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The idea of manifestation is as captivating as it is controversial. Imagine a world where your thoughts, emotions, and intentions have the power to shape your reality—a world where simply visualizing success or happiness can bring it closer to you. For many, this concept feels empowering and mystical, offering hope in a chaotic world. To others, it is a bunch of malarky.
It’s no wonder manifestation has captured the imagination of so many. From the shelves of self-help sections to viral TikTok videos, the idea promises a shortcut to achieving our dreams. But behind the allure lies a deeper question: Does manifestation really work, or is it just wishful thinking wrapped in a spiritual package?
Now, research and science are getting involved with new studies that actually put manifestation beliefs to the test.
Recently, psychologists and researchers have begun to delve into this phenomenon, unpacking its psychological underpinnings and measuring its real-world impact. While manifestation has been lauded for its ability to inspire confidence and optimism, studies also reveal potential pitfalls, including overconfidence and unrealistic expectations.
What is Manifestation?
At its heart, manifestation is the belief that your thoughts and emotions transmit powerful signals, much like a radio. By thinking, feeling, and behaving as though your goals have already been achieved, you’re said to align yourself with the “energy” of success, happiness, or wealth—and the universe responds by delivering it to you.
Psychologists Lucas Jon Dixon and Nicole Hartley argue that manifestation beliefs share an underlying form: much like a radio transmitter, a person’s thoughts and emotions transmit invisible yet powerful messages. If a person wants to be wealthy or happy all they need to do is think, feel, and act in a way that affirms the belief that they are already wealthy or happy and this will transmit the “energy” or “vibration” of wealth or happiness into the universe which is then returned to them by a higher power. That is “the secret”.
Since no direct measure of manifestation beliefs existed in the academic literature, the researchers created one and then validated it across the course of three studies (collective sample = 1023 people).
They developed a Manifestation Scale to measure these beliefs across two dimensions:
1. Personal Power: The idea that positive thoughts and self-talk can “speak” success into existence.
2. Cosmic Collaboration: The belief that higher powers or universal forces send events and people to aid in achieving your goals.
The Science Behind Manifestation
From a neuroscience perspective, visualization—the cornerstone of manifestation—activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, sharpening focus and planning abilities. This process can help align actions with goals. Additionally, visualization triggers the brain’s dopamine reward system, reinforcing motivation and encouraging effort.
But here’s the catch: if visualization isn’t paired with action, it can backfire. Research shows that excessive focus on positive outcomes without addressing challenges can dampen adaptive problem-solving and lead to complacency.
Manifestors were more likely to believe they would achieve their life goals (which tended to be more external) and remained confident even if they were far from reaching their goals. According to the researchers, “this suggests manifestation belief is uniquely related to overconfidence or overoptimism in goal attainment. Our results also suggest that manifestation belief is especially related to increased belief in achieving externally derived goals related to image, fame, and fortune.”
A Balanced Approach to Success
Manifestation is most effective when paired with realistic planning and effort. Behavioral psychology suggests using implementation intentions: strategies that combine optimism with actionable steps. For example, instead of simply visualizing success, outline how you’ll adapt to obstacles along the way.
Manifestation can be a powerful tool for hope, especially for those facing systemic barriers or adversity. However, it’s important to remember that success often requires more than positive thinking—it takes work, resources, and sometimes, a bit of luck.
There is not shortage of people aspiring to greater riches, success, and happiness and no shortage of “influencers”, “gurus”, and “experts” who will promise to take you there. However, so many of the beliefs that are claimed to make you more successful are untested.
This important study found that while manifestation beliefs may lead to greater confidence in one’s capacity to achieve one’s goals, there is little evidence of the beliefs actually impacting success in those goals.
Personally, I find myself somewhere in the middle of the manifestation debate. The brain is undeniably capable of incredible things, and we’re only just beginning to scratch the surface of its potential. Want a fun example? Research shows that dogs can sense when their owners are half a mile away from home—before they even step through the door. If that’s possible, who’s to say our thoughts don’t have some hidden power we don’t fully understand yet?
The truth is, we’ve barely begun to explore the capacity of the brain and the influence our thoughts might have. Science is only starting to connect the dots, so buckle up—there’s bound to be more fascinating discoveries about the power of the mind coming our way. Until then, maybe keep dreaming big, but don’t forget to back it up with a little action. Who knows? Your brain might surprise you!
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