My teenage daughter recently introduced me to a new Gen Alpha slang term: delulu. Short for delusional, it’s their cheeky way of describing someone who believes in something far-fetched or unlikely. For example: “She’s being delulu if she thinks her favorite singer will marry her.” Naturally, I had to smile.
But I couldn’t help myself. I replied, half-joking, half-serious:
“Sometimes, delulu is the solulu.”
(Solulu, of course, being my Gen Alpha-inspired word for solution.)
It stuck with me.
Because here’s the truth: a realistic vision won’t inspire anyone.
If your company vision sounds like something that could be checked off a project plan in the next 12 months, then it’s probably too small. The best visions aren’t spreadsheets; they’re moonshots. They might not even seem “doable” at first—but that’s exactly why they galvanize teams.
Jim Collins famously coined the idea of a BHAG: Big Hairy Audacious Goal. It’s the kind of goal that feels just out of reach, but not out of belief. It forces a team to think differently, act boldly, and grow beyond their current selves.
Too many companies play it safe with vision. They aim for incremental growth, safer metrics, the next logical milestone. But here’s the problem: if your vision is too small and you succeed, you’ve still failed.
People want to believe in something bigger than themselves. Whether you’re building software, selling industrial parts, or leading a team of five or 500, a bold vision becomes the story that people want to be part of. It adds emotional and intellectual purpose to the day-to-day grind.
Think about SpaceX. Elon Musk doesn’t talk about optimizing fuel efficiency. He talks about colonizing Mars. Whether you agree with his methods or not, there’s no denying the magnetic power of a vision that big.
A good vision:
- Feels a bit like a stretch (or even a fantasy)
- Forces uncomfortable questions
- Inspires better talent to show up
- Sparks urgency and creativity
- Outlasts market conditions
So, the next time someone tells you your vision is a little delulu? Smile and say thank you.
Because sometimes? Delulu is the solulu.
And the real risk isn’t dreaming too big and missing the mark.
It’s dreaming too small… and hitting it.
