Why It's Time to Think Differently About Your Dreams

Let’s be honest: for years, I thought manifesting was for people lost in fairy tales. The notion of “thinking” your dreams into existence seemed far-fetched, even laughable. But then I had to create a vision board for a course I was taking—and yes, I rolled my eyes, but I did it anyway. To my surprise, this exercise turned into something meaningful. I started to notice a strange thing: some of the smaller goals I’d put up on my wall actually began to materialize in real life. And that changed my whole perspective.

Manifestation, as I've come to see, isn’t about asking the universe to hand you a new reality while you kick back and do nothing. It’s not about “magical thinking.” Instead, it's a tool that invites us to imagine a future we’re excited about, helping us get clear on what we truly want. But here’s the kicker: manifesting is less about “achieving” and more about letting go. And ironically, letting go of an iron grip on our goals is often exactly what allows them to unfold.

So, what exactly is manifestation? In essence, manifesting is the idea that our beliefs—especially when paired with action—can shape our reality. It’s tied to concepts like “mind over matter” and the “law of attraction.” Think of it as setting an intention, and then letting that intention guide your thoughts and actions in a direction that aligns with it. But don’t confuse “letting go” with “doing nothing.” True manifesting is about combining intention with movement toward your goals, without obsessing over the end result.

Let’s break down a few of the Dos and Don’ts for this often-misunderstood practice:

The Do’s of Manifesting

1. Get Specific About What You Want A vague wish list won’t cut it. If you want to manifest something meaningful, clarify it down to the details. Imagine a road trip without a destination—you might end up somewhere, but it won’t be where you intended. Manifestation works best when you know exactly what you’re aiming for.
2. Take Small, Aligned Actions This isn’t about sitting back and wishing; it’s about taking small, realistic steps that move you closer to your goals. Think of it as setting things in motion, one tiny step at a time.
3. Focus on Your Emotions Manifesting is largely emotional. How does your goal make you feel? Excited? At peace? If you’re not connecting emotionally, the intention won’t feel real or motivating. The stronger the emotional pull, the more likely you are to stick with the actions that lead to your goal.
4. Practice Gratitude and Positivity Yes, positivity helps. If you’re stuck in a cycle of negativity, it’s going to be hard to manifest anything other than more frustration. But gratitude keeps you centered and focused on what’s going well, making it easier to align with positive goals.
5. Embrace Flexibility Goals evolve. Life changes. And so should your manifestations. Be open to tweaking and reimagining your goals as you grow.

The Don’ts of Manifesting

1. Don’t Obsess Over the Outcome Manifesting isn't about clinging to an end result. When you fixate on a single outcome, you narrow your perspective and may miss out on opportunities that align with your goal in unexpected ways. Let it go, trust the process, and stay curious.
2. Don’t Expect Instant Results Manifestation isn’t a magic wand. Some things may happen quickly, but big changes usually take time, effort, and consistency. Patience is part of the game.
3. Don’t Use Manifesting as an Escape Reality-check: you can’t manifest your way out of every problem. Manifesting works best when it’s part of a balanced approach, alongside practical strategies for dealing with real-world challenges.
4. Don’t Forget to Take Responsibility You’re a participant in this process, not just an observer. Waiting for something to happen isn’t manifesting—that’s wishful thinking. Own your journey, every part of it, and stay grounded in your power to make choices that bring your dreams to life.
5. Don’t Give in to Self-Doubt The moment you decide you’re not good enough or that your dreams are out of reach, you stop manifesting. Manifestation requires belief, not just in the process but in yourself.

Manifesting has given me a new way of looking at my goals. I no longer see it as “wishing” for things to happen; instead, it’s a powerful way to focus on what’s possible. So, if you’re ready to try a different approach to your dreams—one that invites intention, belief, and action in equal measure—manifesting might just surprise you too.

And hey, if you're curious to learn more about how this could play into a larger journey of resilience and self-discovery, join me at the WEL Conference in Valencia from 8th to 10th November, where I’ll be diving into the topic of thriving with PTSD and discussing how practical approaches like these can reshape our lives. Reach out if you want more info on the event or how to start your journey toward a new vision for your future.

xxx

Daniela

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