It’s a new year, and we’re all thinking about what we hope the future will look like for us. So, you’ve pinpointed your goals, either wild or attainable, and now you’re wondering how you might reach them.
Whatever it is you hope to achieve – financial freedom, love, confidence, career progression, travel – is ‘manifesting’ worth having in your toolkit to help you get there?
What is manifesting?
At its core, to manifest is to shift your thought patterns and perceptions away from negative ideas and focus on positive ones, with a view to achieving goals. From a holistic or spiritual perspective, the idea is that this will influence your beliefs and send out good energy into the universe, similar to ideas around karma.
Manifesting is based on the law of attraction. This is the philosophy that the thoughts you subscribe to will be reflected back to you in external outcomes.
More practical or even cynical souls would suggest that manifesting is simply a case of having clear targets and being conscious and open to the pathways to success when they appear. So, more a case of making the best of what comes your way, rather than magicking something up.
Whatever you think about it, it’s big news. So how do you go about manifesting?
The process of manifesting
There are a few different ways you can use manifesting for a range of goals. Here, we explore various techniques that can help you manifest success effectively.
Journalling: penning your path to success
Journalling is a powerful way to clarify your thoughts and set your intentions. By putting pen to paper, you create a tangible record of your aspirations, desires, and the steps you plan to take to achieve them. The act of writing not only helps you articulate your goals, but also serves as a constant reminder of your commitment to success.
Consider starting your journalling practice by setting clear, specific goals. Describe what success looks like to you, detailing the emotions, achievements, and experiences associated with it. Regularly revisit and update your journal to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your plan.
Vision boards: a visual blueprint for success
A vision board or mood board is a creative and visual representation of your goals and dreams. By collaging images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with your aspirations, you create a powerful visual reminder of what you're working towards. Place your vision board in a prominent location where you can see it daily, allowing it to serve as a constant source of inspiration.
When creating your vision board, be specific about your goals. Use images and words that evoke the emotions and outcomes you desire. Whether it's a picture of a dream vacation, a successful business, or a healthy lifestyle, the visual representation can help reinforce your commitment to manifesting success.
The 333 Method: numerical alignment for manifestation
The 333 method is a manifestation technique that involves writing down your desires three times in the morning, three times in the afternoon, and three times before bed for three consecutive days. The repetition of this ritual is believed to enhance your focus, and align your thoughts with your goals.
During each session, be intentional and present as you write down your desires. Feel the emotions associated with achieving your goals as you engage in this practice. The rhythmic nature of the 333 Method can also serve as a meditative process, helping to cultivate a positive mindset conducive to success.
Affirmations: harnessing the power of positive declarations
Affirmations have been around for ages and need little introduction. And in fact, as a result of a study in 2016 have been proven to positively activate your brain’s reward system. Essentially, the more you say a thing, the more likely it is to become a reality.
So, affirmations are simply positive statements that reflect what you wish to manifest. By repeating these statements regularly, you condition your mind to embrace a positive and success- or goal-oriented mindset. Repeating or writing affirmations that resonate with your goals can be a transformative practice.
Whether you want to focus on building confidence, abundance, or achievement, tailor your affirmations to support your aspirations. The idea is to repeat them daily, especially during moments of self-doubt or challenge.
Will manifesting work?
Let’s just say that there’s no harm in trying. One thing is clear – actually having positive goals in mind is a good start to achieving them. And if reminding yourself to aim for them via visuals or by repeating affirmations means you reach them, then yes, you can say manifesting works. And it can’t do you any harm.
It’s unlikely, however, that you’ll be able to send a wish out into the universe for a million pounds and have it happen. But if you do manage this, please let us know how you did it!
Incorporating manifestation techniques can provide a holistic approach to positioning your thoughts with your goals, and at the very least, keep you focused. Experiment with these methods, combine them to find the best practice for you, and be consistent. Manifesting success is not just about wishful thinking; it's a proactive process that involves aligning your mindset, actions, and intentions towards achieving your desired outcomes.