Depending on just how ‘online’ you are, you might have already come across the term ‘delulu’. A slang term for ‘delusional’, it’s been making the rounds on WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram and, perhaps most frequently, on TikTok, where young people are proclaiming the benefits of being a little delusional at work. 

We spoke to Sarah Hernon, principal career management consultant at Right Management, about the trend, and asked her if being a little delulu really can help you succeed at work.

The delulu trend

The basic premise is that young people often delude themselves into thinking they are better or more qualified for something than they really are. In numerous TikTok videos, young women explain that being ‘delulu’ has helped them find career success.

“Everyone in my real life and everyone who knows me always has the same few things to say about me,” said one TikToker. “They always say I’m delusional; I’m living in my own reality.” 

She went on to explain that while she used to think being delusional was a negative thing, she now sees it as a key aspect of her success. 

However, when she “embraced being a delusional girly” and developed a mindset that she “cannot lose”, she experienced more success than ever.

In another video, a young woman writes, “Me realising delulu could actually be key. It’s such a brain shift – and a reminder that all you have to do is believe. Then it’s like you automatically start acting accordingly.”

Is being a little delusional really an asset in your career?

According to Hernon, there are some cases where developing a slightly delusional mindset could help you improve your confidence and, in turn, improve your performance at work.

“If we’re talking about somebody who is acting in a delusional way to compensate for their lack of confidence or self-assurance, there are some positives to that,” she tells us. “In other words, they are maybe acting in the way that they believe they need to act in a business context. And that’s a positive.” 

In fact, learning to be delulu could even help you embody your best self at work.

“While you may not feel confident at times, by imagining yourself in that positive place – imagining yourself at your best – that could be a real positive because you are visualising yourself in that ideal space,” she says.

Are there any downsides to being delulu?

It’s worth noting, of course, that not every instance of being delulu is necessarily positive. If you are being delusional about your actual abilities, you may soon find yourself in some trouble.

“If you’re doing this to cover up a lack of skills – if you’re faking it – it’s not necessarily going to do you any positive favours,” says Hernon.

In the worst-case scenario, you may be found out. But even if you aren’t, this kind of career delusion is often a sign that you probably aren’t in the right role.

“You have to ask yourself: how authentic are you? And how true to yourself are you being? And how happy are you if you need to do that constantly?” Hernon asks.

Eventually, this kind of persistent delusion will become a huge energy drain that becomes unsustainable.

Is being delulu a good antidote to imposter syndrome?

Hernon believes that being a little delulu might be helpful in overcoming imposter syndrome – and this could prove to be especially useful for women.

“I think there’s a gender barrier in terms of imposter syndrome where women may feel less comfortable blowing their own trumpet than their male colleagues,” she says. “And in those situations, my coaching would involve identifying what’s holding you back and then work on dealing with that.” One way to combat your limits, she says, is a version of the delulu trend.

Tips on trying out the delulu trend at work

If you want to make the most out of the delulu trend in your own career, try using it to visualise your ‘delusion’ of your best self, then find ways to embody that best self.

“Reflect on when you’ve potentially been in a scenario or [a challenging situation] and think about how you got through that. What was your resilience?” asks Hernon.

Ask yourself: “What have I not achieved in the past compared to what I have achieved?” Try to visualise the version of yourself that wouldn’t have been limited and step into those shoes.

Practising positive self-talk is another great strategy that can give you that delulu mindset.

“I often think about myself in scenarios where I might not feel 100% confident and I have people that are here on my shoulder giving me those positive vibes, those positive messages, helping me with that self-belief,” she suggests. “And that takes us closer to achieving something that you didn’t think was possible.”

At the end of the day, embracing this trend is really about embracing a more positive, confident mindset – so, if it helps you believe in yourself, there’s really nothing wrong with being a little ‘delulu’.

Images: Getty