Rethinking Resolutions: Manifest Your Best Year Yet by Setting Goals You’ll Actually Achieve
The word "manifest" has its origins in Latin (is anybody surprised?). It is derived from the Latin word "manifestus," which means "plain" or "clear." "Manifestus" itself is a combination of two Latin words: "manus," meaning "hand," and "festus," meaning "struck" or "effected." So, the original sense of "manifestus" was something that is clearly evident, apparent, or struck by hand. In the context of manifestation, "manifesting" refers to the ongoing process or action of making something evident or bringing it into reality through focused thought, visualization, and intention.
Over time, the word "manifest" evolved in English and came to be used in various contexts. It generally refers to something that is easily perceived, understood, or obvious. To make manifest. A "manifest,” for example, can be a document listing cargo, passengers, or contents of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, providing a clear and detailed account. In other words, manifesting is to make clear or obvious that which is in the mind. Today we’ll talk about just how to do that.
Manifestation is based on the belief that thoughts and feelings have the power to shape our reality. Maxwell Maltz wrote an entire book about the power of our subconscious mind to affect how we operate in our day-to-day lives. This concept says that by aligning our thoughts and emotions with our goals, we can attract the positive outcomes we wish for. Manifesting is often associated with the law of attraction, which is a powerful concept that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. But it’s more than just wishful thinking; it's a deliberate and focused approach to bringing your desires into reality. Manifestation is not about sitting back and waiting for things to happen; it's about actively pursuing your goals. But in order to pursue our goals, we have to know what they are!
January is the perfect time to focus on setting goals. With the New Year often comes a new surge of motivation to finally make all the changes we’ve been telling ourselves we are going to make. To stick to that diet or exercise routine, to level-up at work, to be kinder to ourselves and our families. Whatever it is for you, we all have goals of some kind-it’s just a matter of manifesting them into reality. Which starts with clarity. So let’s take a few minutes right up front to ask ourselves several crucial questions when it comes to goal setting:
When I think about the end of this next year, how do I want to feel?
You probably haven’t often heard that emotions play a key role in goal setting, but it’s the truth. As Mia Fox says, “a vision board only holds the power of the emotions you put into it.” Emotions are the only things that truly move us to make change. So I want you to close your eyes for a moment and imagine with me. It’s December 31st, 2024. Where are you in all areas of your life? What are you doing? Who are you with? And most importantly, how do you feel? That feeling is critical, and what we want to capture when we create those vision boards we all love to make! (see below to join us for a fun Vision Board event later this month!)Why do I want ______?
Not to sound too much like Simon Sinek, but always always always start with why. Now that we have a mental picture of what we want-and how it will feel when we get it-we need to think about why we want it in the first place. If there’s no motive, there’s no motivation. Maybe your goal is to lose those few extra pounds and build some muscle so you feel lighter and stronger. Why is that important to you? So you can be more active with your kids! See how much more powerful a goal is when you know why?? It’s one thing to say I want to start exercising more; it’s entirely different to say I want to be able to play effortlessly with my children and cultivate a deeper connection with them. That’s why you start with why!How is my goal going to happen?
Here’s one thing I bet nobody ever told you about manifesting: it takes work. You can’t just “put things out in the universe” or “name it and claim it”. Sorry not sorry. That Law of Attraction everyone talks about? It’s not magic. (who ever heard of a “magic law” anyway?? Honestly!) And it’s not even the law we should be focusing on to manifest our goals. Want to know the real secret to manifestation? The Law of Action. That’s right-we must act on our goals. But before you start groaning, may I suggest something controversial: this is the fun part! This is where your goals actually take shape in real-time. In fact, you could say the action you take is the manifest you make. So let’s figure it out! Identify small, actionable steps you can take toward your desires, and consistently work towards them. What steps do I need to take in order to move towards my goal? Who do I need to talk to? What books do I need to read? What skills do I need to learn or improve? Make a strategy. Every good football coach knows you need a good playbook in order to win. Write your playbook for 2024 & run the plays! This not only propels you forward but also demonstrates to the universe your commitment to manifesting your dreams.
Now that we know how to properly prepare to receive the year we want, let’s take a look at a few more do’s & don’ts for effective manifestation.
DO: tap into the power of gratitude to pull you forward. There’s a reason people say that gratitude is a magnet for miracles. Practicing gratitude is an integral part of the manifestation process. By expressing gratitude for what you already have, you open yourself up to receive more abundance. Keep a gratitude journal and regularly reflect on the positive aspects of your life. This not only fosters a sense of contentment but also aligns your energy with the abundance you seek to manifest. Read our blog about elevating your gratitude practice to the next level.
DON’T: be impatient. Rome wasn’t built in a day. No masterpiece or lasting transformation happens overnight; it’s always painstakingly built brick-by-brick. But small, daily habits compound to incredible results over time! Just ask James Clear and Darren Hardy ;-)
DO: set specific, realistic goals. Again, clarity is key. Try utilizing the popular S.M.A.R.T. goals strategy for clarifying your objective in no uncertain terms!
DON’T: limit your imagination for how to get there. We are such creatures of habit that our thinking often gets stuck in a box and we can miss the creative solution-seeking opportunities that abound daily. As a friend of mine likes to say: “there’s many ways around a mountain!”
DO: visualize yourself overcoming the obstacles and completing the required action steps. Did you know the mind can’t tell the difference between reality and something vividly imagined? It’s inevitable things won’t always go according to our gameplan. Those who achieve their goals are prepared for that because they’ve already envisioned how they’re going to respond to obstacles that might stand in their way. John Maxwell shares a great story about how this sort of pre-planning once saved his life!
DON’T: let your fears lead you down the negative path of what if… It's essential to replace self-limiting beliefs with affirmations that reinforce a positive mindset. Affirmations act as powerful tools to reprogram your subconscious mind and cultivate a belief system that supports your goals. Our imaginations are one of the most powerful gifts we’ve been given. Use it to build yourself up, not tear yourself down.
DO: reinforce your actions with your words through affirmations. Affirmations are powerful - when used correctly. Learn how to harness them for your greatest advantage, rather than letting them undermine all your hard work.
DON’T: set yourself up for failure by telling yourself things will come to you effortlessly. In the immortal words of Rihanna:
Want to manifest a New You for this New Year? You can! You know why? Because manifestation is not magic. It’s simply your subconscious mind doing its job. You are the magic ingredient. So get in there and manifest the heck outta this 2024, you magic-maker you!
Ready to take the next step to make 2024 your best year yet?? Join us for our Vision Board Event on Jan 26th!
And keep an eye on our socials all month long for even more tips & tricks on manifesting your dream life.
Dig in deeper: Mel Robbins has a great podcast all about this very topic that’s totally worth the listen!