Manifest. The word ‘manifest’ was looked up over 130,000 times last year. It was Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year in 2024 (Cambridge University Press & Assessment, 2024). It’s still trending on Google. The dictionary definition of manifest is “to show something clearly, through signs or actions.” (Source: MANIFEST | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary)
Influencers promote the idea that you can achieve anything you desire simply by manifesting—visualizing your dreams and following a set of simple steps. The concept suggests that by directing your energy into the universe or toward a Higher Power, your desires will materialize.
The Power of Positive Thinking
As a counselor, I wholeheartedly believe in optimism and the power of positive thinking. Research confirms that positive thinking can physically rewire the brain and influence various body systems, boosting motivation and overall wellbeing. Studies show that individuals who experience higher levels of flourishing exhibit structural and functional differences in brain areas linked to life satisfaction, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, and goal achievement. Additionally, positive emotions activate key regions of the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, enhancing cognition, decision-making, and motivation—ultimately fostering healthier lifestyle choices and improved physical wellbeing (Kandel, 2013).
Positive thinking is also linked to increased resilience and life satisfaction (Taherkhani et al., 2023). In individuals with substance use disorders, cultivating a positive mindset was shown to enhance hope and quality of life (Mohammad-Najar et al., 2017). Moreover, research in healthcare settings demonstrates that patient expectations significantly influence treatment outcomes (Laferton et al., 2017).
To the untrained eye, this might seem like proof that simply staying positive and wishing enough can make our dreams come true—that we can manifest success into existence. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case.
I watched several YouTube videos and social media reels on manifesting and noticed a recurring theme, with some variation. For instance, one video suggested that a key step to manifesting involved traveling to the fourth dimension in your dreams. Another claimed that simply writing down a desire and rereading it repeatedly over a set number of days would cause it to manifest—implying that repetition alone held the power to bring desires to life. I also did a quick Google search for books with “manifest” in the title and found Manifest Abundance in 7 Days, Manifesting Miracles, and Manifest Quick Money.
The difference between science and Manifest Abundance in 7 Days is that while our brains are incredibly powerful, they primarily influence and regulate internal processes, such as other body systems. They do not control external factors like the actions of other people or winning the lottery.
Manifestation vs. Goal-setting
The idea that manifesting requires simply writing something down and following a few steps is, in a way, accurate—it’s called goal-setting. However, goal achievement is more likely to happen within the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-limited. If you set goals that aren’t realistically achievable, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment or failure.
One video outlined the following steps to manifesting:
- Set your intention
- Believe it will happen
- Take action
- Trust the process
- Receive what you asked for
The speaker illustrated this process using an example that was entirely within the scope of control, making it sound logical and convincing. If my goal were to write a book, and I actively worked towards that goal, I would eventually succeed, depending on my level of motivation. However, writing a best-seller is beyond my control because I cannot dictate how others will respond to my work. Writing a book is a realistic goal—its success, however, depends on factors beyond my influence, such as market trends, reader preferences, and publisher interest.
Positive thinking and taking action are crucial elements of achieving goals, but manifesting something into existence—especially outcomes reliant on external forces—is simply not a reality.
Goal-setting alone is powerful and has been linked to
- Improved performance – Helps individuals stay focused and efficient.
- Enhanced motivation – Increases intrinsic drive to achieve goals.
- Greater self-efficacy – Builds confidence in one’s ability to succeed.
- Better emotion regulation – Supports mental resilience and stress management.
- Increased cooperation – Encourages teamwork and ethical decision-making.
- Improved wellbeing – Positively affects mental, emotional, and physical health.
(Sutton, 2024)
For more on goal-setting, including free worksheets, see 12+ Benefits of Goal Setting – Why Goals Are Important.
You can also use this free worksheet to help you narrow your goals down by life area. Use this free worksheet for setting both short and long term goals.
Summary
This article explores the concept of manifestation, as popularized by influencers, and contrasts it with scientific perspectives on positive thinking and goal-setting. It begins by noting the popularity of the word manifest in 2024 and its dictionary definition. Influencers may claim that visualization and directing energy into the universe can bring desires to life, but this post argues that positive thinking alone does not guarantee success.
References
Cambridge University Press. (n.d.). Manifest. In Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/manifest
Cambridge University Press & Assessment. (2024, November 20). ‘Manifest’ is Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2024. https://www.cambridge.org/news-and-insights/word-of-the-year-2024
Kandel, E. R. (2013). The new science of mind and the future of knowledge. In S. H. Koslow & M. F. Huerta (Eds.), Neuroscience in the 21st century (pp. 3–20). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407236-7.00001-2
Laferton, J. A. C., Kube, T., Salzmann, S., Auer, C. J., & Shedden-Mora, M. (2017). Patients’ expectations regarding medical treatment: A critical review of concepts and their assessment. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, Article 233. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00233
Sutton, J. (2024, December 12). The importance, benefits, and value of goal setting. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-goal-setting/
Taherkhani, Z., Kaveh, M. H., Mani, A., Ghahremani, L., & Khademi, K. (2023). The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 13(1), Article 3478. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30684-y
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