When someone flaunts a Rolex, we assume they’re rolling in it. If they’re constantly jet setting, we believe they’ve hit the jackpot.

But let’s face it, appearances can be deceiving.

Indeed, the art of feigning success is not as straightforward as it seems. It requires a certain finesse that can be equally as complex as understanding human emotions.

I’ve noticed that these folks, the ones who’ve mastered this art, usually display eight specific behaviors. And I must say, it’s quite fascinating.

The article to follow will delve into these behaviors, providing a unique insight that might just help you separate the wheat from the chaff in your own journey to success.

1) They have a knack for showcasing the high life

Let’s start with the most obvious one.

People who have perfected the art of feigning success are often the ones who seem to be living the dream.

They’re the ones always posting pictures from some exotic location, sipping on champagne, or boasting about their latest ‘acquisitions’.

But beneath the surface, things may not be as peachy as they seem. Just as an empath can sense emotional shifts, those who are observing can sense inconsistencies in these folks’ stories.

The luxury car might just be a rental, the fancy parties could be networking events they’ve been invited to, and the business deals might not be as lucrative as they claim.

It’s all about maintaining an image, creating an illusion of success that’s as convincing as it is appealing. However, if you dig a little deeper, you might just find that they’re not quite living the life they portray.

This isn’t to say that every person flaunting their lifestyle is pretending – far from it. But for those who have mastered this art, they’ve turned faking it into a full-time job.

2) They’re experts at name-dropping

Now, this is something I’ve personally experienced.

I remember attending a business conference a few years back. There was this one guy, let’s call him Jack, who had this peculiar habit of name-dropping.

He’d casually mention his lunch with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or that time he played golf with a famous entrepreneur.

At first, I was quite impressed. But as time went on, I started to notice a pattern. The stories were always about other people’s achievements, not his own.

And whenever I asked about his business, he’d quickly divert the conversation back to his famous ‘connections’.

It was clear to me then, Jack was using these interactions to inflate his own perceived success.

This is a common behavior among those who are trying to convince others (and perhaps themselves) of their success. It’s not about what they’ve done, but who they know.

But remember, real success is built on personal achievements, not borrowed from others’ glory.

3) They overemphasize their work ethic

Ever stumbled upon those social media profiles where every other post is about burning the midnight oil or working through the weekend?

It’s almost as if they’re trying to convince the world that success is directly proportional to the lack of sleep.

And here’s where it gets interesting. A study found that people who get six to seven hours of sleep per night have a longer life expectancy than those who sleep for less than five hours.

The truth is, genuine successful individuals understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle. They value their health and well-being as much as their work.

So the next time you see someone constantly boasting about their 24/7 hustle, take it with a grain of salt. It’s likely just another part of their success facade.

4) They’re always in business mode

Another behavior you’ll notice with these individuals is that they’re perpetually in business mode.

They’ll take every opportunity to talk about their latest venture, their next big idea, or how busy they are with meetings and deals.

But here’s the thing. Real success doesn’t need to be shouted from the rooftops. It’s usually the quiet ones, working diligently behind the scenes, who are truly making strides.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with being passionate about your work. But when it becomes a never-ending sales pitch, it reveals more about their desire to appear successful than actual success.

So next time you meet someone who can’t stop talking about their work, remember that true success is often silent. It doesn’t need constant validation or attention. It just is.

5) Their lifestyle doesn’t align with their income

This is a big one, and something I’ve come across quite often.

I’ve met people who are always dressed to the nines, driving luxury cars, and living in upscale neighborhoods. But when you peel back the layers, their income doesn’t quite match up to the lifestyle they’re leading.

I remember a colleague from a few years back who was always decked out in designer clothes and flashy accessories. But when payday came around, he’d be the first one complaining about being broke.

It made me realize that for some, it’s more important to look successful than to actually be successful. They’re willing to stretch themselves thin financially just to keep up appearances.

So, always remember that true success is not about material possessions. It’s about financial stability, self-growth, and genuine happiness. Those who understand this don’t have to pretend.

6) They’re overly competitive

You’d think successful people would be the most competitive, right? Not always.

People who are genuinely successful understand there’s enough room for everyone to succeed. They’re secure in their abilities and accomplishments, and they don’t feel the need to constantly prove themselves.

On the other hand, those pretending to be successful often display an unnecessary level of competitiveness. It’s as if they’re trying to assert their ‘superiority’ by outdoing everyone else.

But here’s the truth: real success is not about being better than others; it’s about being better than you were yesterday. Those who understand this are usually the ones who achieve real, lasting success.

7) They’re always seeking validation

One thing I’ve noticed about people pretending to be successful is their constant need for validation.

They crave likes, shares, and positive comments on their social media posts. They want their ‘success’ to be acknowledged, liked, and admired by others.

But here’s the kicker – genuinely successful people don’t need constant validation. They’re secure in their achievements and don’t require the approval of others to feel accomplished.

Success should be a personal journey, not a popularity contest. The moment you start seeking external validation is when you lose sight of what true success means.

It’s not about the number of likes on your posts; it’s about the impact you make and the value you bring to the table.

8) They define success by societal standards

Perhaps the most telling sign of someone pretending to be successful is their definition of success itself. They view it through a lens crafted by societal expectations – wealth, status, power.

But let me tell you, real success is not one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal and differs for each individual.

For some, success could be running a profitable business. For others, it could be raising a happy family or making a difference in their community.

At the end of the day, true success is measured by the fulfillment and contentment you feel, not by the standards set by society.

Reflecting on the art of pretense

As we navigate through this journey, it’s important to remember that real success isn’t always what it seems on the surface. It’s not about the flashiest cars, the most luxurious vacations, or the loudest applause.

True success is much quieter. It’s found in personal growth, contentment, and the ability to make a positive impact on the world around us.

So next time you come across someone who appears to be successful, take a moment to look beyond the surface. Remember these eight behaviors and ask yourself – is this real success or a masterful pretense?

In the wise words of Albert Einstein, “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.”

The value we bring to our lives and the lives of others is the true measure of success.

So, here’s to pursuing real success – not as defined by societal standards, but by personal fulfillment and genuine happiness. Here’s to being a person of value.