Manifestation : A Motivator For Action

 Have you ever experienced a moment where a simple thought seemed to materialize into reality? Maybe you envisioned acing a job interview and actually did find yourself easily navigating through it. Or maybe, you entertained doubts about your abilities, which were further confirmed as you continue to encounter roadblock after roadblock. With either outcome, whatever was being thought about ended up becoming true.

Reflecting on these experiences, we may realize that our thoughts potentially have the power to shape our reality. Within the realm of self-improvement and personal development, the concept of manifestations and the mind's influence has gained a lot attention in the past few years. But what do these terms exactly mean and look like?

‘Manifestation’ refers to the process of bringing your desires or intentions into reality through the power of thought and belief. It's the idea that our thoughts and feelings can shape our external circumstances [1]. Whether it's attracting abundance, fostering better relationships, or achieving career success, manifestations imply that our mental landscape can sculpt the world around us. It's like imagining something so strongly that it starts to become real. Meanwhile, the mind's influence refers to the impact our thoughts, beliefs, and subconscious have on our behaviours and outcomes [1].

Essentially, manifestation focuses on the intentional creation of specific outcomes, while the mind's influence encompasses the mental processes that shape our experiences and perceptions.

How Can Our Beliefs Shape Reality?

Beliefs serve as the foundation on which we construct our reality. They act as powerful filters through which we interpret the world around us, shaping our perceptions and decisions. Consider this: You believe you're capable of acing a job interview, and as a result, you exude confidence and approach the interview with a positive mindset.

This belief not only influences your behavior during the interview but also impacts how others perceive you, potentially increasing your chances of success. On the other hand, if you hold beliefs of self-doubt and inadequacy, you may unwittingly undermine your performance and reinforce these very beliefs.

At the heart of this dynamic lies confirmation bias, a psychological phenomenon that predisposes us to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs while dismissing or rationalizing contradictory evidence [2]. In the context of manifestations, confirmation bias plays a significantrole in reinforcing our beliefs and shaping our reality.

For instance, if we believe in the power of positive thinking to attract success, we may selectively focus on instances where positive thinking led to favorable outcomes, while downplaying or dismissing instances to the contrary. This selective attention not only reinforces our belief in the efficacy of positive thinking but also strengthens our commitment to manifesting our desires through this mindset [3].

Moreover, confirmation bias extends beyond simple perception, influencing our behaviours and choices in subtle but profound ways. Consider someone who feels they are always unlucky in love. They may view every failed relationship or romantic setback as another proof of their unworthiness, easily dismissing times when things went well or even any future prospects for love. In this approach, confirmation bias not only reinforces previous ideas, but it also maintains a self-fulfilling prophecy [1] in which our beliefs about ourselves impact our behaviour.

Confirmation bias works in a sneaky way, often without us even realizing it. This makes us see the world in a way that matches our ideas, making us feel even more sure we're right. But, even though confirmation bias can make us feel really sure of ourselves, it can also stop us from seeing things from different angles.

If we notice this bias and try to challenge what we think, we can start to see things differently and have new experiences. So, if we want to change our lives, we need to understand how our beliefs work and be willing to question them.

 

The Law of Attraction & Cognitive Bias

This popular manifestation technique suggests that our thoughts and feelings can attract corresponding experiences into our lives. According to this law, if we focus on positive thoughts and emotions, we will attract positive outcomes, whereas negative thoughts will attract negative outcomes [1]. It's like putting out a signal to the universe, and the universe responds by bringing us what we're putting out there.

For example, imagine someone who constantly worries about not having enough money. According to the Law of Attraction, this person is sending out a signal of lack and scarcity, which in turn attracts more financial difficulties into their life. On the other hand, someone who maintains a positive mindset and believes in abundance is said to attract opportunities for wealth and success.

