Manifesting is a big buzzword right now. 

People are “manifesting” their dream home, dream spouse, money, the list goes on. Depending on who you’re using as a reference, the concept of manifesting can range from a little unbelievable to a level of spiritual that is not natural for many of us. For a lot of people, the idea of simply willing  things into reality is just laughable. And I agree! Just because you want something does not mean you will get it just by thinking about it. Thoughts and desires will only get you so far. 

Now, because manifesting does have some actionable components and positive mental practice involved, there are ways that you can incorporate the concept of manifesting into your daily HUSTLE.

Great! Sooo, what exactly is Manifesting?  

There are many perspectives floating around when it comes to the term manifesting and how to practice it. Reputable names in the entrepreneur and YouTube scenes are talking about it; it’s hard to ignore nowadays. If you’re like me, you are driven, have big goals, and are always seeking out knowledge and ways to improve your work ethic. Since this manifesting trend is popping up on the radar, it leads to a logical question: 

Is manifesting real, and if so, how do I make it work for me?

Here are a few of the less “mystical” sounding explanations being promoted online:

• “Manifesting is intentionally creating what you want.” – Elizabeth Daniels
• “Something that is put into your physical reality through thought, feelings, and beliefs.” – Katherine Hurst
• “The most important key to manifesting is to cultivate the feeling of what it is that you want to experience!”-Gabrielle Bernstein

The common factor in most definitions of manifestation is that they are based on the Law of Attraction, which is a concept I can get behind.

From my own research and experience, I resonate more with Amazon FBA Hero’s leader, Derrick Struggle, and his perspective on manifesting. In his YouTube video, “How to Win Every Single Day & Manifest Your Dreams,” Derrick emphasizes the importance of ACTION and practical steps. 

The two key points Derrick makes throughout this video:

1. “Motivation is temporary.”
2. “Skills, discipline, and habits” are necessary to create the change you want to see in your life.

It’s not about mystical butterflies and unicorns or luck, Derrick explains. His words, not mine, but I think it’s helpful to derail some of the uncomfortable feelings that are attached to the word manifesting. To do this, it’s important to know what manifesting is NOT, in order to have a clear picture of what it is. Derrick’s experience with manifesting very clearly explains the distinction between wishful thinking and actively bringing the things you want into your life.  

Derrick brings up a solid point, which is leaving emotions out of your action plan.Emotions will limit you more than they help you, when it comes to goal setting and making it happen. Emotions come and go, but your vision for your life should stay constant regardless of your feelings on a particular day.

What do we know so far? 

Manifesting is built on clear vision and action, not temporary states like emotion or motivation or expecting good things to come your way.

Now, read on for a quick and simple guide to put manifesting concepts into practice!

How to get into a Manifesting Mindset:

1. Tap into the state of already having what you want.

There is a surprising amount of confidence that comes from being so connected and sure of what you want that you can taste and feel it.

Author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “spirit junkie,” Gabrielle Bernstein, describes this as cultivating “the feeling of what it is that you want to experience.” While we should generally try to stay away from feelings when it comes to making big strides towards changing our life, this advice can be tweaked in a constructive way.

The main idea to be taken from Gabrielle’s advice is this: If you’re negative or don’t believe that you will get what you want, then you won’t. Another way of putting it is this quote by Henry Ford, which has stood the test of time: 

“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

Derrick Struggle adds a new take on the same mindset:

“Your dreams already exist, and it’s already going to happen if you believe in it.” 

All it requires is working every day in actionable steps.

2. Create a vision board.

Don’t hold back on this part. If your dreams aren’t big enough to scare you and seem out of reach in the beginning, you won’t be driven and inspired enough to go after them. There is something very empowering about committing to your goals enough to bring them into the world in a physical form.

The law of attraction philosophysupports the importance of getting your thoughts and dreams out visually in order to heighten your focus. By taking the time to shape your ideas into concrete aspirations, you are moving in the direction of your aspirations and growth, and distancing yourself from the alternative. 

