Embracing “delusion” might be the key to extraordinary success, according to Mindvalley founder Vishen Lakhiani, who credits his unconventional mindset for building a global personal development empire.
Speaking on the AB Majlis podcast, Lakhiani challenged conventional wisdom about realistic goal-setting, citing research on high achievers.
“Delusion [is] freaking amazing,” Lakhiani said, referencing a Harvard professor’s book ‘Overachievement’.
“The greatest achievers in the world have no respect for the word ‘be realistic’. They have big goals, like outstanding, bold goals, and they believe that they are about to achieve them. So ordinary people call these folks delusional, but these folks, they are the ones changing the world.”
The entrepreneur, whose platform now provides training for 65,000 Dubai government employees, maintained this mindset even during challenging times.
“I’ve been broke. I’ve been sleeping on friends’ couches. When I first started this company, I didn’t have any money, but I knew I was going to build a company with revenues of 100 million. I pulled it off when investors told me, ‘No, this idea isn’t going to work.’ I didn’t care, and so I made it work anyway.”
Lakhiani explained that success comes from shifting identity rather than just setting goals.
“The universe doesn’t give you what you want. Rather, the universe will reflect back to you who you are,” he explained. “What this means is that when you shift your identity of who you are, things shift with you.”
This philosophy has shaped Mindvalley’s approach to personal development, which will be showcased at their largest-ever global event in Dubai this January. The three-day ‘Future Human’ conference, being held from January 10 to 12, at the Expo Centre Dubai will feature prominent speakers including biohacking pioneer Dave Asprey and manifesting expert Regan Hill.
Lakhiani chose Dubai for this milestone event partly because of the emirate’s unique approach to innovation.
“In Dubai, when you share an idea, people don’t want to poke holes in your idea. They want to elevate you,” he said. “People want to invest in you. People want to help you. People want to make introductions. It is so beautiful.”
He contrasted this with his experiences in Europe, where he faced skepticism and prejudice. The conclusion he’s reached after building Mindvalley from a meditation website in 2004 to a global platform featured in Apple stores worldwide? “Reality is malleable. All of us have the ability to shift reality or bend reality, and this is true for every single human being. The skeptics are the ones who are delusional.”
The January 2025 event will focus on career performance optimisation, body enhancement and longevity, and mind development and manifestation.
“We’re teaching you the skills today that future humans will be learning in their schools. We want to make you a future human. That’s where that name comes from,” Lakhiani said.
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