Chapter 1: Understanding Manifestation

Manifestation, a concept widely popularized by the book The Secret, suggests that we can bring our desires to life through the power of our thoughts. However, my initial encounter with this idea left me skeptical. I remember an Instagram influencer who promised that I could attract all my desires if I invested thousands in her course. Naturally, I passed on that offer.

Despite this skepticism, I have managed to create opportunities for myself. For example, I am currently two months into a three-month sabbatical, exploring India and Nepal. While it took me four years to reach this point, my journey was more about changing my mindset—especially regarding money—than it was about relentless hard work.

I've come to realize that once I firmly believe something will happen, everything tends to fall into place. The real challenges arise when doubts or fears creep in.

My ongoing struggle with manifestation has often revolved around the idea of "acting as if it's already here." If I had fully embraced this notion, I might have found myself in dire financial straits long ago. However, I now understand that it's not about reckless spending akin to a lottery winner or making extravagant plans before even going on a first date. Instead, it's about making small, intentional adjustments to my path that eventually lead me to my desired destination.

The key to this process is consistency.

Consistency is likely one of the most frequently discussed topics in this realm, and for good reason. There isn't a magical solution or quick fix; instead, it's about making gradual progress by showing up each day.

Personally, my history with consistency has been mixed. If I had adhered more strictly to the Zoe plan (a healthy eating program developed by Tim Spector), I would likely have lost more weight and felt more at ease in my body. Similarly, had I consistently saved money in a high-interest account over the past decade, my financial situation would be quite different.

My main issue has been an "all or nothing" mentality, which is often unsustainable. Consider the principle of tiny tweaks proposed by James Clear—making small, manageable changes consistently yields far greater benefits than attempting drastic leaps.

For instance, if you aim to save an unrealistic sum from your monthly salary, you might find yourself relying on credit cards when you inevitably overspend. However, if you had set aside a modest amount regularly, you would have likely noticed minimal impact on your budget, while still benefiting from compound interest over time.

In The Daily Pressfield, Steven Pressfield recounts the story of Alcibiades, a Greek general from 400 AD: "He [Alcibades] set the course by the sheer force of his personality. That, and his grasp of what the ancients called 'Necessity,' by which they meant that unseen force of fate or destiny that drives history." Alcibiades may not have had the benefit of reading The Secret, yet he was a master manifester, driven by his belief in himself.

This brings us back to the topic of affirmations.

Personally, I have reservations about affirmations. Studies suggest that repeating positive statements that we don’t truly believe can be detrimental, as it can trap our minds in the gap between our ideal self and our current reality, further diminishing our self-esteem.

So, how can we connect with something that hasn’t happened yet and foster belief in its possibility?

1. Have a Plan: For me, it’s crucial to outline a plan. I don’t need every detail, but I require a roadmap to understand how my goals can be achieved. Otherwise, it remains just another unrealistic dream.
2. Take Action: Once I have a plan, I can identify action steps. This is where consistency becomes vital. The steps should be small—anything too ambitious feels daunting and is likely unsustainable.
3. Check In: Finally, akin to a skilled project manager, I need to regularly assess my progress and ensure that my goals still align with my desires. There’s no value in persistently working toward a target that no longer serves my interests.

The first video, "The 3 Step Process To Manifesting," provides a straightforward framework for manifestation. It outlines how to set intentions and take actionable steps that align with your goals.

Chapter 2: Practical Steps for Effective Manifestation

The second video, "Let's manifest! 5 easy steps I use daily," offers five practical strategies for daily manifestation, emphasizing the importance of small actions and consistent effort.