How to Manifest What You Really Want in Your Life

Set an intention and believe in yourself

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Have you ever wanted something so badly, and got so focused and motivated by the conviction that you could achieve it...that it actually happened? Well, you might have manifested without realizing it.

The idea behind manifesting is that by believing you can do something and focusing your thoughts and energy in that direction, you can make your dreams, goals, and aspirations a reality.

For instance, instead of thinking “This is my dream house but I’ll never be able to afford it,” changing your thought process to “This is my dream house and I will work hard so I can live in it someday,” can help make that dream happen.

Strongly believing that you can achieve your goals can help you focus your energy and actions toward them.

You can apply this to any area of your life, whether it’s your career, family, friendships, relationships, finances, skills, travel, health, or home.

How Does Manifestation Work?

Manifestation is based on the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction.

Power of Positive Thinking

Our thoughts are incredibly powerful and can play a major role in determining the course of our lives. Having a positive attitude can help you overcome your worries and fears, so you can reach for what you want.

Strongly believing that you can achieve your goals can help you focus your energy and actions toward them. This belief can help you work toward your goals and overcome any fears or self-doubt that may hold you back, or worse, keep you from even trying.

Although there are no guarantees, you have a much greater chance at success if you believe you can do something and set your mind to accomplishing it.

Law of Attraction

The law of attraction states that what you focus on is what you will attract into your life. 

For instance, if you‘re genuinely interested in something, you will probably read or learn more about it. You may even join groups or societies related to it. People with similar interests will recognize your enthusiasm for it. You will build a network of connections around it.

Therefore, if there are any opportunities to be had in this space, you are more likely to discover them than someone who has no knowledge or interest in this space. You will be better positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. People may even reach out to offer you opportunities.

Therefore, your focus and interest in something—whether it is work-related, or simply a hobby—can help you develop expertise, build networks, and in turn, attract opportunities that will help you meet your goals.

How to Manifest What You Want in Life

These are six manifestation techniques that can help you achieve what you want in life.

Practice Visualization

Research shows us that picturing your goals helps you achieve them. Spend a little time every day visualizing your goals and how you’re going to achieve them. 

You can do this every morning when you wake up—knowing you’re working toward your goals can help motivate you to get through the day. Or, you can do it before you go to bed at night and reflect upon what you did that day to help you get closer to your goals.

Create a Vision Board

You can create a vision board where you pin up images and notes about your goal. It can be physical or digital. For example, if you’re working toward your dream home, you can start pinning up ideas for the location, rooms, decor, and landscaping.

Pinning things to your vision board can help make the goal feel more tangible. It can be a visual reminder of your goals, which can motivate you.

Maintain a Future Box

Also known as a vision box, wish box, manifestation box, or intention box, a future box is a place where you can store materials related to your goal. You can take an empty box, decorate it if you like, and start collecting things there.

For example, if you’re saving up for your dream holiday, you can buy small items that you would carry on your trip and store them in the box. Or, if you’re trying to conceive a child, you can write a letter to your future child and keep it in the box.

Try the 3-6-9 Method

The 3-6-9 method involves repeating or writing down your goals:

  • 3 times in the morning
  • 6 times in the afternoon
  • 9 times in the evening

Repeating your goals multiple times a day can help you stay focused on them.

Practice the 777 Method

The 777 method involves writing down what you would like to manifest seven times in the morning and seven times at night, for seven days in a row.

Like the 3-6-9 method, this method also helps you focus on your goals every day. It may be more useful for short-term goals that you can achieve in a week or so, such as an assignment for work or a household project.

Make a 10-10-10 Worksheet

Take a piece of paper and list out:

  • 10 things you desire
  • 10 things you’re grateful for
  • 10 things you enjoy doing

Making this worksheet can help you create a big picture view of your goals, assests, and interests. It can improve your self-awareness, help you understand how all the different pieces of your life interact, and promote positive thinking.

Keep a Journal

You can maintain a journal where you write down your dreams and goals. If you’re anxious about them, writing down your fears can help you identify your anxiety triggers so you can work on finding solutions. Update your journal regularly with notes of your progress.

How to Manifest What You Want Correctly

These are some strategies that can help you manifest your goals effectively:

Be Clear About What You Want

It’s important that you’re clear about what your goals are in order to manifest them. Articulating them clearly can help crystallize them.

Make Positive Statements

Make positive statements while you’re manifesting what you want. These are some examples of what you could say:

  • I am capable of this job and deserving of this promotion.
  • I trust that the universe is bringing a worthy partner into my life.
  • I am grateful for the abundance of success I have already achieved in my business and hope to accomplish much more.
  • I am confident that I will live in my dream home within five years.
  • I am excited to experience parenthood and all the positive changes it will bring to my life.
  • I will take care of my health and my body will support me on my journey through life.
  • I am open to receiving happiness in new and unexpected ways.

Work Toward Your Goal

As you visualize your goal, start taking steps toward achieving it. You can allocate a little time every day or every week to work toward it. For example, if your goal is to find a new job, you can aim to do at least one job application every week. 

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Achieving your dreams often requires you to get out of your comfort zone. This can be scary, but you can start by taking small steps at a time. For example, if your goal is to be a singer, you can start by performing for your family, then work your way up to bigger performances, like a friend’s wedding or the office holiday party.

Build Your Confidence

It’s important to maintain your confidence during this process. You can start the day with affirmations like “You are strong and capable, you can do this!” to boost your confidence.

Practice Gratitude

While you plan for what you want, be thankful for what you have. An attitude of gratitude can help create a positive mindset.

Seek Support

The process of achieving your dreams may not be easy and you may face disappointments or setbacks. Share your goals and struggles with trusted loved ones.

If you need additional support, you can visit a mental healthcare provider. They can help you cope with disappointments and shore up your motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if I'm manifesting right?

    There is no right or wrong way to manifest something as long as you maintain a strong belief in your dreams, have a confident and positive attitude, and keep working toward your goals.

  • What not to do when manifesting?

    It’s important not to let anxiety, fear, self-doubt, or negativity get in your way while you’re manifesting. 

    Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. For example, instead of thinking “I’ll never be a good enough dancer to win the competition,” tell yourself “I am a graceful and talented dancer, and I deserve to win the competition.”

4 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Eagleson C, Hayes S, Mathews A, Perman G, Hirsch CR. The power of positive thinking: Pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in generalized anxiety disorder. Behav Res Ther. 2016;78:13-18. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2015.12.017

  3. Izakson L, Zeevi Y, Levy DJ. Attraction to similar options: The Gestalt law of proximity is related to the attraction effect. PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0240937. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240937

  4. Blankert T, Hamstra MR. Imagining success: multiple achievement goals and the effectiveness of imagery. Basic Appl Soc Psych. 2017;39(1):60-67. doi:10.1080/01973533.2016.1255947

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By Sanjana Gupta
Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.