However, it's important to approach the Law of Attraction with a critical eye, as it can also intersect with cognitive biases that affect our perception of reality [1]. Confirmation bias, for instance, may lead individuals to interpret events in a way that confirms their belief in the Law of Attraction. If someone believes strongly in the Law of Attraction, they may selectively notice instances where positive thinking seemed to lead to positive outcomes, while disregarding the instances that contradict this belief.

Similarly, the availability heuristic—a cognitive bias where we judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily we can recall similar instances—can influence our perception of the Law of Attraction [4]. If someone has heard numerous success stories attributed to the Law of Attraction, they may overestimate its effectiveness based on the availability of these examples in their memory.

Empowering Change with the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when our beliefs or expectations about a situation influence our behavior in a way that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of those beliefs or expectations [1].

Referring to the example of an individual doubting their job interview skills - this belief may lead them to avoid taking risks and sabotaging their own efforts subconsciously. Consequently, their actions align with their negative belief, resulting in outcomes that confirm their initial expectation of failure. This train of thought creates a self-perpetuating cycle of negativity and underachievement.

On the flip side, self-fulfilling prophecies can also work in our favor when we hold positive beliefs about ourselves and our potential. If this person believes they can ace their interview, they are more likely to approach challenges with confidence, persistence, and resilience.

In this sense, self-fulfilling prophecies can serve as powerful motivators for action and change in a person's life. When we become aware of the role our beliefs play in shaping our reality, we gain the ability to consciously choose empowering beliefs that align with our aspirations.

Manifestation Techniques for Reframing Negative Thoughts and Beliefs

So, now that you know about the potential biases and limitations that your beliefs may put on actions, how do we ensure these beliefs impact us positively? The idea of reframing negative thoughts involves changing your perspective on a situation to see it in a more positive or realistic light. This doesn't mean ignoring the negative aspects, but rather balancing them with positive insights and possibilities.

Manifestation techniques, while they can be associated with cognitive bias, can also be used with awareness for self-development and personal growth.

1. Mindfulness & Awareness: Start by simply noticing your negative thoughts. Mindfulness practices can help you become an observer of your thoughts rather than a participant. This awareness is the first step towards change.

2. Challenge & Dispute: Actively challenge the accuracy and helpfulness of negative thoughts. Ask yourself:

➢ Is this thought based on facts or assumptions?

➢ Are there alternative explanations?

➢ How would I advise a friend who had this thought?

Questioning your thoughts can reduce their power and prevent automatic negative reactions.

3. Positive Affirmations: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations that promote your abilities and self-worth. For example, if you often think, "I can't handle this," try affirming, "I am fully capable of overcoming challenges." Repeating these affirmations can gradually reshape your beliefs and attitudes.

4. Practice Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude can shift your focus from what’s lacking or problematic to what’s working well. Daily gratitude journals or lists can foster this shift in perspective.

5. Record Keeping: Keep a record of all your successes and positive feedback. Review this record when you feel overwhelmed by negativity. It’s tangible proof that challenges the validity of your negative thoughts.

6. Visualization: Use visualization techniques to imagine the successful completion of your goals. This not only enhances motivation but also helps mentally prepare for the actions needed to achieve those goals.

Overall, manifestation techniques are excellent motivators for action because they encourage a positive and proactive mindset. By focusing on desired outcomes and believing in the possibility of achieving them, you are more likely to take the necessary steps towards your goals. This not only boosts confidence but also actively engages you in creating the reality you envision.

So, start making your journey toward personal growth more intentional today.

Sources Used

1. Dixon, L. J., Hornsey, M. J., & Hartley, N. (2023). “The Secret” to Success? The Psychology of Belief in Manifestation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672231181162

2. Allahverdyan, A. E., & Galstyan, A. (2014). Opinion dynamics with confirmation bias. PloS one, 9(7), e99557. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099557

3. Allahverdyan, A. E., & Galstyan, A. (2014). Opinion dynamics with confirmation bias. PloS one, 9(7), e99557. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099557

4. Kahneman, D., Slovic, P., & Tversky, A. (1982). Judgment under uncertainty: heuristics and biases. Cambridge University Press.