Being Delulu Got Me This Far - Why Stop Now?

Audacity was on sale & I took full advantage

There’s a fine line between confidence and delusion—and every creative who has ever made something out of nothing knows that sometimes, you have to blur that line to get ahead.

The creative industry isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s filled with closed doors, gatekeepers, and rejection emails that start with “Unfortunately…”. The only way to break through? Believe in yourself so much that people have no choice but to take you seriously. Call it manifestation, call it delusion—either way, it’s gotten me further than doubt ever could.

Audacity Got Me in the Room

I’ve always said: “I just need to land the interview because I know once I’m in the room, I can talk my sh*t.” And for the past 15 years, that mantra has never failed me.

I’ve always been one to talk my sh*t. I don’t know if it’s the Virgo in me or the NY-er, but one thing about me? I’ve always moved like “that girl.” Always have. Anxiety and doubt aside, I’ve never waited for permission to take up space. Before I had big projects, I spoke like I belonged in the room—and that confidence alone got me opportunities.

At 18, fresh off my first year of college, I needed a job—badly. I had my dream (unpaid) internship at a top record label, but ya girl also needed a check. So, I applied for a retail job at Topshop.

A week later, I landed an interview.

It was a group interview, and we had to share our thoughts on the brand and where we saw it evolving. I pulled up with a 10-slide printed presentation—meanwhile, everyone else showed up empty-handed. I had zero luxury retail experience and barely three years of any retail work, but guess what?

I got the job. An hour after I walked out of that interview.

Moral of the story? Show up as the version of yourself that already made it.

The Secret? Apply Before You’re Ready

Most people only apply for jobs when they feel 100% ready. That’s why they get stuck.

Meanwhile, the people who move up the fastest? They apply before they feel ready—then rise to the occasion.

The creative job market isn’t just about being the best—it’s about convincing people you can figure it out. Potential is the real selling point. People invest in

?? Apply anyway. The worst they can say is no. Rejections don’t kill careers—staying stagnant does.

?? Prepare like you already work there. When you get the interview, act like the only thing left to do is sign paperwork.

?? Break down job descriptions into must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Master the must-haves, and you’re good.

Confidence is the Currency—But Execution Pays the Bills

I didn’t lie in interviews. I just said, “I can do this”—and then I made sure I could.

Creatives aren’t hired for what they’ve done—they’re hired for what they can figure out.

The truth? People value problem-solvers more than they value “experts.”

?? Say yes, then execute. If they ask for something you’ve never done, do it once, and boom—you’ve got experience.

?? Talk like you belong. Stop saying, “I’m trying to” and start saying, “I specialize in.” Your confidence should introduce you before your résumé does.

They’ll Think You’re Crazy—Until It Works

I worked that unpaid internship for three years before landing my first big-girl job. My family and friends thought I was nuts. But let’s be real—well-behaved people rarely make history.

If nobody’s questioning your decisions, you’re probably not thinking big enough.

I’ve dreamed of Diary of an Ambitious Creative for years. Now, it’s a full-scale content series with a newsletter arm that just hit 50 subscribers this month—ahead of my Q1 goal. Next step: YouTu… oop, stay tuned.

Innovation Looks Like Insanity—Until It Succeeds

The best creative ideas sound ridiculous at first. But playing it safe? Not an option.

?? Surround yourself with people who see your vision. My biggest blessing? My community. They believe in me before I believe in myself. Find people who see “what could be” instead of just “what is.”

?? Confidence gets you in the room, but execution keeps you there. At some point, you have to turn belief into discipline. There’s a fine line between delusion and denial—know the difference.

Takeaways:

?? Once you get the opportunity, overdeliver.

?? Seek feedback & actively improve. Confidence + growth = unstoppable.

?? Stay delulu, but move with intention.

This industry wasn’t built for people who wait their turn. It was built by people who acted like they belonged—until they actually did.

So stay bold. Stay delusional. And always, always execute.

Keep going,

Kaitlyn