01 March,2026 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Aastha Atray Banan
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Well, it's not just dreaming up something, and finding it on your doorstep the next day. For me, it's the process of getting clear in your head about a goal, and taking steps to achieve it, often believing and living like it's already come true. As they say, the mind doesn't know what's real or not, so if you train it a certain way, it behaves like that. It's about turning your dreams into tangible results through focused energy and purposeful work, not just wishing.
But how do we do it well? Let's get into it.
It is said the original idea of manifestation was reflected in Hinduism, which is built on the concepts of karma - the belief that actions and intentions influence future outcomes. Hinduism also talks of the law of attraction. A National Geographic article quoted Christopher Key Chapple, an Indic and comparative theology professor at Loyola Marymount University, as saying, "The law of attraction is rehashed karma theory." It also says that manifestation-like principles appear as early as the Rig Veda.
We were listening to The Mel Robbins Podcast this week, and came across an episode called: Simple mindset shifts that transform your body, energy, and life. In this Robbins speaks to Dr Alia Crum, a Stanford professor who is a leading psychology and mindset researcher. And Dr Crum says, "Changing your mindset is just changing the settings of your brain." And that was when a light bulb went on.
If we could change the settings of our mind, we could, well, change our lives. For example, how do we see the world: "just" or "unjust". If we can change that to "just", would our life experiences will then be different? The episode made me realise that we overthink our innate beliefs, and fear changing our mind. But it can be done. And if we thought everything was possible, and worked towards our goals, would that not shape our world in a completely different way? Think about it.
The Mel Robbins Podcast is available on all streaming platforms
Instagram is full of neuroscientists telling you how to manifest, driven by scientific facts. We break it down for you
. Clearly define your goals to activate your brain's Reticular Activating System (a network of neurons that act as the brain's primary filter and regulate consciousness and attention).
. Actively focus on your goals to tell your brain that these opportunities are important, so you will notice
them more.
. Repeatedly write down things and speak out affirmations so as to build new neural connections.
. Work on your goals - take steps towards them.
. Regulate your nervous system with gratitude, mindfulness and meditation.
Manifest the Life You Love by Carolyn Boyes
What we liked about this book was that it speaks of science as well, answering questions like why does your brain regard one thing important and disregard another? It's not vague at all, and doesn't just involve a "vision board", but takes you through seven steps to get what you want.
Manifest and Manifest: Dive Deeper by Roxie Nafousi
We really enjoyed both these books, especially the second, as it's a workbook and you are asked to jot down your feelings and your desires. It's all about aligning your actions to the reality you want to manifest. Practical and grounded.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
The OG book is still our favourite, as it very easily and clearly tells you what to do. It's so simple that it should be illegal. But we feel we act too cynical to even try it out. It always works. Replace bad thoughts with good, and just start changing the narrative of your life.
