The word delusional often carries a negative tone. People hear it and think, “This person is unrealistic, out of touch, or even foolish.” But what if I told you that being a little delusional could be exactly what you need to reach your biggest dreams?
Because here’s the truth: Without some level of self-belief—borderline delusion—you may never break free from your own doubts. Being “realistic” is often just a disguise for staying safe, avoiding failure, or underestimating yourself. But no one achieves greatness by playing small.
Let’s talk about how a bit of “delusion” can change your mindset, help you reach your full potential, and become the superpower you didn’t know you had.
What Does It Mean to Be Delusional?
At its core, being delusional means believing in yourself and your dreams—even when the world says otherwise. It’s about having an unshakable faith that you can achieve something big, even if it seems far-fetched or unrealistic at first.
For example:
- Steve Jobs believed he could create devices that would change how the entire world communicates. That’s delusion.
- Elon Musk envisioned commercializing space travel. That’s delusion.
- Every great athlete, artist, and entrepreneur began with a belief that they could do what no one else had done before.
Without this “delusion,” these achievements wouldn’t exist. Imagine if they had said, “I’m not special. I can’t do that.”
Why Do We Doubt Ourselves So Much?
Most people don’t think they’re capable of big things because self-doubt has become their default setting. When we face a challenge, it’s natural to think:
- “I’m not talented enough.”
- “That’s for special people, not me.”
- “I don’t have what it takes.”
Where does this come from?
- Fear of Failure: We’d rather not try than risk falling short.
- Comparing Ourselves to Others: We see someone successful and assume they were born different or had it easier.
- Past Experiences: Failures or mistakes can make us hesitant to believe in ourselves again.
- The “Be Realistic” Trap: Society often teaches us to “stay practical” and aim for smaller, safer goals.
But here’s the reality: Most people are holding themselves back—not because they’re incapable, but because they don’t believe they can do it.
Why Being “Delusional” Is Powerful
- It Breaks the Chains of Doubt
Doubt is a dream-killer. It keeps you stuck, questioning your abilities and playing it safe. When you allow yourself to be a little delusional, you ignore the doubt and take action anyway.- You start thinking: “Why not me?”
- You begin believing: “I can do this, no matter how big it seems.”
- It Fuels Courage and Action
Big dreams require courage. If you think too “realistically,” you might convince yourself not to try at all. Delusion gives you the push to take action.- Think of it like this: Would you climb a mountain if you didn’t believe you could reach the top? Probably not. But with a bit of delusion, you start the climb anyway.
- It Builds Resilience
Self-belief keeps you moving forward, even when challenges arise. When you have a “delusional” belief that success is possible, you’re more likely to get back up after failures.- Most great achievers failed countless times. What kept them going? That belief that they could and would succeed.
- It Unlocks Your Potential
The moment you tell yourself “I can’t do that”, you close a door. Being delusional allows you to dream big, see possibilities, and discover what you’re truly capable of.- “If I don’t believe in myself, who will?”
“I’m Not Special”—The Lie We All Believe
One of the most damaging thoughts we carry is: “I’m not special. I can’t do what others have done.”
But here’s what you need to remember:
- Every successful person you admire started exactly where you are—full of doubts, struggles, and fears.
- They weren’t born “different” or “better.” What set them apart was their belief—the willingness to think big, take risks, and not give up when things got hard.
You don’t need to be extraordinary to start—you just need to believe that you can be.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: Steps to Be “Delusionally” Confident
- Catch Your Negative Thoughts
Notice when you’re telling yourself “I can’t.” Pause and challenge that thought. Ask yourself:- “Why not me?”
- “What if I can do this?”
- Visualize Your Success
Allow yourself to dream big. Picture yourself achieving what you want. Visualizing success helps your brain believe it’s possible. - Take Small Steps Forward
You don’t have to conquer everything in one day. Start with small actions that move you closer to your goals. Momentum builds belief. - Stop Waiting for Permission
You don’t need anyone’s approval to chase your dreams. Give yourself the green light to believe, try, and grow. - Surround Yourself with Positivity
Spend time with people who encourage you, not those who drag you down. Your environment shapes your mindset. - Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Every step forward—no matter how small—is proof that you can do this. Celebrate it.
The Courage to Be Delusional Is a Superpower
Being delusional doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means refusing to be defined by limitations. It’s choosing to believe in your potential, even when it feels out of reach.
- If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
- If you don’t take the first step, who will take it for you?
The greatest achievements in history didn’t happen because someone played it safe. They happened because someone dared to think differently, believe in themselves, and chase something bigger than doubt.
Final Thoughts: Bet on Yourself
Don’t waste your life waiting for permission, doubting your abilities, or playing small. The next time someone says you’re being unrealistic, smile and keep going.
Dream big. Believe big. Be delusional.
Because the truth is—you are capable of so much more than you think.
It starts with belief. And that belief starts with you. 🌟
