Manifestation: Same Old Trend, Just A New Name

“Manifesting”, a term that has gained popularity on Tiktok, refers to the idea of bringing something into existence through one’s thoughts and beliefs. While many people are under the impression that manifestation is a new life-changing concept that everyone should do. In reality, manifestation is simply a modern-day term for techniques that have been used for centuries. So in this article, we are going to explore how Manifestation is nothing new.

‘Manifestation’ Terms Throughout The Years

Just to give you an idea on how many different variations of ‘manifesting’ has occurred over past couple of decades, here are several similar concepts, some of which you might be familiar with either by personal experience or by pop culture.

“Visualization/Visualizing”

Visualization is the practice of creating a mental image of a desired outcome. By focusing on this mental image, one can align their thoughts, emotions, and actions with the desired outcome. It is a technique that has been used by athletes, performers, and successful people in all walks of life. The term has also been frequently used in self-help books for people who have trouble ‘visualizing’ what they want in life. Also let’s be real, practically every parent/guardian at one point has said “You got to visualize your goals/success/future!”

“Positive Thinking/Mindset”

A simple and straight to the point concept, maintaining a ‘positive mindset’ is the practice of focusing on positive thoughts and beliefs, and avoiding negative thoughts and self-doubt. This technique is seen as an important part of self development as it helps cultivate a happy and uplifting mindset and energy. By continually living with a ‘positive mindset’ you can eventually achieve effective results and productive life changes, due to a more ‘positive’ lifestyle and outlook.

“Vision Boards”

Vision Boards involves creating a physical collage of images and words that represent your desires and goals. Popularized by an almost endless supply of self-help books and satirized to death by most sitcoms and comedies, vision boarding acts as a visual representation of what you want to achieve in life, and helps you stay focused on your intentions and increase your belief in your ability to achieve them.

How Is ‘Manifesting’ Different?

While the concept of manifesting isn’t anything new, it takes the techniques of these previous iterations a step further by emphasizing the importance of your thoughts and emotions, and adds a more spiritual approach to it.

The process of manifestation typically involves setting clear intentions, visualizing your desired outcomes, and taking inspired actions toward achieving your goals (Sounds kind of familiar doesn’t it?). However, there have been manifestation trends that focus on journaling one’s desires and often times involving daily repetitive actions. As a result, the popularized practice that is showcased on social media is often a combination of techniques, such as positive affirmations, visualization, and meditation.

If It’s Nothing New Why Is It Popular?

The popularity of manifesting can be attributed to the rise of influencer culture on social media as it made it easier for people to share their experiences. With every new success story that is highlighted on your feed, it will eventually lead to an increase in interest in these techniques in order to replicate these successes.

Additionally, both Millennials and Gen Z are going through a series of social and financial problems that requires a focus on self-improvement and personal growth. As both generations have faced country wide issues such as economic recessions, viral outbreaks, and general social divides, the concept of ‘manifesting’ becomes a natural fit for those seeking to better themselves and to attempt finding a a more successful path of stability and self-fulfillment.

So Should We Continue ‘Manifesting’?

While manifestation is not a new concept but rather a generational synonym, the underlying idea of creating a mental image of a desired outcome is something a lot of people can connect with and pursue. If a rebranded self-help concept can continue to help people make better choices and live a more fulfilling life, then let people manifest! But if manifestation is all you ever talk about then you should visualize a vision board about positive thinking.

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