Today, as I walked past an office building I overheard someone proudly announcing on a phone call that they had “winged it” because the training they had just presented had only been put together that morning. They seemed almost triumphant, as if pulling it off at the last minute was a skill to be admired. It got me thinking about the deeper impact of winging it, not just in business, but in life. While it might seem like a quick fix or an easy way to navigate challenges, winging it is more than just improvisation. It is, at its core, a form of deception of both yourself and of others that creates instability, mistrust, and missed opportunities for real growth.
When someone relies on winging it, they are often convincing themselves that they are capable and adaptable. But in reality, they are avoiding the deeper work of true preparation and mastery. This self-deception can be subtle, building over time until they genuinely believe they are progressing when they are actually just skimming the surface. Without putting in real effort, they may appear competent, but cracks eventually show. This can lead to stagnation, repeated mistakes, and a lack of real confidence when tested in situations that demand true knowledge.
The deception doesn’t stop with the individual, it also extends to those who rely on them. When someone coaches, mentors, leads, or gives advice without proper knowledge or preparation, they misrepresent their expertise. Others may follow their guidance, trusting that they know what they are talking about, only to later discover gaps, errors, or even harm as a result. It’s like handing someone a map that looks detailed but leads nowhere. The moment people recognise the illusion, trust erodes.
Beyond credibility, the energy of winging it lingers. It lowers vibration, creates uncertainty, and blocks deeper transformation. It creates an environment where people continue to fake their way through, reinforcing a cycle of inauthenticity. True strength and integrity come from preparation, honesty, and a commitment to learning. Admitting when something is not fully known, putting in the necessary effort, and choosing authenticity over illusion all contribute to long-term success and trust.
Winging it may seem like a shortcut, but in reality, it leads to dead ends. True confidence and wisdom are built through dedication and truth, not last-minute improvisation. True rewards don’t come from illusion, they come from authenticity.
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