If you aren’t living under a rock, you’ve probably have heard the phrase “delulu is the solulu” being thrown around. This idea of being “delusional” to craft an ideal version of yourself has become wildly popular among the self-help and manifestation communities. This concept might sound childish or naive— but what if there is actually some wisdom buried beneath the playfulness?

A movie that surprisingly drives home this idea of being successfully delusional is the 2007 film from Akiva Shffer and Pam Brady—Hot Rod. Looking through the main character, Rod Kimble we can gain some valuable insights. While this movie is definitely one full of laughter and silliness, Andy Samberg’s portrayal of Rod shows us an innocent naivety. One that can teach us something about breaking down our limitations and using delusion to become our dream self.

From the very start of the movie, Rod grazes us with his unwavering confidence in himself as a stuntman. From an audience viewpoint, it’s clear to see that he is far from a professional— lacking the training and skill to actually be considered a real stuntman. Yet, scene after scene we see him getting on his bike and attempting a new trick and never once wavering from his belief that he is a stuntman. Sure, it’s hilarious to watch Rod wipe out again and again— but look closer— through the Static Glass you’ll spot something remarkable: an unwavering belief in himself and his dreams.

Something that I’ve gathered from being “delusional” is not necessarily ignoring facts or truths but instead replacing old limiting beliefs with the idea that you can actually be limitless in who you are. There is a scene in which Rod drives his motorcycle up a ramp and into a pool in an attempt to jump over the pool. This is a significant moment of “failure” that can push anyone in a spiral of doubt. However, Rod continues to push forward and try even more dangerous tricks. Rod’s delusion doesn’t waver because in his mind, he IS a stuntman— end of story. It’s not about listening to anyone else’s opinions on himself; it’s about living up to his own version of himself. That is the concept that I want to drive home today. Being delulu is just about OWNING the version of yourself you want to be. Taking your self-concept, doubling down, and ignoring all the outside noise! Even if you might “look stupid” doing it.

There is obviously a fine line between being delusional and being determined but when you find the sweet spot between the two, magic can happen! Every hero (or anti-hero) has their moment of “clarity”— a pivotal moment. In Rod’s case he was holding on to this notion of being a stuntman because it was the one thing that kept him closer to his father. When he finds out that his father wasn’t a stuntman, the doubt spiral begins. He decides to give up the life of danger and starts wearing a tie. That is the scary reality of letting doubt settle. It leaves you pining for more and accepting a reality that society makes up for you, however, honoring your delusion can carry you through times like this.

Rod was always an eccentric and youthful character— again never questioning his self-concept. This strong self-identity is what makes Rod magnetizing to his crew, a team of just as eccentric, ride or dies. An in the end it’s his crew who knew his true self-identity to inspire him to pull himself back up and do something remarkable. Like a real stuntman. His consistency in who he was carried him even when he had a moment of doubt, because no one else could see him as anything but a stuntman. So eventually he rises back up to perform his biggest most dangerous stunt yet.

So, is being “delulu the solulu”? Something tells me that having and acting like an idealized version of yourself is self-enhancing and confidence boosting. If we can fully embrace and embody the person we see ourselves to be in our mind, maybe we can be led to have the courage to perform our own biggest stunt. Being delusional isn’t about creating a facade or tricking people. It’s about choosing who you are, believing it wholeheartedly, and becoming it — stunt by stunt.

What is your “delusion”? Comments make the world go round, did you know?!

Today’s song is all about reaching out and grabbing your desires Just Like Magic by Ariana Grande