One of the best (and most brutal) pieces of business advice I’ve ever heard came from Chris Do: “Act as if.” It sounds simple, but wow—when I look back, this tiny phrase has shaped my entire career journey.
What does it mean?
Act as if you already got the job.
Act as if you’re the leader in the room.
Act as if they picked you over the competitor.
Act as if you’re the junior who’s eager to learn.
Act as if you just started—humble, curious, open.
In other words, show up for the role you’re stepping into. Don’t overplay it, don’t underplay it. Know your position, embrace it fully, and lean into it.
The tricky part? People sometimes confuse feelings with facts—especially at work. Just because you feel something doesn’t always mean it’s true or relevant. The workplace runs on performance, results, and solutions—not emotions. Your manager doesn’t want to hear how frustrated you are unless it’s followed by a plan to fix it. They’ll ask: How are we doing? Where’s the number? What’s next?
And yeah, I get it. We’re not robots—we’ve all had to smile through heartbreak, wipe away tears in the bathroom, and dive headfirst into meetings. It’s tough.
But there’s a little mantra I play on repeat when I’m in the trenches:
“Your sadness only lasts as long as you let it. You’re in control of how far you let it go.”
And that always brings me back to center.
Let me take you back to 2015.
I was fresh out of nursing school (yes, nursing!) and landed a job at Tulola, an exquisite high-end jewelry brand, as a Sales Executive. Technically, I was a shopkeeper. But because I had a bachelor’s degree, my manager gave me the chance to handle their premium, one-of-a-kind collection. Did I know how to sell diamonds? Nope. But I studied. I learned why Tulola used a certain silver blend, what made their gold unique, and how it stood apart from competitors.
So I acted as if I was already a product expert.
Result? I started selling statement pieces and diamond collections because I could tell the story behind the sparkle.
Then came my time at NOW! Bali Magazine, a media company where I handled advertising sales. I had zero media experience—like, not even a clue how that world worked.
The first three months? Target: missed.
But my boss believed in me. She gave me a shot with her leads, let me learn by doing, and what did I do? Acted as if I was already a media sales pro.
I studied our magazine. I compared it with international publications. I dug into our audience, learned our voice, and crafted pitches that actually resonated.
My first big win? A full-page ad from Sensatia Botanicals (yes, back when the founder, Michael Lorenti, still replied to emails himself!).
How did I get it? I Googled the brand, emailed the contact listed, attached our media kit for Ubud Writers & Readers Festival… and boom, he replied.
Target: achieved.
Looking back, this “act as if” mindset has been my anchor since day one. It’s not fake it till you make it—it’s believe it while you build it. I don’t pretend to know everything, but I prepare. I show up. I keep learning. I adapt to new roles like second skin—and honestly, I kind of love it.
So here’s the thing:
If I can do it, so can you.
Take one step at a time. Zoom out before you zone in. Dream big, but walk the path as the truest version of yourself—just a little braver, a little bolder every day.
Trust me: Acting as if might just be the most real thing you ever do.