More than an ask

Manifestation blends neuroscience and wellness by aligning thoughts, mindset, and habits to nurture inner balance, intentional living, and lasting personal transformation, writes Anamika Mishra

Manifestation isn’t just wishful thinking or a collection of positive affirmations; it’s about understanding the intricacies of how our brains work, recognising the patterns in our thoughts, and making intentional choices in our daily lives. By tapping into these patterns and rewiring our brains, we can begin to shape the reality we desire.

The brain’s filtering system

At any given moment, the human brain processes around 11 million bits of information. However, our conscious mind can only handle about 40 bits of this data at a time. This means that our brain is constantly filtering out the information it deems irrelevant, while letting in what it believes is most important. The way our brain filters information is shaped by our focus, beliefs, and mindset.

This “filtering” mechanism is controlled by the Reticular Activating System (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem that acts as a gatekeeper to incoming stimuli. Have you ever noticed how, when you’re thinking about buying a red car, suddenly it feels like there are red cars everywhere? That’s your RAS at work, highlighting the information that is most relevant to your current state of mind.

Now imagine you could train this system to highlight opportunities rather than obstacles, and strengths instead of self-doubt. This is where the science behind manifestation becomes powerful. By shifting our focus and mindset, we can actively programme our RAS to direct us towards positive and constructive outcomes.

Beyond visualisation

Manifestation goes deeper than simply imagining what you want to achieve. It taps into a psychological principle known as cognitive priming. This concept suggests that when we repeatedly visualise or affirm a goal, we are essentially rehearsing it in our minds.

Studies have shown that mental rehearsal activates the same regions in the brain as physical practice. This is why Olympic athletes, performers, and high achievers use mental imagery before competitions or performances — not as a form of fantasy, but as a way to prepare the brain to believe that the desired outcome is both possible and familiar.

This mental training helps to solidify a belief that the goal is attainable, which in turn influences actions, decision-making, and emotional responses. It’s not simply about seeing the end result; it’s about priming the brain to accept it as part of your reality.

Mindset: The foundation of manifestation

One of the most profound discoveries in the realm of manifestation is the concept that mindset shapes action. Our thoughts influence how we feel, and how we feel influences what we do. Over time, repeated actions become habits, and habits form the foundation for the outcomes we experience.

Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on a growth mindset demonstrates that people who believe they can change are more likely to put in the necessary effort, recover from setbacks, and ultimately achieve their goals. On the other hand, those who hold fixed beliefs about their abilities are more likely to sabotage their progress.

Changing your beliefs isn’t easy, however. Our brains are wired to prefer what’s familiar, even if that familiarity is limiting. This is why many people stay stuck in cycles of self-doubt, overthinking, or fear of failure. The inner narrative of “I’m not ready,” “I’ll never be good enough,” or “What if I fail?” becomes an almost constant soundtrack that prevents us from taking the necessary steps towards our desired reality.

Breaking the cycle

The first step in shifting your mindset is awareness. It’s crucial to notice the thoughts that arise, especially in moments of discomfort or uncertainty. Are these thoughts kind and supportive? Or are they rooted in fear and outdated beliefs?

Manifestation begins not with grand dreams but with small, deliberate changes. It starts by paying attention to the thoughts you repeat to yourself and consciously redirecting your focus towards what you want to cultivate in your life. This is the essence of mindful manifestation: taking control of your mental space and focusing on what truly matters.

Mindfulness: The key to shifting mindsets

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can be a game-changer when it comes to manifestation. Mindfulness helps you respond with intention rather than reacting impulsively to life’s challenges. Research has shown that mindfulness strengthens the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for planning, decision-making, and emotional regulation. With greater clarity and emotional control, you can remain aligned with your goals, even in the face of distractions.

While tools like visualisation, affirmations, and journaling are helpful, they work best when they are grounded in belief, consistency, and action. The brain requires repetition to form new neural pathways, and repetition requires patience and commitment. Manifestation isn’t about wishing for something to happen — it’s about consistently reminding yourself of who you’re becoming and aligning your actions with that vision.

Manifestation & neuroscience

At its core, manifestation aligns closely with neuroscience. Repetition strengthens neural pathways, focus hones them, belief activates them, and action transforms them into reality. This is the process of rewiring the brain to support your desired outcomes.

However, true transformation takes time. It doesn’t happen through a single moment of inspiration or a quick fix. The most lasting changes are the ones that occur quietly and consistently, in the moments when you choose clarity over chaos, belief over fear, and growth over comfort. Every small shift in thought and behaviour adds up over time to create a new reality.

The key to effective manifestation is not magic, but mindful awareness, mental conditioning, and aligned action. By understanding how the brain works and actively engaging in practices that reinforce positive beliefs and behaviours, we can begin to shift our mindset and reality.

None of this is instantaneous. Transformation occurs in the subtle, everyday choices we make. It happens when we choose to break free from limiting beliefs, quiet the noise of self-doubt, and focus on the possibilities that lie ahead. By integrating both science and intention, we can create the life we envision, one small shift at a time.

(Anamika Mishra is a certified life coach and the author of Shoo the Noises: Reclaim your Focus and Manifest your Dream Life, recently published by Bloomsbury.)