“We were taught to be practical. No one taught us what to do when practicality stopped feeling enough.”
For decades, inspiration followed a predictable formula. Work hard. Be realistic. Create a plan. Manage expectations.
Ambition was encouraged but only within safe limits. Dreams were expected to fit neatly into timelines, qualifications, and circumstances. Anything beyond that was often dismissed as naive or impractical.
However, in recent years, the way we motivate ourselves has undergone a visible shift. What once centered around practicality and caution is now giving way to belief, imagination, and unapologetic aspiration, a phenomenon commonly referred to, somewhat playfully, as the “delulu” mindset.
Far from being irrational, this shift reflects deeper cultural, professional, and emotional realities.
Practical inspiration was built for stability. It rewarded discipline, long hours, and steady progression. Success was defined by tangible milestones, degrees earned, roles secured, years of experience accumulated.
Common narratives included:
In many ways, this mindset helped generations build secure lives. It encouraged patience, responsibility, and resilience. Yet it also imposed limitations on ambition and self-expression. Belief often came after achievement, not before. Confidence was something to be earned, not assumed. Over time, this model began to feel insufficient.
Despite doing everything “right,” many professionals found themselves emotionally depleted. Practicality did not prevent burnout. It did not guarantee fulfillment. And it did not always lead to purpose.
As work environments evolved, economic uncertainty increased, and personal values shifted, people began questioning long-standing assumptions about success. The realization was subtle but powerful:
Logic alone no longer inspires.
Being realistic stopped feeling reassuring when it came at the cost of joy, creativity, and personal alignment. Survival was no longer enough. People wanted meaning, autonomy, and a sense of excitement about their future.
This created space for a new form of inspiration to emerge.
Originally used dismissively, the term “delulu” has been reclaimed to describe a mindset rooted in belief before proof.
It does not imply detachment from reality. Instead, it represents a conscious decision to imagine better outcomes and to act in alignment with that belief.
This form of inspiration sounds like:
At its core, this shift is about permission. Permission to dream without justification, to want more without apology, and to believe without waiting for external validation.
The popularity of aspirational thinking is not accidental. It reflects collective fatigue from overwork, from constant comparison, and from narrowly defined measures of success. In an unpredictable world, belief offers emotional stability when certainty is unavailable.
The rise of manifestation culture, vision-setting, and bold career reinvention speaks to a deeper need: hope that feels personal and empowering. Belief has become a coping mechanism and a catalyst. Not because everything is easy, but because believing in possibility makes effort feel worthwhile.
The Delulu mindset is often misunderstood as avoidance or denial. In reality, it is not anti-effort. It is not anti-discipline. And it is certainly not anti-reality.
The difference lies in the starting point.
Practical inspiration asks: “What is realistic for someone like me?”
Delulu's inspiration asks: “Who do I need to become to make this possible?”
This shift changes behavior. It encourages people to take calculated risks, pursue opportunities they once considered unattainable, and invest in growth before feeling “ready.” Belief, in this context, becomes a strategic advantage.
The most effective form of inspiration today does not live at the extremes, it exists in integration. It allows space for ambition without abandoning discipline, and for belief without losing direction. Dream boldly, yet execute with method and intent. Believe deeply, while continuously strengthening your skills. Hold a clear vision of the future, but remain fully present in the work of today.
When practicality provides structure and belief supplies momentum, growth becomes resilient. Not rushed. Not fragile. But steady, intentional, and sustainable.
This generation is not stepping away from responsibility, it is redefining what motivation looks like.
The pursuit has evolved beyond mere survival toward a deeper desire for fulfillment. Inspiration is no longer about enduring the journey at all costs; it is about discovering meaning within the effort itself.
It is a conscious choice:
What may appear delusional at first glance is, in reality, a rational and adaptive response to a world that no longer rewards caution alone. When traditional paths stop delivering security or satisfaction, belief becomes not rebellion but strategy.
If believing a little more in yourself gives you the courage to take the first step, then belief is not the risk, hesitation is.
Plans can evolve. Strategies can be refined. Paths can be corrected. But nothing meaningful begins without the quiet decision to trust yourself before the evidence appears. In a world that trained us to doubt our instincts and minimize our hopes, choosing belief is not naive, it is deliberate. Sometimes, the most practical act of all is allowing yourself to believe more than you were ever taught to.
“Belief is not the opposite of reality. It is often the first step toward creating one.”
Working as Manager – People and Admin in a dynamic environment at MIDCAI, I’m passionate about creating people-first processes, building purposeful teams, and driving operational efficiency. I thrive on meaningful collaboration and continuous learning. Whether it’s supporting team growth, creating systems that empower people, or adapting to a rapidly evolving tech landscape, I bring heart and hustle to every challenge.
Get in touch with us for any enquiries and questions
Define your goals and identify areas where technology can add value to your business
We are looking for passionate people to join us on our mission.
where your skills fuel innovation and your growth powers ours