Ever scrolled through your feed and stumbled upon the world of manifestation, only to wonder if it’s the real deal or just another clickbait-y trend?
We’ve all been there. I remember the first time I heard the term while I was scrolling through Instagram a few years back.
I immediately knew it was something special. I know you’re here for the science rather than the magic, but seriously, that Instagram post just oozed some kind of energy.
But I had to do my research too, of course. 🤓
Girl, let me tell you, I was hooked. In no time, I was doing my journaling, my meditating, my affirmations, the whole shebang.
And honestly, it worked.
More stories for another time, but I do personally believe that the main reason why manifestation works isn’t all woo-woo (though I’m also totally here for the woo-woo).
It’s the practices behind it. Those are the game-changers.
And we’ll get into exactly why in a sec, because we’ll be exploring the nine cosmic secrets behind why manifestation works.
I’m seriously so stoked for this, and I hope you are too. Let’s get started.
1. Manifestation Is All About Positivity
Let’s demystify the first reason: Positivity is the engine that powers manifestation, and frankly, positivity powers everything.
When your mindset radiates positivity, it sets the stage for the universe to respond in kind. 💫
But now how does manifestation work scientifically? And in this case, we’re talking about positivity.
Positive thoughts — as I’m sure you’re already aware — trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, neurochemicals that contribute to an improved sense of well-being.
And given positivity is essentially the life force of manifestation, one could then argue that the act of manifesting has those same beneficial outcomes, which is why manifestation works.
But before moving on from this section, I have to dispel a particular misconception about manifestation, one that unfortunately gives it a bad rap.
Manifesting (and being positive/optimistic) is NOT about stifling your negative thoughts.
And again for the people in the back, it’s NOT 👏 about 👏 stifling 👏 your 👏 negative👏 thoughts.
If you go about manifesting in the wrong way, you could very easily do more harm than good.
Absolutely never try to cover up your fears and negativity by being positive. Affirmations and the like, while all good and well, may not be everyone’s thing.
An easy way to tell is just by spewing out some affirmations. If they almost hurt mentally to say, then that could mean needing to work through a deeper issue or even just switching up your tactics.
Here in the manifestation community, we like to call working through those issues as ✨ shadow work. ✨
So positivity, it’s great, we love it — as long as it’s not an attempt to compensate for something that needs to be solved using a bit more than just good vibes.
2. Quantum Physics and the Law of Attraction
Everything is energy.
Quantum physics has been rigorously tested over time, and while little in science can truly be 100% proven, quantum physics has come pretty darn close.
So what’s the cosmic connection to how manifestation really works?
Basically, quantum physics introduces the concept of entanglement, suggesting that particles can influence each other regardless of distance.
In experiments, when two entangled particles are separated by vast distances and the state of one is altered, the other instantaneously adjusts, as if connected by an unseen cosmic thread (see Alain Aspect’s experiment).
This phenomenon has stirred debates and inspired countless conversations about the interconnected nature of our reality.
This echoes the law of attraction’s notion that our thoughts send energetic ripples into the Universe. 🌟
As I said before, everything is made of vibrational energy. And if you don’t believe me, take a peek at my favorite piece of evidence.
This is Kirlian photography, which can also be referred to as “electrophotography” (which I must argue sounds a lot more exciting).
Kirlian photography has been hailed as a visual testament to the vibrational energy permeating everything in existence.
It’s honestly wild to get a glimpse at how energy like this underlies the physical world.
There is SO much the naked eye can’t see! 👀
And yet it’s right in front of us, all around us, and in fact, us!
We are energy, and I hate to get all woo-woo on you again, but it’s a very real possibility that things with a high vibrational energy are attracted to other things sharing that energy.
Food for thought! 🧐
3. Gratitude Is Gold
Yet another integral aspect of why manifestation works is gratitude.
The principles of manifestation posit that when you express gratitude, you signal to the Universe your thanks, and the Universe in turn pours more blessings upon you.
After all, who would want to give more gifts to an ungrateful receiver? 🎁🚫
But besides getting more into manifestation and how it works, gratitude seriously is a magic of its own.
Akin to positivity, there is still such a thing as toxic gratitude, however, where the act of expressing thanks can lead to invalidating your emotions.
As much as I love manifestation, you can’t always gratitude journal your way out of depression or a bad situation.
