Manifesting is just a trendy form of magical thinking

Why do I care about some manifesting trend? Seems harmless right?

Actually no, in my clinical experience I don’t think it’s harmless.

Manifesting has become this idea that by the act of thinking a thought or goal you make it more likely to happen.

First of all, that’s just simply not true.

And second, it can be VERY problematic for folks with OCD and anxiety. It’s just another version of magical thinking, in my opinion.

The truth is that we have all sorts of thoughts all day long, but simply the act of thinking them does not make them more likely to come true.

Whether they are “good” or “bad” thoughts. Intention, effort, and action need to be taken into account.

Think of a mom who has the intrusive thought that she will hurt her baby. Terrifying, right?

But if she believes the buzz about manifesting (that thinking a thought makes it more likely to come true, or that it will come true), then that thought would be EVEN SCARIER.

And to make it even more complicated, she might be less likely to tell her therapist and get support, if she thinks her therapist believes in manifesting.

See how this seemingly well intended concept could REALLY backfire?

And there are certainly parts of manifesting that could be helpful, but only if you’re having beautiful, sunshiny thoughts. So it actually sounds more like hope to me, which would be a truly lovely concept to spread around.

I mean Obama built a campaign on hope, so I know how inspirational it can be, especially when we’re wanting things to change.

Hope is helpful because it inspires action. Manifesting, as it’s often sold, skips that crucial step.

So instead, just call it being hopeful about your future, because that’s the only “action” you’ve taken. And that acknowledges that it’s something that you would actually like to happen and you enjoy thinking about.

But, without action it doesn’t occur.

I could “manifest” winning the lottery, losing 20 pounds by tomorrow, or turning myself into a duck. But, you and I both know that is absolutely ridiculous.

Because thoughts are just thoughts. That’s it. They can float in and right back out. And literally have no actual effect on outcomes.

Remember: manifesting won’t make your dreams come true, just like having intrusive thoughts won’t make your worst fears happen.

Thoughts are just thoughts.

Listen, I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade. 

I get that positive thinking can be a great reframe when you’re feeling stuck (which is often when we set goals). 

But let’s be real: manifesting is misleading. 

Action and intention are what actually make things happen. You have to want it first, then take action…because thoughts? They’re just thoughts.

I know, I know, this one’s probably pissing some people off. But it needed to be said.