How to Manifest Your Dreams
The New York Times bestselling author and life coach Gabby Bernstein suggests five principles for manifesting your desires. Here's how they breakdown in a step-by-step process.
Step 1: Suspend Disbelief
This step, what Bernstein calls "clearing space," is necessary before even beginning the actual manifesting process. It involves ridding yourself of the disbelief that you can’t/won’t be happy—clearing out that space in your head so you’re no longer blocking yourself from your great potential. Says Bernstein, "Before you begin the manifestation process, you must take the necessary time to release all your disbelief in your power to be happy."
Desiring your dream job? Stop telling yourself that it’s impossible to get, too competitive, you’re not qualified, etc. Cut those thoughts out. Believe that you can get it, and that you’ll kill it. That’s your first step.
Step 2: Clarify What You're Actually After
…and get specific. In order to get what you truly desire, you must be crystal clear about what exactly that is. Clarify your intentions so that you know exactly what it is you’re seeking. Bernstein suggests you make a list of precisely what you want because "this list helps you clarify your intentions and access a vibrant mental picture of what you desire." And most important, according to Bernstein, is that you get clear about how you want to feel. When you clarify what you want to feel, you can start to tap into those feelings.
What appeals to you about the job? The company atmosphere? The flexible hours? The opportunity to exercise your creativity? Write it all down. Then think about how these aspects will make you feel—fulfilled, proud, entertained? Get specific!
Step 3: Set Aside Actual Time to Imagine Experiencing Reaching Your Goals
Once you’ve set those clear intention(s), take time each day to soak in the feeling of what you want. This can be done in various ways, but popular ones are meditation and visioning exercises. The more you take time to feel the feeling of what you ultimately desire, the closer you will be to attaining it.
Carve time out of each day to sit in your favorite outdoor spot or walk a quiet path and really envision yourself where you want to be. Soak in the feeling of shaking your future boss’s hand and accepting the position, completing your first big project at the new job, establishing healthy and strong connections with your coworkers, etc. Are you feeeeeling it now, Mr. Krabs?
Step 4: Stop Worrying So Much
Bernstein calls this the "Chill!" principle. But basically: patience and faith are key. To really manifest your wants into reality, it’s crucial to relax and wait without anxiety. Understand that the universe may not be on the same time schedule as you, but that it knows better anyway.
Step 5: Have a Little Faith
“Getting in the know” is a natural occurrence. Principles one to four will guide you to being in the know—a state where you no longer fear or experience doubt. Instead, you know you’re exactly where you need to be. Says Bernstein, "When you feel it, you live it—regardless of what is happening on the outside. In time, the universe catches up with your energy and your desires come into form. "
Remember that it ultimately comes from the inside—if you feel it internally, you can live it, regardless of where you currently are. The universe will catch up eventually as your desires manifest into form.
Have faith in where you are, and remember it’s where you need to be. Your desired job or position will come when it’s meant to. Until then, trust the process.
Read Bernstein's whole 5-step guide to manifesting here.
