Business
Are You #FakingIt or #KeepingItReal at Work?
Published
3 years agoon

There’s something to be said about positive thinking in the workplace, and it’s popular to find a work environment that advocates positivity. Of course, there’s no denying the impact of a positive mindset on work-life, but is it the only way to go?
It’s debatable if faking being happy at work can impact your productivity, but there’s much to be said about toxic work culture that negatively affects your physical and mental life.
In Samantha Quick’s article titled, “Stop Faking It Until You Make It,” she shares her story and spreads awareness about the toxicity of work culture in the present times.
Should you fake being happy at work?
Samantha recounts how she became a leader at the young age of just 21. Looking back, Samantha realizes how she needed to be at convincing herself and others around her that she was happy with her job as the Resident Director when she was at the Pratt Institute for Communication Design.
From being ecstatic about her role as a leader for the first time, her unwavering positive mindset about her field of work at the time is what she describes as her first time faking it at work. While she was initially happy about joining the workforce, when she got an unexpected call from her boss informing her of a student who had died by suicide on what was to be her first day of work broke her in so many ways she no longer found happiness at her job.
However, she put on a brave face and faced every day like she could handle everything that life threw her way. Like Samantha, most people feel the need to look tough and confident even when that’s not the reality. There’s an overwhelming pressure to fake your feelings and emotions, especially in a working environment where they say one person’s mood can affect the rest of the team. And no one wants to be the cause of distress, so you take the high road and fake being happy, confident, and satisfied when you don’t want anything to do with the job.
People do this not out of the intention of faking it at work but as a manifestation of blind optimism. This blind optimism also led Samantha to panic every time the phone rang because she never truly moved on from that first initial phone call from her boss.
To top it off, her position as a leader didn’t make it easier, and it made her harder on herself because she was to take the lead on projects and guide a whole team while targeting maximum productivity.
Why are people not keeping it real at the workplace?
Many people go through this dilemma. It’s tough for people in power to show vulnerability because you don’t want to seem like you’re not fit for the job. Everyone wants to be treated with respect, which forces people to create a web of lies they tell themselves, like “this is my dream job” and “I’m happy where I am.”
There are so many books, videos, talk shows, and podcasts about authentic leadership and how to be successful. But none of these will make you feel okay with your position until you start to keep it real.
There’s intense pressure for many people regarding their work-life; they need to be mentally strong, vigilant, productive and spread positivity within the workspace. Of course, there’s no denying that these thoughts are good for business, but is it perfect for your mental well-being?
Why is it so essential to hustle?
Slogans like “Too inspired to be tired!” and “Work for it more than you hope for it” were created to motivate people. Still, it harms the work culture because now people are forced to fake being happy, motivated, and satisfied with their jobs.
If the 2020 pandemic has taught us anything, many people will suffer from mental unrest regarding productivity guilt. As a society, we’ve been pruned and molded only to think positive thoughts and always give our best because that’s the work culture that everyone is forced to instill. Yet, when everything was toppled upside down because of the pandemic, people started feeling extremely stressed out for not doing enough and disappointed in themselves for not reaching their potential.
On the other hand, another section of the population felt at ease and happy with all their responsibilities lowered. Without commuting to a place they dreaded and sitting at a desk they didn’t like or being in an environment that gave them extreme stress, they experienced a satisfying sense of relief.
Where does the pressure come from?
The pressure that social media is putting out to be the best of the best in every situation isn’t helping the matter at all. Everyone is posting about all the fun things they are doing with their lives, creating the persona of the ideal life, which supposedly can only come from hard work and hustle. This makes the idea in the audience’s minds that they’re not doing enough and need to push themselves to reach multiple goals, which are sometimes unrealistic.
This is what we mean by productivity guilt. People are dragging their mental and physical health through the dirt to get validation from people they don’t know.
Samantha recounts when she hit her lowest, working multiple full-time jobs, freelancing, and contracting simultaneously. She was living the life of the #girlboss that everyone was striving for, and it was all happening for her until her body decided it was enough and shut down. Even then, she chose to keep faking it and went to work every day because she feared being looked down upon for taking sick leaves.
Such is the toxicity of living a fake happy work life. You show everyone your best traits and work tirelessly because you feel the burden of your responsibility in inspiring someone and motivating your colleagues. But you’re not the person they see at the end of the day, so you’re still drowning in all your stress and anxiety. Perhaps, the fake life you portray to your colleagues could put them under pressure; to be as “perfect” as you are and set off the cycle of productivity guilt and never being enough.
Closing Thoughts:
There’s an alarming rise in the need for validation among many youngsters, killing their mental health. The constant need to be busy and feeling guilty for the 5 minutes of downtime you take cause concern.
Until Samantha finally experienced burnout, she never stopped faking it. And through her article, she has shed light on a very significant problem within the society that everyone shares at some point but never talks about. Her changed mindset on the #girlboss culture is an inspiring story to help change the way people look at the hustle culture.
