By Audrey Tan
For decades, the art of manifestation has taken on various forms: Norman Vincent Peale’s “positive thinking” in the 1950s, Oprah’s “manifesting” in the 2000s, and TikTok’s recent “lucky girl syndrome”. Now, it’s rebranded again as “delulu” (short for delusional), and it’s taking over the internet with over 4.3 billion views on TikTok.
The premise of the #delulu trend is simple—set sky-high expectations, believe in them wholeheartedly, and reality will align with your dreams. This modern take on self-empowerment is captivating the young and hopeful, proving that sometimes being a little “delulu” might just be the “solulu” (solution).
What Does It Mean To Be “Delulu”
Coined by TikTok users, “delulu is the solulu” has become the unofficial rallying cry for dreamers worldwide. It implies that embracing a certain level of delusion in setting audacious goals and behaving as though they’re inevitable can lead to success. This isn’t just about wishing for things but about embodying the belief that what you want is already on its way.
Think of it as manifestation 2.0. Instead of cautiously visualising a promotion or a fulfilling relationship, delulu believers approach their dreams with unshakable confidence, even when logic says otherwise. “I’m going to be a CEO by 30,” or “I’ll marry my celebrity crush” might sound far-fetched, but to the delulu mindset, they’re entirely plausible.
Its charm lies in its audacity as it rejects any fear of failure and self-doubt, replacing them with bold optimism. For many, this is a liberating feeling in a world where realism often drowns hope and creativity.
Why Is The Delulu Trend So Popular?
Amid economic uncertainty, social upheaval, and burnout, young people are searching for hope. Being delulu is about reclaiming control over your narrative, even if it feels irrational.
TikTok, with its bite-sized content and relatability, has amplified the trend. Under the #delulu hashtag, creators share their wildest ambitions or celebrate improbable wins with unapologetic pride. The tone is lighthearted yet empowering, encouraging others to dream bigger without fear of judgment.
This relatability fuels the movement. Seeing others embrace their delulu encourages viewers to do the same, creating a ripple effect of collective ambition.
The Science Behind Manifestation
While the term delulu might sound whimsical, its principles align with well-documented psychological concepts. The “law of attraction”, popularised in The Secret, suggests that focusing on positive thoughts attracts corresponding outcomes. Meanwhile, studies on the placebo effect reveal the power of belief in shaping reality, even in medicine.
Manifestation also taps into a psychological phenomenon called the self-fulfilling prophecy. When you believe in a specific outcome, you unconsciously adjust your behaviour to align with that expectation.
For example, if you believe you’re destined to be a world-famous DJ, you’re more likely to seize opportunities, practice, network, and persevere through setbacks.
In fact, the trend takes this a step further by removing limitations. Unlike traditional manifestation, which often acknowledges practicality, delulu encourages people to think without bounds. The result? A mindset that dares to dream wildly.
Caveats And Risks
Of course, the delulu trend isn’t without its detractors. Critics argue that encouraging delusional thinking can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment. After all, not every dream is attainable, no matter how fervently one believes in it.
There’s also the risk of bypassing accountability. Manifestation alone isn’t enough to achieve success; you must work to make it happen. The dream of becoming an international DJ won’t happen without spending hours on the decks.
Furthermore, experts caution against conflating optimism with denial. For example, ignoring red flags in a toxic relationship or betting everything on a risky financial move under the guise of delulu can lead to harmful consequences.
Finding Balance: Dream Big, Stay Grounded
The beauty of delulu lies in its potential to inspire hope and creativity. When approached mindfully, it can be a powerful tool for personal growth. The key is balance, combining big dreams with practical steps to achieve them.
Aspiring to a career as a musician doesn’t mean blindly believing you’ll top the charts overnight. Instead, being delulu might involve imagining yourself killing it on stage while using this motivation by putting in the hours to perfect your craft and promote your work.
Practices like journaling, vision boarding, and affirmations can also help channel delulu energy productively. These tools keep your goals in mind while reinforcing the belief that they’re within reach.
Why We Need Delulu
In a world that often values pragmatism over possibility, delulu reminds us of the transformative power of belief. It encourages us to dream unapologetically, challenge self-doubt, and embrace optimism. While not every dream will come true, daring to believe in something greater can be transformative.
As TikTok’s delulu devotees continue to inspire, one thing is clear: this rebranded take on manifestation isn’t just a trend, it’s a testament to the enduring human desire for hope and agency.
So, whether you’re plotting your next big move or simply seeking inspiration, maybe it’s time to embrace the #delulu trend. Who knows? It might just be the “solulu” you’ve been looking for.