By Audrey Sellers
The new year is a perfect time to start a new tradition. Instead of rolling out a laundry list of resolutions, try the practice of manifesting. Sometimes called the law of attraction, manifesting is the concept of creating your reality by visualizing it. When you manifest something, you are simply focusing your thoughts on your desired outcome. In other words, if you think it, it will come.
Manifesting has been around for centuries. The ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, observed as early as 391 BC that “like attracts like.” This means that people or things with the same vibrational frequency are drawn to each other. If you’re feeling stressed, you’ll probably attract more stress. And when you’re happy, you’ll attract more happiness.
Sound a little too woo-woo for you? There’s science behind manifestation. When you repeatedly visualize or verbalize something, your brain creates new neural pathways that will help you boost your ability to succeed with your intentions. So, the more you envision your best life, the more you begin to manifest it.
Follow these tips to get started with manifesting:
Get specific. What do you want — what do you really, really want? Get crystal clear on your goal. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get fit this year,” you might create a detailed picture of what you want to look like and be able to do in six months or a year from now. Maybe you want to fit into a certain size or play with your grandkids without getting winded.
Create a vision board. The subconscious mind speaks in images, which is why a vision board is one of the best tools to help you manifest your dream life. Collect images that inspire you and gather them together on a physical or digital board. Look at it daily and let your mind wander. Bonus tip: View your vision board right before bedtime. This can help keep your vision at the forefront of your mind.
Practice gratitude. When you focus on what you are thankful for, you begin to shift your mentality to one of abundance. Try spending a few minutes each day with a gratitude journal. This can help reduce your stress because when you focus on people or things that enhance your life, you create room for more joy.
Start your day with positive affirmations. Saying statements like “I’m making the life I want” or “wealth and abundance flow to me” can help you change your beliefs on a subliminal level. Be sure to say these affirmations as though you have already obtained or achieved what you are manifesting. When you do so regularly, your brain begins to accept the statements as facts.
Manifesting FAQs
Can I Manifest Anything?
You could manifest better health, improved relationships, more money, increased business opportunities, a dream vacation — or anything else that matters to you.
Is learning to manifest difficult?
Manifesting your dream life isn’t hard, but it requires patience, consistency, and a positive outlook. It isn’t magic or instantaneous — it is being intentional and clear about what you want. Try writing about what you want every day and making it a morning or evening ritual.
How do I know if manifesting is working?
While everyone is different, you might begin to feel hopeful or excited about the future. You can also listen to your intuition. For example, how do you feel when you think about what you are trying to manifest? Do you feel at ease and relaxed, or do your shoulders hunch and your stomach begins to churn? If you feel good, your manifestation may be in the works.
What if what I’m manifesting doesn’t happen?
What you’re dreaming of may not happen according to your timeline, but don’t give up. Be patient and stick with your intention. Some things simply take time.