This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

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Blu Impressions Publishing: A Six-Figure Business Helping Clients Succeed
Published
15 hours agoon
April 27, 2025
Dr. Lena Payton Webb is the visionary founder of Blu Impressions Publishing, a boutique firm helping experts transform their knowledge into profitable, purpose-driven books. A retired Army veteran with over two decades of service and more than 30 years in graphic design and publishing, she has guided countless entrepreneurs, speakers, and consultants in building lasting brands through books. A recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Lena is committed to helping others leave a legacy through their stories and strategies.
Blu Impressions Publishing has become a six-figure business. What was your strategy for achieving this level of success?
Success wasn’t instant—it came through strategy, consistency, and a deep dedication to serving my clients. Scaling Blu Impressions Publishing into a six-figure brand centered around three major pillars. First, I positioned my business as a solution, not just a service. Instead of simply offering publishing help, Blu Impressions became a partner in helping clients build their brand and increase their revenue. Second, I created a transformational experience. Our clients aren’t just walked through a publishing process—we remove confusion, streamline the journey, and provide tools like editing, branding, design, and marketing. Finally, I expanded beyond traditional models. From hosting book writing camps to consulting and coaching, I built a suite of services that allowed me to serve clients at different levels and scale the business with intention.
How do you help your clients navigate the publishing process from concept to finished product?
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What sets Blu Impressions Publishing apart from other publishing services in the market?
What makes us different is our commitment to the full picture. While most publishers focus on production, we focus on brand-building and business elevation. We don’t do generic—we create customized publishing experiences designed to position our clients as leaders. From journals to workbooks to full curriculum-style books, our clients create products that are engaging and profitable. Beyond publishing, we train authors on how to monetize their message through speaking, coaching, and corporate partnerships. As a multi-award-winning publisher, I don’t just teach theory—I’ve built a thriving business, and now I help others do the same. Blu Impressions Publishing is more than a publishing company—it’s a launchpad for purpose-driven professionals who want their books to drive revenue and impact.
Can you share a success story of a client whose book has directly contributed to their financial or professional success?
One standout story is a business coach who had been serving clients for years but wasn’t getting recognized in her industry. After working with us to publish her first book, everything changed. Her credibility skyrocketed, and she began attracting premium coaching clients. A corporate company reached out and ordered 200 books for employee training, which opened the door to ongoing partnerships. She then used the book to launch a high-ticket coaching program and generated five figures in revenue within a few months. Her book didn’t just share her story—it became the foundation for her brand expansion, client growth, and income boost. This is the kind of transformation we create at Blu Impressions.
What advice would you give to someone looking to turn their expertise into a profitable book?
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Connect with Dr. Lena Payton Webb
Instagram: @bluimpressionspublishing
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LinkedIn: Lena Payton Webb
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Business
Mindset, Nutrition, Fitness: The 40/40/20 Method Changing Women’s Lives
Published
3 weeks agoon
April 8, 2025
Coach T, a certified master trainer and dedicated fitness advocate from Chicago, IL, is the powerhouse behind Tonyael Miller Fitness—a brand committed to helping women reclaim their confidence, health, and strength. As a single “Momtrepreneur” to her 12-year-old daughter, Janael (affectionately known as Nelly), Tonyael’s personal journey has fueled her passion for fitness and mental wellness.
Her transformation began after battling postpartum depression from 2012 to 2015, a period that left her searching for holistic healing. When therapy introduced her to the idea of using fitness as a form of self-care, she discovered a newfound love for strength training. From 2013 to 2019, she immersed herself in the world of fitness, training with professionals and learning about nutrition, movement, and mindset. Determined to help other women regain control over their bodies and lives, she became a certified personal trainer in 2019 and officially launched Tonyael Miller Fitness.
Her innovative 40/40/20 method—which balances Mindset (40%), Nutrition (40%), and Fitness (20%)—has transformed hundreds of women worldwide. Unlike traditional programs that focus only on physical transformation, Tonyael emphasizes mental wellness and sustainable lifestyle habits, ensuring long-term success for her clients.
Beyond coaching, she has made waves in the fitness modeling industry, serving as a brand ambassador and collaborating with major brands such as Women’s Health Magazine and Fabletics. Her influence extends far beyond the gym—she is a mental health advocate, a symbol of resilience, and an inspiration to women striving to prioritize their well-being despite life’s challenges.
With her unwavering commitment to empowerment and self-love, Coach T continues to redefine what it means to be strong—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
A Prestigious Honor: Women’s and Men’s Health Magazine Recognition
One of the most exciting developments in my journey happened recently—I was selected to be part of the Women’s and Men’s Health Magazine Strength and Diversity program, Class of 2024. This is an incredible honor, as it recognizes individuals who are breaking barriers in the fitness industry and advocating for inclusivity.
This opportunity means so much to me because I’ve always wanted to represent real women—moms, entrepreneurs, and those who have overcome mental health struggles—in the fitness space. Fitness is not just about aesthetics; it’s about mental clarity, self-love, and empowerment. Being chosen for this program validates my mission to inspire women of all backgrounds to take control of their health in a way that works for them.
As part of this program, I’ll have the chance to connect with other influential trainers, industry leaders, and wellness advocates, expanding my reach and learning from some of the best minds in the field. It’s a stepping stone toward even greater impact, and I’m beyond grateful to continue making fitness more accessible, diverse, and empowering for all women.
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