Another positive effect of putting your thoughts down in a visible form, is that is continually re-directs your focus back to what you want. Although thoughts alone aren’t enough to manifest all your dreams, they are powerful; and our energy and attention follows our thoughts.

3. Set specific measurements of progress.

If you typically prefer to figure it out as you go, or if planning in general stresses you out, you are not alone. When it comes to being intentional and manifesting your dream lifestyle, there is power in being specific in some aspects.

With big picture goals, being flexible and willing to adjust along the way is important. When first setting your goals, however; you won’t have the sense of urgency that you need to make progress, let alone take the first steps, if you don’t set a timeline. Notice I didn’t say deadline. If the term deadline freaks you out, stick with timeline. Or another positive phrase that gives you inspiration rather than anxiety.

Being able to imagine throwing a very specific party for your success comes in handy when it’s hard to picture bridging the gap between present and future. Visualizing yourself having that celebration and knowing how satisfying it will feel can be specific and realistic enough to give you the boost of motivation you need to keep at it.

Now, before spending too much time planning your victory celebration, decide on specific numbers and dates. How much money do you need to make to get what you want? What is the timeframe you are setting for yourself? How long can you continue to work in the dead-end job that is sucking your energy and enjoyment out of life? Whether that’s a year, six months, or one month, make that decision and commit to it. There needs to be a sense of urgency and a way to measure your progress. 

Decide what your driving factors are and when you need to meet your goals, and review them DAILY.  Remind yourself of what you’re accomplishing and why. The sense of accountability with yourself is important. If there are no time-sensitive expectations, what is pushing you to take the necessary action?

4. Focus on one day at a time.

Now that you have a timeframe, get very clear about what you can do each day to get closer to what you want. Having big picture goals attached to specific dates is important, but it takes intentional daily steps to get there. Don’t overcomplicate it. By focusing on the simple things you can do, one day at a time, you will be actively participating in accomplishing your goals every day.

By doing this, you will start to realize how much control you actually have over the outcomes in your life. The concept of Winning the Dayis an effective way of looking at it.

Start with your end result and work backwards. What do you need to do today, tomorrow, and the next day to move closer to your end result? If you don’t know all the steps yet, just start with the basics that you do know. Start small. Many people get overwhelmed trying to plan out all the steps they will need to take over a long period of time, and it keeps them from ever starting.

By planning your time and energy on single day intervals, you’ll also be preventing mental and physical burnout. Winning the day is a simple method for setting yourself up to succeed every day. You might only need to incorporate one new activity into your day in order to win each day. By doing so, you set yourself up to meet your timeline for manifesting the goal.  

5. Take action. 

This should be the first AND last point, but that seems excessive. The truth is, thinking positively and expecting the best will only get you so far. Real change, even when classified as “manifesting” always takes action.

Yes, when your mindset is right you will start to see opportunities that you wouldn’t have otherwise; but without taking responsibility, in the form of action, you are limited and dependent on outside forces and chance.

Taking actionable steps each day toward your dream life solidifies your beliefs that you can do it. Building upon the concept of tapping into the state of already having what you want, taking action will continue to reaffirm that you are capable of getting there. 

By becoming a part of the process, rather than waiting and hoping and simply imagining what it will be like, you are opening the path to achieving what you want because you’re convincing yourself more and more every day that you are getting closer. And it’s true! This is where your beliefs and your actions come together to create the practice of manifesting.

Final Steps

In case your mind is feeling a little scrambled after these 5 steps, I have a helpful worksheet for you. No matter where you’re at in your manifesting process, from time to time it can be helpful to review and compare your end game with your current status. If anything needs to be adjusted in your plans, you’ll save yourself time by recognizing that your strategy has changed a little.

My exclusive “Hustle Like a Mother” guide and worksheet contains the essential questions that can be asked both at the beginning of your hustle, and any time along the way. Filling out the 4 simple questions will help re-vamp and organize your action plan. Request it from me and have it delivered right to your inbox in seconds.

Now you’re ready to get to manifesting! This is your year, get at it.

Dani