What makes Halloween special is how it gets us to think about identity.
Other than the person in the bunny or santa suit, few revelers of the other candy-dispensing holidays get to try on different roles or ask themselves what it’s like to be someone else.
Halloween is the day when even the uniform-wearing professions like corporate lawyer or doctor get to let loose a little and put on something else—even if only for their kids.
But maybe, in the process of donning a Dracula outfit, Harry Potter robe, or obscure pun, you think a little bit about how your chosen character would behave. Maybe you think a bit about why your character commands such respect or has so much fun. Maybe you find out a little about who you could be in the process.
Going to parties, you might also notice another interesting effect: the more you commit to your character, the more people will treat you like your character (you know, as long as you’re not a jerk about it so don’t actually bit people in the neck without permission).
You’ve just uncovered the “Act As If” Principle.
Long used in hypnosis and by the positive thinking movement, this basic principle implores people to act as if they had already achieved their desired outcome.
Hate an upcoming chore? Act as if you enjoy it and you’ll find your physiology changing to match.
Tired? Jump around, move faster, talk louder. Act as if you’ve got a ton of energy and soon your heart rate will catch up.
Lost your life savings in Vegas? Act as if you won! Buy everyone a round. Get the penthouse suite. Get your mom a new car on credit… Okay, you can see why some people equate this principle with the Secret and call it stupid.
But, like putting on spandex and asking strangers for candy, just because some things are totally stupid out of context doesn’t mean they aren’t amazing when done right.
While the effects of act as if have been over-exaggerated, it can nonetheless be effective at helping you get promoted, especially if you give it a little more thought than the average costume-shop purchase. That means dispensing with cheap ‘fake it til you make it’ swagger and cartoon cutout notions of what it means to be the boss, and really considering the position.
What does it really mean to embody that position above yours? How does that version of you act? How much above and beyond would “boss you” have to go? What does the added burdens and responsibilities feel like? How will you inspire confidence in those around you despite it? Lastly, how does such a person dress?
Thinking these things through will not only put you much closer to getting the job, it will also help you decide whether you really want it in the first place. Because here’s the thing: Most companies suck at describing the job positions they need, and they also suck at evaluating on paper whether people are right for it. Most of these decisions are already made before your review, and no amount of rational box-checking will give them the confidence to take you on if they just aren’t feeling it. If you don’t convince them before you ask, i.e. if you aren’t already doing the job, they won’t know if you can do it.
Cementing yourself in the eyes of your employer as being fit for the position you want is the only real way to secure it.
Put on the costume.
Act as if.