That being said, gratitude has a LOT of power.
Just small doses of gratitude can make a massive difference in your life. The act can improve your mental health, deepen relationships with others, and even help you sleep better!
Expressing gratitude can be difficult for those out of practice, but it’s as easy as being thankful you have a roof over your head and food in your cupboards.
Another great strategy is Three Good Things, which essentially involves thinking of three positive things that happened earlier in the day and noting what made them so great (excellent before-bed practice!).
Manifestation is gratitude, and gratitude has proven itself time and time again, so that’s why manifestation works. Check! ✅
4. The Placebo Effect
Okay, this one is wild.
There was a study that took place in Japan involving 13 individuals with a severe allergy to poison ivy. On one arm, a harmless leaf was rubbed, and the participants were told it was poison ivy. On the other, poison ivy was rubbed that they were told was harmless.
Guys, EVERYONE broke out in a rash on the side where the harmless leaf was rubbed. And on the poison ivy side?
Two. Only two had a reaction.
This is why manifestation works. Case CLOSED.
Okay, but seriously, isn’t that just wild? Placebos are real, expectations can become reality, and therefore what we put out into the world and truly believe can come true.
I read in a book recently (that I can’t remember, argh) that some scientists have even discovered that their hypotheses, their expectations for experiments, have had a direct impact on the outcome.
Our thoughts and beliefs may be more powerful than we give them credit for.
5. Manifestation Helps You Get Clear on Your Desires
I remember growing up, I despised how often I was told to come up with goals.
Goals for the day, the week, the year, the next five years, whatever. It was a nightmare.
And don’t even get me started on how goals need to be written so they’re realistic, clear, actionable, have a time frame, etc.
Anyway, I’ll pause on the goal rant for a sec. Because now I LOVE goals. 🤩
Getting into manifestation several years later forced me to figure out what I really want out of life and then start taking the steps to achieve it.
When it comes to manifestation, specificity and getting clear on your desires should be your number one priority.
Because how will the Universe know what to bring into your life if you don’t even know? 🤔
And getting back into the science of it all, the act of defining goals also triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and reinforcing positive behaviors.
This not only enhances focus and perseverance but also creates a feedback loop that propels you toward the achievement of your goals.
The first step of manifesting is getting clear on what you want, which also happens to be the first step of any new pursuit in life.
What I’m trying to get across here is that regardless of how manifestation really works, its principles are sound.
Disregarding all the woo-woo, the steps involved in properly manifesting will always get you closer to joy, success, and your ideal life.
6. The Magic of Mirror Neurons and Visualization
Time to bust out yet another science-y term on you: mirror neurons.
Mirror neurons are specialized cells in our brains that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else doing the same.
They essentially create a neural echo of experiences, playing a crucial role in our ability to understand and imitate others.
Now, here’s where it gets fascinating.
When we vividly visualize success, our mirror neurons come into play. They work behind the scenes to subtly influence our behaviors and reactions to align with the envisioned success.
Visualizing activates the brain, creating a sensory-rich experience within our minds.
This process not only enhances our capacity to recall information but also lays the groundwork for transforming our abstract thoughts into concrete goals.
Scientifically, the brain can struggle to differentiate between a vividly imagined scenario and an actual experience. 🤯
This blurring of lines activates the same neural networks associated with performing the envisioned actions.
Bringing it back to why manifestation works, when we visualize our goals with clarity and detail, our brain perceives these mental rehearsals as real, priming our cognitive and emotional faculties to align with the desired outcome.
So the next time you visualize your dream life, remember, your mirror neurons are working in the background to turn those visions into reality. 🪄
7. Manifestation Shapes Our Beliefs
As we’ve already learned through the placebo effect, our beliefs can influence our reality.
And when it comes to the truth about manifestation and how it really works, the act of manifesting can influence your beliefs.
So essentially, manifestation is all one beautiful cycle of shifting your beliefs and transforming your identity in order to alter your reality. ♾️
Research in neuroscience affirms that our beliefs have a tangible impact on the neural pathways in our brains.
As we cultivate positive beliefs through manifestation practices, we stimulate the formation of new synaptic connections, reinforcing a mindset geared toward success and abundance.
