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Gen Z and millennials alike know that there is a whole plethora of trends, fads and viral sensations that plague social media, which tend to lose momentum as quickly as it was found in the first place, like the ‘DIY vampire fangs’ or ‘the dipping challenge’ – don’t ask!
But there are a few trends that seem to do more good than harm – and might be here to stay, such as the ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’.
In this article, we will take a closer look at ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’, the positives and the negatives.
Lucky Girl Syndrome: What Is It & Where Did It Come From?
Coined by TikToker Laura Galebe, the ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’ is a repackaged manifestation trend that has been gaining popularity on TikTok.
Screenshot of @lauragalebe viral TikTok video about “Lucky Girl Syndrome”
“The secret is to assume and believe it before the concrete proof shows up. BE DELUSIONAL.” Galebe tells her 230k followers whilst applying makeup.
Fundamentally, this trend boils down to having the right energy and perspective about yourself which we know is super powerful. The theory suggests that if you focus on your dreams and goals through positive thinking and an ‘i’m lucky’ mindset, you can manifest them in your life.
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Meaning, if you truly believe you can achieve something and it will all work out in your favour, you mentally set the tone where it becomes much more likely to be attained because you start to make a series of different choices even at a subconscious level, as well as being more appreciative of the good things in your life that ultimately begins to change your perception of the world around you in a positive and productive way.
This is compared to if you told yourself that you can’t achieve something and it won’t work out – then it simply won’t, because you are mentally positioned to think you can’t. If you tell yourself that something isn’t within your reach, you simply won’t stretch your arm out to get it.
The ‘lucky’ part is about believing that you are lucky to have good things happen to you in your daily life no matter how big or small according to Alicia Ying who also shared helpful tips on what not to do if you want the Lucky Girl Syndrome to work.
It does seem that you have to undertake some rewiring to unlock the benefits of the Lucky Girl Syndrome which is not necessarily a bad thing.
This trend has sparked conversations about manifestation and the power of positive thinking as well as the importance of self-care and taking care of oneself mentally and emotionally, but for some sceptics, it is nothing more than a fad that sets unrealistic expectations and creates an entitled mindset.
The Dangers Of Lucky Girl Syndrome
There is no scientific evidence to support the claims made by the Lucky Girl Syndrome trend much like the infamous ‘Law of Attraction’ which is also considered to be pseudoscience.
As Tiktok and various other social media platforms are geared towards a younger audience it’s important that such advice coming from mostly influencers is not taken as an alternative for professional advice and guidance backed by science.
The trend could lean into the notion that you don’t have to work hard or make an effort for the things you want – that luck will simply do it all for you, this inadvertently invalidates real emotions, fears and barriers as well as dismisses a more realistic outlook that suggests you can forge your own reality with action and intention, with the understanding that not everything is in your control.
In an interview with Parents, Kimberley Vered Shashoua, a therapist for teens and their families calls it “self-improvement’s version of a get-rich-quick-scheme,” though she understands why it’s trending “Magical thinking has always been popular,”.
Shashoua also states that Lucky Girl Syndrome has many downsides such as combining toxic positivity and victim blaming. Essentially, if you can think your way through life on the premise that good luck is all you need to thrive, what about when bad things happen – this is life after all.
“People [might] feel like they weren’t affirming themselves enough, or even that their negative thoughts caused bad luck,” Shashoua says. “[They may think] ‘If I assume my good luck is caused by my thoughts, what causes my bad luck? Obviously, also my thoughts.’”
These negative effects can lead to serious problems in personal relationships, work life, and overall mental health.
An Alternative Approach To The Lucky Girl Syndrome
This trend makes the motto “take what you need and discard the rest” spring to mind.
There are a few positives to pull from the Lucky Girl Syndrome trend such as being appreciative of all the little things you may usually take for granted or don’t notice, reinforcing a positive ‘I-can’ thought process or incorporating affirmations and mantras to strengthen self-esteem, but the cons are undeniable too, so what can you do instead?
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SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS – It’s important to remember that good things take time. You won’t be able to acquire your dream life overnight, and it’s important to be patient. If you expect instant results, you’re more likely to become disappointed and frustrated.
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PRACTICE SELF-CARE – Some self-care activities include exercise, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and spending time with loved ones, all of these things have a positive effect on your mind and body.
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HAVE A RELIABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM – This can include family and friends, a therapist, or a support group. A support system can provide emotional stability and help you stay on track when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
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DON’T COMPARE YOUR JOURNEY TO OTHERS – Everyone’s path is unique with a different set of challenges and advantages, so don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others which could lead to self-destructive feelings of jealousy and envy.
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FOCUS ON THE PROCESS, NOT THE OUTCOME – It’s important to focus on your intentions and actions, rather than the result that you want to achieve. Keep your eye on the prize, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
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PRACTICE GRATITUDE – When you’re feeling grateful for what you have, you’re less likely to dwell on what you don’t have. Gratitude allows us to see the abundance in our lives, rather than the lack. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, we open ourselves up to receiving even more good things. So make sure to take some time each day to reflect on all the things that you’re grateful for in your life.
I like the power of affirmations as a way to show self-compassion and giving ourselves a boost (this is actually something covered in my latest post so it was interesting to read this). This TikTok take on it is quite interesting but it does need to be encouraged with responsibility and strategies to manage expectations. Thanks for sharing this; I’d not heard of it before!
I’m not on TikTok so I didn’t even know about this. I think it’s dangerous to only put your efforts into positive thinking rather than taking actions towards achieving goals.