By Audrey Tan
TikTok trends come and go, and some evolve as more users weigh in to share their experiences. You probably remember when #LuckyGirlSyndrome (LGS) took over your #FYP in 2023, flooding it with positive affirmations that promised to shift mindsets and attract good fortune.
Two years later, we’re here to determine whether this viral manifestation culture has taken root. Let’s explore whether LGS still cuts it in the TikTok Trends 2025 or if it’s been replaced by something new.
Rise Of Lucky Girl Syndrome
At its peak, Lucky Girl Syndrome posts exploded on TikTok with users repeating affirmations like “I’m so lucky everything works out for me!” alongside “proof” of serendipitous wins like finding loose change in your pockets or winning a lucky draw. Glittery, dreamy aesthetics usually accompanied these posts to sell a fantasy of effortless abundance.
The concept itself is nothing new. The trend is simply repackaged timeless manifestation principles, such as the “law of attraction”. But thanks to its viral simplicity, it became a 2023 obsession. In 2025, the trend’s core idea—mindset shapes reality—lives on, but with more nuance about effort and privilege.
The Evolution Of TikTok Affirmations
Two years later, TikTok’s manifestation culture has become more grounded. While some still swear by LGS, the focus has shifted from passive luck to empowered action and realistic optimism. Manifestation posts now blend optimism with practicality, featuring phrases like “I create my opportunities” alongside real-world effort, reflecting a generation that believes in magic but won’t wait for it.
Manifestation in 2025 looks like this: Instead of saying, “nothing bad ever happens to me”, you say, “I handle challenges with grace and always find a solution”. The earlier affirmation promotes blind positivity, which may cause us to ignore real problems rather than try to do what is needed to make things happen.
With mindful manifestation, you stay aligned with opportunities by being honest about the challenges while keeping faith in your power. This creates a mindset that works in the real world: effort + wholehearted belief.
Rise Of “Neuro-Affirmations”
Neuroscience has entered the chat. In 2024, psychologists and life coaches began merging affirmations with brain reprogramming techniques. We learned that thanks to the brain’s neuroplasticity (ability to change), you can wire it for change when you combine belief with behaviour.
For example, if you say, “I am capable and I prove it by taking small steps daily”, or “success is mine because I work for it”, your brain starts associating affirmations with real progress!
The Backlash: Calling Out Toxic Positivity
While LGS gave many a much-needed confidence boost, it was never without its critics. Over time, a growing backlash emerged against its tendency to veer into toxic positivity—the pressure to plaster on a smile and focus only on the good, even when life gets messy.
By 2025, the conversation matured. Instead of merely repeating affirmations and hoping for luck, creators started blending positivity with shadow work, the practice of facing deeper fears rather than avoiding them, like a viral TikTok trend where someone might say, “Yes, I’m lucky, but I also acknowledge my anxieties and actively work through them.”
This balanced approach resonates because it feels more honest, less like wishful thinking and more like real, sustainable growth.
The Algorithm Shift: TikTok Rewrites The Rules Of Affirmations
TikTok’s 2024-2025 algorithm updates changed everything. Short, snappy affirmation clips lost traction, while longer, more thoughtful discussions on mindset thrived. Creators began posting manifestation series, documenting their journeys over weeks or months. Not just the wins, but also the challenges and slow progress.
The shift pushed content away from instant gratification and toward deeper self-improvement. It wasn’t about waiting for luck anymore but about building it through persistence and self-awareness.
So… Does Lucky Girl Syndrome Still Work In 2025?
The answer isn’t black and white. LGS works as a mindset tool, not a magical shortcut. When paired with real effort, like setting goals, taking action, and doing inner work, it can train your brain to recognise opportunities and boost confidence. If you treat it like a cosmic guarantee, expecting luck without putting in the effort, you’ll likely end up disappointed.
In 2025, LGS grew up. It’s no longer just about feeling lucky. It’s about becoming the kind of person who attracts luck through courage, consistency, and a willingness to embrace both the highs and lows.
LGS Is Levelling Up
Lucky Girl Syndrome isn’t disappearing from the TikTok trends 2025 is hosting; it’s just getting wiser. What began as a catchy hashtag has transformed into something more profound: a psychology-backed mindset shift that pairs optimism with action.
These days, success isn’t about mindlessly chanting “I’m so lucky” and crossing your fingers. The 2025 version is about cultivating genuine confidence while showing up for your goals. That’s always been the real magic.
So tell us, are you still riding the LGS wave? Or have you embraced a different type of manifestation culture? We’d love to hear from you!