Does Manifestation Really Work? Understanding The Science Behind It

The internet is flooded with articles, quotes, and tips on harnessing the power of manifestation along the lines of “think good thoughts to make good things happen”. There are also hundreds of experts who claim to help you tap into manifestation techniques that can potentially change your life.

Whether you are a believer or not, the concept often sparks curiosity and intrigue. Does it really work? Can you truly bring your desires into reality just by thinking about them?

Let’s take a closer look at manifestation and explore the science behind it to help you effectively use the power of your mind.

Simply put, manifestation means bringing a goal or result to life with focused thoughts and actions. Made famous by the New Thought movement of the 19th century, manifestation focuses on the impact our ideas, convictions, and feelings have on our lives. The Law of Attraction holds that positive thoughts and energy attract favourable outcomes and is fundamental to manifestation.

 Viewed as a spiritual connection to universal energy and a psychological technique to harness the mind’s potential, manifestation gained mainstream popularity through influential works like Rhonda Byrne's The Secret and the broader personal development movement.

Let's acknowledge that no research can prove that manifestation is tangible. However, it has been seen that positive thoughts often lead to positive and focused actions that help individuals work towards and achieve their goals. In short, manifestation impacts our nervous system, creating new thinking patterns. Vidisha Kaushal, a conscious living and mindfulness coach with over 13 years of experience, says, “Holistic therapies such as sound healing, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Somatic Healing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be very useful to identify and shift negative thought patterns in people.”

But what about the science behind manifestation? We spoke to Delhi-based neurologist Dr Swarupa Bansode to understand how thinking about a scenario can impact the way our brain functions. She starts with how most people tend to think of it as some kind of quick fix. “First and foremost, people need to understand that manifestation is not magic,” but a way of “training the brain using clear instructions combined with consistency.” In scientific terms, the brain “starts creating new neural pathways that help break out of old habits and create new ones.” So how does that help in making our dreams true? She goes on to explain, “Once one sets a goal and spends time thinking about it, slowly all our actions, both conscious and unconscious, also start getting aligned towards it.” In simple terms, your brain gets reprogrammed to take actions that take you closer to your goal, hence powering the process of manifestation. 

Your mind is an incredible tool, capable of creating extraordinary things. When you focus on something, you build neural pathways in your brain. These pathways are like roads: the more you travel them, the easier it becomes to go that way again. So, when you consistently think positive thoughts and visualise your goals, you're creating your way to achieving them.

Research shows that visualisation activates the same brain areas as doing the thing. It's like a dress rehearsal for your future. So, whether you want to ace that presentation or land your dream job, close your eyes and see yourself succeeding. Certified Yoga teacher Nishtha Bijlani, explains, “We are well aware that our thoughts affect our emotions and may manifest into all imagined worst case scenarios. Similarly, visualising positive outcomes fills us with happier emotions.” 

When asked to explain the scientific reasoning behind visualisation, Dr Bansode says that it “impacts the thalamus and the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in our brain. Now what these two do is relay information and guard the brain from external stimuli. Once one starts the practice of visualisation, the goal becomes attainable because, over a period of time, the brain’s neural pathways have been trained to look for opportunities that help one get closer to what they are visualising on a daily basis.” You need to understand that with visualisation, your actions are consciously and subconsciously being guided to get you closer to your goal and not magically making your dreams a reality. 

Happiness isn’t just a feeling; it’s a superpower. When positive, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters boost mood, increase creativity, and strengthen your immune system.

In her renowned book 'Mindset' (2006), Carol Dweck investigates the notion of a growth mindset and its influence on achieving success across various aspects of life. Dweck reveals that having a growth mindset enhances motivation, resilience, and success. This, in turn, can further facilitate manifestation.

When our focus is directed towards a defined, attainable, and concrete objective, our attention and energy become intensely devoted to it. Following this understanding, a core belief among those who practice manifestation emerges: Our energy follows where we place our attention. Moreover, it has been proven that this can significantly improve our likelihood of achieving success. 

