There are some surprising benefits of positive self-deception that could help us achieve our goals.

The idea of lying to ourselves might seem counterintuitive. The phrase “fake it ‘til you make it” comes to mind.

However, there are some instances where embracing a certain level of self-deception can be advantageous.

Harnessing the power of “positive self-deception” can provide unexpected benefits in propelling us toward our goals.

Here are 5 ideas to ponder:

1. Boosted Confidence
   Self-confidence plays a key role in achieving success. By selectively focusing on our strengths and not our weaknesses, we can bolster our self-esteem.

   With this boost of confidence, we can take on challenges that we might have otherwise considered too daunting. Like walking three miles daily, seven days a week to prepare to climb Table Mountain in South Africa in the fall of October. Or going to law school after age 75, after having raised two kids and managed a consulting business with your spouse for over thirty years.

2. Enhanced Motivation
   Positive self-deception can be a powerful motivational tool as well. When we believe wholeheartedly in our abilities, we are more likely to invest greater effort and persistence.

   Our self-belief fuels determination. And our determination makes us inclined to work harder to turn our aspirations into reality.

3. Overcoming Fear of Failure
   Fear of failure is paralyzing. It prevents us from even attempting to go after our dreams.

   But when we convince ourselves that we can do this thing (whatever that thing is), maybe we're still anxious, but willing to take the risks.

   A mental shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset gives us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and explore those uncharted waters.

4. Mental Resilience
   The ability to bounce back from our setbacks is the only way we can stay on our achievement journey.

   Playing above our heads, or lying to ourselves, or “positive self-deception” builds mental resilience. Our growth mindset interprets our challenges as temporary obstacles, designed to see how bad we want it.

   This mindset allows us to persevere and maintain our focus on our ultimate objectives.

5. Visualize
   Athletes, like Michael Jordan, Tiger Wood, and Billie Jean King all envisioned their success.

   Their mental rehearsal primed their minds for success, making it easier to translate their visions into reality through consistent, persistent practice.

But beware, while there are clear advantages to using positive self-deception to push ourselves toward, we must strike the right balance.

“Blind self-deception” can lead us to make poor decisions. We develop a distorted sense of our own reality. But identifying areas that genuinely require improvement or that we simply cannot change, shows self-awareness and wisdom.

Yet, mastering the art of “controlled self-deception,” rids us of our self-imposed limitations. We unlock our God-given talent and potential and we’re on the path towards our goal achievements.

Now…tell yourself that BIG LIE!

Next, write down all the action steps you can think of that might help make that lie into a truth.

Get to work.

Stack one tiny positive change on top of another, on top of another, on top of another, and so it goes…until that BIG LIE IS THE MIGHTY TRUTH!

Get going right now.

Remember that striving for excellence is a continuous process that requires dedication, patience, and self-awareness. It's about setting high standards for yourself and consistently working toward reaching them, all while maintaining a healthy and balanced approach to your personal and professional life.