Let’s be real. Most people don’t have their life together. They just got good at looking like they do.
You probably know someone like this. They show up on time. They use Google Calendar like a weapon. They always have a water bottle that somehow matches their outfit. You think, “Wow. They must wake up at 5am and journal about the stock market.”
False.
They’re probably winging it just like you. They’ve just figured out the tricks.
So here you go. A short guide on how to look like you have your life together when in reality you are held together by caffeine and blind ambition.
1.
Walk fast and look slightly annoyed
This is the universal sign of someone with purpose. Doesn’t matter where you’re going. Just walk like you’re late for a high-stakes investor pitch and mentally reviewing your bullet points.
2.
Carry a notebook
Do not open it. Do not write in it. Just carry it. Occasionally glance at it and nod like you just remembered something crucial. People will assume you’re deep.
3.
Say things like “circle back” and “actionable”
Nobody really knows what they mean. But if you say “Let’s circle back on that” in a serious tone, people will assume you are in charge of something important. Bonus points if you add “by end of week.”
4.
Always have one extremely specific goal
Not “get better at life.” That’s vague. Say something like “I’m working on consolidating my calendar workflow to reduce cognitive load.” Nobody will question you. They’ll just nod slowly and think, wow, this guy is optimizing something.
5.
Drink water like it’s a lifestyle
Hydration is elite behavior. Get one of those obnoxiously large water bottles and treat it like a pet. Sip from it during serious conversations. Whisper encouragement to yourself between gulps. It’s not just hydration. It’s a mindset.
6.
Fake a morning routine
Nobody’s asking you to actually do yoga at sunrise. But if someone asks how your morning was, just say “Good. Did my usual routine.” That could be brushing your teeth while scrolling Instagram. They don’t need to know. Let them imagine a green smoothie and cold plunge.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to have it all together. Most people don’t.
But a little confidence, a neutral-toned outfit, and the ability to say “Let me get back to you on that” can carry you a very long way.
Besides, progress doesn’t always look polished.
Sometimes it looks like chaos in a collared shirt.
So fake the structure. Build the real thing underneath.
And remember, the most organized person in the room is probably just someone who stopped fighting their calendar and embraced the madness.