The acclaimed author in science David Robson's (2022) exceptional book titled ‘The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life’ is an outstanding choice for readers looking for popular alternatives to ‘The Secret,’ providing a foundation in robust and practical psychological studies. This makes it a valuable resource for individuals seeking a scientific approach to the concept of manifestation.

If you have tried manifestation, but it hasn’t really worked for you, you need to keep in mind a couple of things:

If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to manifest your goals, it can slow you down. Remember, building belief is like strengthening a muscle. Celebrate your small successes, surround yourself with positive affirmations, and remember, everyone starts from somewhere.

Negative thoughts can be a significant hindrance. Try journalling, meditating, or discussing things with a friend to help change those negative patterns.

Manifestation isn’t magic; it’s more like gardening. You sow seeds, care for them, and observe their growth. Patience is crucial. Divide your big goals into tinier, more manageable actions and have fun in the process.

Sometimes, manifesting your desires means embracing change, which can be intimidating. If you’re clinging to old habits, they might be blocking your progress. Practise gentle self-compassion as you navigate this new phase of your life.

To enhance your manifestation efforts, focus on cultivating a positive mindset:

• Gratitude: Concentrate on what you already have. It’s like tuning into the right frequency to attract more good things.
• Mindfulness: Stay present to catch negative thoughts before they take over. Meditation or deep breathing can help you find calm.
• Set intentions: Clearly state what you want. Write it down, visualise it, and surround it with positive energy.

Toxic positivity is when people act like everything is perfect, even when it isn't. It's essential to face and feel your emotions rather than suppress them. Real growth happens when you embrace your vulnerability and experience the full range of feelings.

Manifestation shouldn’t lead to guilt. Some may claim your problems are solely due to negative thinking. Life’s complexities mean not everything is within your control. Blaming yourself for every setback is like faulting yourself for a game you didn’t know you were playing. Focus on what you can control and be kind to yourself.

Watch out for promises of instant wealth and happiness through manifestation. Building a dream life takes time, effort, and realistic goals. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and embrace the journey with steady progress for lasting success.

Manifestation requires hard work and taking responsibility. Don’t blame external factors or shirk your duties — take charge, make intentional choices, and hold yourself accountable. That’s the real path to achieving your desires.

Imagine you’ve already achieved your goal. That’s visualisation! Close your eyes and picture your dream outcome in detail. Think about what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. The more vivid, the better.

Positive self-talk can boost your confidence. Use affirmations like “I am successful” or “I am full of abundance” to stay motivated and attract good things.

A vision board is a collection of images and words that represent your aspirations and objectives. Add pictures, quotes, and anything that inspires you. Put it where you can see it every day to keep your goals in mind.

Focus on what you already have, and you'll see more good things come your way. Keep a gratitude journal or take a moment each day to appreciate life's little joys.

Manifestation activates specific neural pathways by focusing on particular thoughts or beliefs. This focus triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which strengthen these neural connections. Over time, these pathways become more efficient, making it easier to attract your desired outcomes.

To train your brain for manifestation, cultivate a positive mindset and practice consistently. Use techniques like visualisation, affirmations, and gratitude. Addressing and challenging any negative thoughts or beliefs that might hinder your efforts is also crucial.

Different techniques work for others, but popular and effective methods include visualisation, affirmations, and gratitude. The most powerful technique is the one that resonates with you personally and that you practise regularly.

Manifestation is generally safe but can have side effects if not approached wisely. For instance, it may reinforce toxic positivity or self-blame if used to avoid addressing real issues. Maintaining a balanced mindset and seeking help if negative patterns arise is essential. Other limitations include a poor level of objective success and the risk of negative financial outcomes.

Avoid unrealistic expectations, negative thought patterns, and resisting change. Also, don't use manifestation to ignore difficult emotions or blame yourself or others for setbacks. Focus on maintaining a positive outlook, setting achievable goals, and taking consistent action.

Manifestation isn't inherently bad for mental health and can promote personal growth and well-being. However, suppose it leads to toxic positivity, self-blame, or avoidance of difficult emotions. In that case, it might be beneficial to re-evaluate your approach and consult a mental health professional if needed.