Let’s Pretend
Sometimes, the way to become something… is to pretend.
In a chapter of Mere Christianity called “Let’s Pretend,” CS Lewis explains that we often act our way into becoming. We start by behaving like the kind of person we want to be, even if it feels unnatural at first.
And over time, those actions begin to change us.
Not fake.
Formative.
That idea took me back to when Kristen started her real estate career. She made the decision early on that she was going to act like an extraordinary agent before she had the resume to prove it. She showed up prepared. She spoke with confidence. She followed the disciplines of the best in the business. Her literal mantra was, "fake it till you make it."
At first, you could say she was pretending. But here’s what actually happened: she became exactly what she practiced. Because in the end, what separates people is not intention. It is action.
The Leadership Parallel
Every leader has a first day. A moment where you step into the role and feel the weight of it. You have not done it before. You are not fully confident. You do not yet have the results.
And in that moment, you have a choice.
Wait until you feel ready.
Or, step in and act like the leader you want to become.
Lewis would argue that you should act. So, the real question becomes: What do great leaders do?
They think clearly.
They stay steady under pressure.
They serve others.
They take responsibility.
They lead with courage and humility.
We have access to all of this.
Through Scripture.
Through mentors.
Through books.
Through experience.
We already know what to do.
Now we must do it.
From Thinking to Doing
This is where I think we often miss the point.
We read.
We learn.
We listen.
But we often stop short of application.
The Bible uses the word "meditate" in a deeper way than we often think today.
It does not just mean to reflect.
It means to absorb and apply.
To take truth and live it.
Lewis is calling us to the same thing.
Not just to admire the life of Christ.
But to step into it.
To practice it.
To pretend, until it becomes real.
A Simple Challenge
This week, ask yourself: What would a steady leader do in my current situation?
Then do it.
Even if it feels unnatural.
Even if you are not fully confident.
Because the truth is simple.
You do not become a great leader and then act like one.
You act like one…and then you become one.
The world needs more steady leaders.
Let’s pretend.
Stay steady.
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God Bless!
~ Schuyler Williamson