Table of Contents
Ever had one of those moments where something you imagined—an idea, a dream, a goal—actually became real? Where something you wanted to see, do, create, or become eventually showed up in your life?
That’s the power of manifestation.
Manifesting (n.): Creating the experience you want to feel—and living and believing in it so fully that it takes form in your life.
I’ll admit it: the word “manifesting” used to make me cringe. It sounded a little too vague, a little too floaty for my action-driven brain. But the more I encountered it, the more I realized I needed to understand it for myself. So I did some digging. What is manifesting, really? How does it work? And what are the common pitfalls that trip us up?
What Manifesting Really Means
At its core, manifesting is about co-creating with the universe.
And yes—I love that definition. It reminds us that manifesting isn’t about passively waiting for things to fall into our lap. It’s a creative process. You’re engaging your own energy with the energy that surrounds you to shape your experience.
We’re always emitting vibrations, whether positive or negative. Those vibrations influence what flows into our lives. When we stay open to what the universe wants to send us, we create space to receive exactly what we need—or even something better.
(And by “universe,” feel free to substitute whatever word resonates: God, spirit, intuition, life, love… even Smurf fairies if that works for you.)
Truth is, a lot of us are already manifesting—we just don’t realize it.
You’re Probably Already Manifesting
A few years ago, I was sitting at brunch with a friend who whipped out her laptop, asked me some questions, and ran a personality analysis. The results? Apparently, I’m a “power manifestor.” Someone who triggers activity and momentum just by being in the room.
At the time, I thought, “Well yeah, that checks out.” Not because I’m pushy or lucky—but because I try to stay open. I listen. I pay attention. And I try to say yes when life nudges me toward something.
That’s the thing: Manifesting works best when we don’t block ourselves. Fear, doubt, and limiting beliefs can shut the door on what’s already trying to reach us. Manifestation is about clearing out those blocks so you can let the good stuff in.
The Law of Attraction, Simplified
You can’t talk about manifesting without mentioning the Law of Attraction.
If you’ve seen The Secret or read about it somewhere, you’ve probably heard the basics: What you think, you attract. Positive thoughts invite positive experiences. Negative thoughts? You guessed it—more of the same.
The Law of Attraction doesn’t mean you can sit around waiting for a luxury lifestyle to show up out of nowhere. It’s not magic. It’s alignment. You still have to take action—but it’s aligned action. It’s guided. It’s supported by the energy you’re putting out.
This idea has been around since long before The Secret—more than 200 years, in fact. Concepts like “mind over matter” and “you become what you believe” have deep roots.
So What’s a “Miracle,” Anyway?
In manifesting circles, the word “miracle” gets thrown around a lot. And I get it—it can sound a little dramatic. But in this context, a miracle isn’t necessarily a lightning bolt from the heavens or a winning lottery ticket.
It’s a shift. A perspective change. A moment when something finally clicks and you see clearly. A miracle is that internal switch when resistance drops away and you’re suddenly open to receiving.
That shift doesn’t hand you what you want—but it makes room for it to show up.
There are many videos about this subject. I like this one for instance:
Want to Start Manifesting? Try This:
Nothing shows up in your life that didn’t first exist in your mind. That’s the starting point of all manifestation.
Gabby Bernstein, bestselling author and manifesting coach, breaks it down into three simple steps:
1. Get clear on what you want—and why. Don’t just want “success.” Define it. Picture it. Feel it. Make it real in your mind.
2. Let go of limiting beliefs. Notice the stories you tell yourself that hold you back. Then challenge them. Replace them with something truer.
3. Trust the timing. Stay open and patient. Know that what’s meant for you is already in motion—even if you can’t see it yet
Manifesting isn’t about controlling the universe. It’s about dancing with it. Creating alongside it. Allowing what’s possible to take form—through clarity, belief, and trust.
Manifestation Isn’t a Secret—It’s a Practice
There’s no magical shortcut to manifesting. Nothing works unless you do. Manifestation is a daily commitment to getting clear on your desires, tuning into your inner guidance, clearing your limiting beliefs, and staying open to whatever the universe delivers. The work is consistent, conscious, and active. Ready to begin? Here’s how to start manifesting the life you want.
