> I have encountered many people who have internalized "fake it" to mean "pretend that you are hitting all your milestones and you executing against your plan".

This thread is the first time I've heard it applied seriously as to encourage lying and fraud.

Another similar common saying is "dress for the job you want, not the job you have." But sayings imply that you should act as if you've made it even if you haven't. You aren't "what you want to be," but you can present yourself in that way.

Finally, while you may have met many people who have turned "fake it" into lying and fraud, they are not the majority.

> Everyone should believe in themselves.

At least you admit here admit I'm right.