made it.

The downside should be that if you’re faking it and you don’t make it, your shame should be relentless and brutal, and no one should ever take you seriously again. Also, even if you make it you will feel alone and empty in your success, because everyone will have long thought you already “made it” and you have to continue hiding your true story. There is no one to celebrate with except those who are also in on it.

Where as if you would have just been humble and true to where you currently are, people have headroom to express sympathy and support should you encounter a setback.