The reason “manifestation” works

When you look for a certain kind of car on the road, you start seeing it everywhere. This is called “frequency illusion,” or the Baader-Meinhof effect. It helps explain the idea of manifestation. 

The reason manifestation works isn’t because the universe magically gives you what you hope for. Manifestation works because once you look for a certain kind of outcome, you start seeing opportunities for it everywhere. You’re unlikely to accomplish something that you don’t believe is possible—but if you spend time manifesting it (or, in layman’s terms, “thinking” about it), more avenues open up to find it. 

Another unexpected benefit from manifestation is that it helps stave off daydreaming. I’ve got dreams to one day meet famous authors and be a guest on their podcasts. But instead of wasting time daydreaming about what it might look like, I just say to myself “that will happen someday.” I move on with my day, and stay focused on the next action.