Fundamentally, manifestation is about rewiring your brain. 🧠
And there are lots of ways to do it, all of which are taught within the manifestation community. EFT tapping, meditation, affirmations, and even surrounding yourself with positivity can help clear out your limiting beliefs.
For example, at the root of every financially struggling individual is a negative belief about money, which was probably drilled into that person from a young age.
Whether you think money is evil, money takes hard work to earn, or money is never there for you, that belief started somewhere and is hurting you today.
Fun fact: most of our beliefs are determined by the age of seven. Isn’t that wild? And thankfully, through manifestation, you can transform those beliefs into something new.
Our beliefs are powerful and play a large role in our lives today.
And one main reason why manifestation works is because it acknowledges this principle and allows us to use it to our advantage, shaping our beliefs and rewriting our future. ✨
8. We See More of What We Focus On
Honestly, this is a super weird story, but stick with me.
When I was young, I went on a tour of a Coca-Cola factory. And for many years after, I swear Coca-Cola trucks were just DRAWN to me.
I saw them all the time. It was like they were everywhere. And I realize now it’s because I was hyper-fixated on them.
After going to the factory, I had Coca-Cola on the mind. So I saw the trucks. And then this turned into a belief that I always see Coca-Cola trucks, creating an endless cycle.
My husband’s always seeing Teslas, and he loves Teslas.
This makes him a bit envious, and then I have to remind him that it means he’s thinking about them all the time, which is the first step of manifestation (a VERY good sign, babe!).
*Not my husband literally sending me a text AS I’m writing this that he keeps seeing Tesla ads*
Guyssss, manifestation at WORK! 🫣
I’m using cars as an example here, but this can be anything. I’m sure even you have something you’ve seen all the time — and that you think about a LOT.
And one reason why manifestation works is because we see what we look for and what we think about.
I have a fun little experiment for you. Watch this YouTube video. And don’t worry, it’s short.
Essentially, all you have to do is count how many passes the team in white makes. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
You didn’t see the moonwalking bear, did you?
Seriously goes to show that you see what you’re looking for and miss the opportunities that you’re not.
The Reticular Activating System (RAS) in your brain acts as a filter, amplifying your awareness of things you focus on.
When you concentrate on specific goals, the RAS heightens your perception, making you more attuned to opportunities related to your focus.
So focus on that dream house, that perfect job, those extra zeros on your paycheck.
Who knows? You might just stumble upon an opportunity to make it happen.
9. The Biggest Names Credit Manifestation for Their Success
So, does manifestation work? How effective is manifestation, really?
Don’t ask me. Ask the countless people on the top of their game, some of the biggest names of all time.
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” — Albert Einstein
“The Law of Attraction is ALWAYS working, whether you believe it is or not.” — Steve Harvey
“Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” — Maya Angelou
“Whether you think you can or can’t, either way, you’re right.” — Henry Ford
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” — Oprah Winfrey
You may have heard this story before highlighting why manifestation works, but I absolutely love it.
In the early 1990s, struggling actor Jim Carrey wrote himself a check for $10 million, dated it five years in the future, and added “for acting services rendered.”
Despite all the challenges, Carrey visualized himself succeeding in Hollywood. Remarkably, around the same time he’d written on the check, he secured a contract for the movie Dumb and Dumber — for $10 million.
This is such a powerful testament to the impact of belief and visualization in creating success, told by one of the biggest actors of our day.
Here’s Why Manifestation Works
So, why does manifestation work? And why is manifestation important?
From the power of your thoughts to the influence of mirror neurons, it’s clear that this practice is more than mere wishful thinking.
I encourage you to consider how these principles resonate with your own experiences.
Frankly, I believe the main reason some people don’t understand why manifestation works is because they have a distorted view of what manifestation really is.
Manifestation isn’t just journaling, thinking positively, and assuming everything will come to you.
Nah, babe. You have to actually do the dang thing.
Manifestation is getting into the right headspace so that you know what your next action steps are to reach your goals — and recognizing a golden opportunity when you see one.
Manifestation isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, so don’t brush the whole thing off. Some strategies may work for you, and some may not.
Do you think crystals are a bunch of hooey? That’s okay! They’re not really my thing either, but I love to meditate and gratitude journal.
At the end of the day, I hope you realize that while manifestation may not be 100% proven, its practices have a lot of positive psychology backing them up.
And frankly, that’s why manifestation works. It just works.