- Step 1: Get Clear About What You Want
Before you can manifest anything, you have to define it. If your desires are vague, you’ll attract vague outcomes—or worse, experiences that don’t actually align with your truth. This is how you find yourself climbing the wrong ladder or stuck in something that doesn’t feel right. Still not sure what you want? Ask yourself honestly—deep down, don’t you already know? Most of us do. It’s just fear or self-doubt that convinces us to pretend we don’t. The hard part isn’t identifying your desire. It’s owning it—and having the courage to say it out loud. Once you’ve named it, ask yourself why you want it. If your why is grounded in love, growth, or service, you’re aligned with something greater. If it’s rooted in fear, comparison, or ego, that’s a signal to recalibrate.
- Step 2: Let Go of Limiting Beliefs
Once you’re clear on what you want, the next step is to clear the blocks in your way. Limiting beliefs—like “I’m not good enough,” “I always fail,” or “It’s too late for me”—quietly shape your reality every day. To manifest something new, you need to release the inner dialogue that says you don’t deserve it. The good news? You can also manifest the healing you need. Once you open up to the idea that change is possible, life will start sending you signs, resources, and support. A book might fall off a shelf, a video might show up at just the right time, or a conversation might unlock something in you. Even this article could be part of that process. Want to try it? Grab your journal and write your responses to these prompts: What’s one major shift you want to make right now? What beliefs have held you back? Cross them out and write “BS” next to each one. Then, write down why that belief isn’t true. Finally, reflect: who would you be without those beliefs?
- Step 3: Stay in the Know
This isn’t a one-time shift—it’s daily work. Manifestation doesn’t stop when you finish your journal or step off the yoga mat. You carry it into everything you do. Gabby Bernstein calls this “staying in the know”—trusting that the universe is always working in your favor. But here’s the catch: what shows up might look different than what you expected. Say you’re focused on a promotion at work—but that drive might be blocking a bigger opportunity at a different company. Manifestation is about alignment, not control. Stay open. Trust that what’s unfolding is even better than what you imagined.
Manifestation Isn’t a Secret—It’s a Practice
How Long Does It Take?
If you’ve been showing up, staying positive, and still asking “When is it going to happen?”—breathe. Patience is part of the process. When you grasp or obsess, you create resistance. Patience keeps you open. It lets the universe do what it does best: deliver in perfect timing. “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait and wait without anxiety.” — A Course in Miracles. The journey might feel unpredictable or messy, but you are exactly where you need to be.
Can You Manifest Money?
Here are two common questions: Can you manifest more money? And is it unspiritual to want it? Let’s address the second one first. Wanting to earn money doesn’t make you less spiritual. I’m deeply spiritual—and I love making money. Why? Because money is a tool for creating, serving, and supporting others. The key is your why. Are you looking for freedom? Wanting to create opportunities for your family or community? Ready to invest in causes you believe in? That’s not greed. That’s purpose. Now for the first question: Can you manifest more money? Absolutely. But manifesting isn’t about sitting back and waiting for checks to show up. It’s about staying open to opportunities. When your intentions are clear and aligned, doors open. But when your goals are driven by fear, competition, or scarcity, you create resistance.
True abundance isn’t just about the number in your bank account. It’s a way of thinking and living. Here are a few simple ways to start living more abundantly: Appreciate what you already have. More than a billion people live on $2.50 a day or less. Gratitude brings perspective—and expands what’s possible. Give freely. When you feel tight around money, loosen your grip. Donate. Treat a friend. It shifts your energy fast. Respect your money. I don’t leave bills crumpled in my wallet. I organize them—neatly, respectfully. Why? Because money flows to those who take care of it. Say yes to every form of honest income. I’ve picked up coins off the ground with a smile. Small blessings are still blessings. Manifestation begins when you treat money like an ally—not a burden or a mystery.
What Will You Manifest?
Everything you want begins with clarity. From there, it’s about releasing the beliefs that block you, trusting the process, and staying open to all the ways the universe might surprise you. You’re here to create something meaningful. To grow. To give. To enjoy. Start now. Grab a notebook. Ask yourself: What beliefs am I ready to let go of? What am I finally ready to receive? Then step back, stay open, and let the universe meet you halfway.
