What is the primary distinction between strategic self-inflation and outright fabrication?

The primary distinction lies in the realm of verifiable truth. Strategic self-inflation involves enhancing or exaggerating existing capabilities and accomplishments while remaining within the boundaries of what could plausibly be true, even if not demonstrably so. It leverages perception management to create a more favorable impression. Outright fabrication, on the other hand, involves presenting information that is demonstrably false or untrue. For example, claiming to have led a project one only assisted with is self-inflation, but claiming to hold a degree one never earned is fabrication. The key difference is that self-inflation operates within a gray area of embellishment and emphasis, whereas fabrication constitutes a clear departure from factual accuracy. One bends the truth, the other breaks it.