Manifesting is Real… Sort Of

The Problem With Manifesting

If you made a wish at 11:11 on 11/11 last weekend, you were practicing a form of manifesting. It’s popular because it offers a sense of control when the future can feel unpredictable. But can simply believing something actually make it happen? 

The science behind manifestation 

Manifestation incorporates aspects of positive psychology and visualization, “both of which are well-substantiated and research-backed,” according to Denise Fournier, PhD, LMHC, a mindfulness-based therapist and coach at Evergreen Therapy. Depending on how it’s practiced, manifesting could bring you closer to accomplishing your goals because your beliefs can affect your reality — to an extent. We see this in medicine with the placebo effect.

It encourages people to have an optimistic outlook, which studies show can help with longevity and better mental and physical health. But…

Manifestation isn’t enough

Practicing manifestation might encourage you to believe in yourself, but you're not getting your dream job just by thinking about it. That can set unrealistic or even harmful expectations and doesn't make space for the steps you need to reach your goal. Which, in turn, can cause people to blame themselves for circumstances outside their control. 

Manifesting also attributes too much power to your thoughts. That can counter mental health guidance, which often advises that thoughts are not facts. Plus, constantly focusing on future goals takes you out of the present and may make it difficult to practice mindfulness — also not great for your well-being.

Your move

Set intentions rather than demands. Rather than simply hoping for a car, utilize manifesting to help you focus on a broader goal, like being better about saving money. 

Focus on the present and take things step by step. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable chunks you can address in phases, says Fournier.  

Remember that positivity can be toxic. Don’t let the pressure to be optimistic about the future stop you from addressing your negative emotions. Trying to repress those feelings isn't going to make them go away.

Read more about the science behind manifesting.

We asked you to vote on a question you’d like answered. The winner was:

What’s the best way to lower cholesterol? 

FEATURED EXPERT:

Navya Mysore, MD

Primary care physician, office medical director, and national program medical director for sexual and reproductive health at One Medical.

“[Depending on your cholesterol levels] I often will say, 'Hey, let's do a three-month trial of diet and exercise and see what we can do [before going on medication].’ [Take] a close look at your diet. Think about red meats ... cheese, butter, anything that's fried. LDL [your bad cholesterol] responds very well to diet. If you have a hard time figuring out what you need to eliminate, then maybe consult with a nutritionist.

"I often will suggest lowering alcohol. If someone is smoking, I will say to quit smoking, not so much to reduce that cholesterol number ... but their overall risk will come down.”

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Read the full story here.

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