There’s something almost magical about believing in something before there’s proof. It’s a quiet confidence that doesn’t demand attention but moves with certainty. The world often tells us to be realistic, to base our expectations on what is tangible, logical and proven. But what if the key to success wasn’t just about playing it safe? What if it was about allowing ourselves a little bit of boldness – the kind that whispers: “What if this actually works?” instead of “That’s too far out of reach”.
At first glance, this way of thinking might seem naïve. We’re taught to be practical, to set goals that are “realistic” and achievable. But when you look at almost every great success story, you’ll notice a common theme: someone believed in themselves just a little more than they “should” have. It’s the aspiring entrepreneur who starts a business without all the answers, the artist who keeps creating even when no one is watching, the person who moves to a new city on nothing but a dream. These are the people who break barriers—not because they had certainty, but because they chose to believe before they had proof.
And in 2025, this kind of thinking isn’t just a personal philosophy—it’s become a movement. Social media has taken what might once have been considered wishful thinking and turned it into a cultural mindset. The phrase “delulu is the solulu” (delusion is the solution) has exploded, especially in career and self-improvement spaces. It started as a joke, but beneath the humor is a deeper truth: there’s real power in optimism. Walking into a room as if you already belong there, sending in an application as if you’re the perfect candidate or creating art as if millions are already watching – all of these actions create momentum.
The idea isn’t to ignore reality or assume that things will just fall into place without effort. It’s about allowing yourself to believe that success isn’t as far away as it seems. When you embrace this mindset, you naturally start aligning your actions with the person you want to become. Confidence attracts opportunity, and sometimes, showing up as if you’ve already made it is the very thing that opens the right doors.
This philosophy is deeply connected to the practice of manifestation. Manifestation isn’t about simply wishing for things to happen – it’s about consciously shaping your reality through belief and action. It’s about choosing to believe in something before there’s evidence, visualizing it and allowing that belief to guide your decisions. That’s why tools like vision boards are so effective. They’re not just a collection of pretty images; they’re a visual reminder of where you’re headed. They keep your goals at the forefront of your mind, subtly influencing the choices you make every day.
And beyond personal success, this mindset has a much deeper impact: it builds resilience. When setbacks happen, people with this outlook don’t crumble. They don’t see failure as proof that they should quit but rather as a stepping stone. They adjust, reframe and keep moving forward. We’ve all seen people who seem to exude confidence, even when they don’t have all the qualifications or experience on paper. More often than not, those are the ones who succeed. Not necessarily because they were the most talented, but because they acted like they belonged – even before the world agreed with them.
Of course, none of this means ignoring hard work or assuming that belief alone is enough. There is no substitute for dedication, effort and perseverance. But history has shown time and time again that the people who take bold risks – who allow themselves to dream beyond what seems reasonable – are the ones who create real change. The people who refuse to shrink themselves down to fit into what’s “practical” are the ones who redefine what’s possible.
So maybe being a little delusional isn’t a flaw. Maybe it’s the secret ingredient that helps people take the leap, go after the impossible and turn dreams into reality. Maybe, just maybe, the world belongs to those who believe in their own potential—before anyone else does.
ROARA Magazine 