What is Manifesting

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I wish I could lose weight.
I want to balance my finances.
I need to get more organized.
Do these statements sound familiar? Perhaps you have uttered one or more of these, or something similar, when setting your New Year Resolutions.  Maybe you have created vision boards, wrote SMART goals, set intentions, but each year find yourself continuing to struggle with finding success.  
Frustrating, right?
The problem with goal setting is that it seems to end at thinking about what you want. Just wishing or dreaming about what you want is not going to get you anywhere.  No one is going to do it for you.  YOU have to create your success.  You need to put the work into it.  You need to identify the steps, walk the walk.  Sounds tough, right?  Well, that is where the difference between wishing and achieving lies.  It is in the sacrifice. It is the blood, sweat and tears that make you stronger.
Ready?
Keep reading for a new look on how to set your New Year Resolutions, intentions, goals or whatever you want to call them and set yourself up for success!

Manifesting

Manifesting: preparing your mind, body and spirit to help you take the action to get what you want.
-Mel Robbins

Neuroplasticity

I am a self proclaimed brain geek. I love reading about the brain, learning about the different parts and functions of each area, the process of relaying messages throughout the entire body and the power and control this three pound organ has.  The reason I share this fact about myself is that, while researching manifesting, I was sucked into the various pathways and areas of the brain this practice touches upon...likely way more than you are willing to read about here.  That said, as you read on please know, there is scientific evidence that proves manifesting works.
One important takeaway from my research, and something you should be aware of, is the brain is neuroplastic.  There was once the belief that at a certain age, the brain stops developing and growing new brain cells.  Science has disproven both of these theories.  Neuroplasticity is the scientific verbiage used to describe the brains ability to change.  Yes, the brain has the ability throughout life to change, build new pathways and learn.  Pathways and connections change with experience, through learning from mistakes and even through visualization. Visualizing, or going through the motions of achieving your goal or intention actually creates new neural pathways in your brain that actually increases your chance of success.  This is manifesting! 

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Growth Mindset

Dr. Carol Dweck is well known for her work with students on Growth Mindset.  Her research and findings reinforce the science behind manifestation.  A growth mindset is believing you can do something. When you believe you can do something, you are more likely to take action.  It increases the likelihood of learning from mistakes and becoming more resilient.  Believing you can do something leads to a willingness to do the work which leads to action which results in an increase in your chance of success.  I'm not very good at math but this is an equation I can get behind!

Mindful Meditation

One of the most powerful tools you have to manifest and create your future is mindful meditation.  In a 2018 study published in Neural Plast, evidence showed that mindful meditation can induce plasticity in the brain.  Mindful Meditation is taking time to focus on and visualize the actions necessary to achieve your goal.  For example, if your goal is to train for your first 5K, your daily meditation may include visualizing yourself lacing up your sneakers, running your training route and crossing the finish line to the sound of a crowd cheering you on.  Repeatedly doing this, even for just 5 minutes a day, and consistently showing up for this practice creates new pathways and connections in the brain that make you more likely to head out on a training run and take the actions necessary to run that 5K! That, my friend, is the power the three pound organ between your ears has over your body, health and wellbeing!

Manifest 2023

This new year, take a new approach to your resolutions and goal setting.  Don't wish or dream of a healthy, prosperous 2023, manifest it.  Here are the four steps to take as you embark on this leg of your journey:

1. Set your intention.  Be specific.  Exactly what do you want?  This is probably the easiest part of this and something you have done at the beginning of each year.  What you do from here will be the difference between wishing or dreaming and manifesting.
2. Plot your actions!  In step one you declared a specific goal.  Plotting your actions means identifying ALL the actions that will be necessary to achieve your goal.  It is a good idea at this point to also commit to a deadline.  When would you like to achieve this goal by? I recommend an 8-12 week window.  What specific actions are necessary to achieve your goal.  Write them down in the order to be completed to move forward.  
3. Take Action!  Begin a daily meditation practice where you sit quietly and envision yourself completing the step you are currently working on.  It need be only 5 minutes of your day, but feel free to add minutes as you see fit and helpful.  Set time each day to work on the steps necessary to achieve your goal.  Put it in your calendar and make it as important as a doctors appointment or work.  You NEED to show up...no rescheduling.  
4. Track your progress.  Remember how it felt when you were a kid getting a gold star or a sticker on your activity chart?  You don't need to be in grade school to feel accomplished. Create your own sticker chart or habit tracker. Write your weekly steps down and give yourself a gold star each time you complete an action.  Physically seeing your progress will also motivate you to keep going.  
   

Check In

What is your 2023 goal? What actions will you take to achieve it?
Please share in the comments and then join my Facebook group Manifesting 2023. While you are at it, share this info with family and friends you feel will benefit.  Together we will manifest the best 2023!

HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!