How to Manifest What You Want: A 7-Step Guide to Working with the Universe
Manifest a high vibration
We're all dreamers in one way or another. Whether it’s a quiet longing for something more or a vivid picture of the life we wish we were living, there’s a part of us that’s always reaching. And this is where the magic of manifestation begins—with imagination. Learning how to manifest what you want means daring to believe that what you envision is possible, then learning how to align with it in your everyday life.
Once you allow yourself to really believe in those dreams—even just a little—the Universe shifts with you and opens up many opportunities to create reality from your heartfelt visions. What once felt distant begins to feel within reach. The moment you decide to stop holding back and start moving with intention, the energy around you starts to shift—subtle at first, but powerful over time.
It often begins with clarity, followed by a sense of connection. When you start showing up differently, the world around you responds. You begin to notice small synchronicities, moments of flow, and choices that feel more aligned than before. Some days will feel uncertain, but over time, those gentle shifts can build real momentum.
Steps to Manifest Your Dreams
The steps I’m sharing below are inspired by the work of manifestation mentor Roxie Nafousi, whose grounded yet soulful approach helped shape how I personally approach the practice.
As you take this journey to reconnect with your desires and shift the way you move through the world, remember: each step is an invitation to pause, reflect, and take aligned action toward the life you’re ready to create. With consistency, openness, and trust, this practice can begin to weave new possibilities into your everyday life—quietly, and often beautifully.
Let's begin.
Create clear intentions
Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on What You Want
Clarity is the foundation of manifestation. We all have an idea of what we want in life, but sometimes we don't take the time to truly define it. So, slow down and get curious about your desires. What does your dream life look like? How do you feel in that version of you?
Being vague about what you want or allowing doubt to sneak in sends out fuzzy energy, which will bring mixed results. So write down every little detail, even the ones that feel a bit out there. The sky’s the limit here, so don’t hold back. Close your eyes and picture it in full color. The more you connect with your vision—heart, mind, and all—the more magnetic it becomes.
If you want to explore this step even further, check out my post on how to set clear intentions for manifestation—it’s packed with ideas to help you raise your energy and align with the Universe (or God, Source, or whatever name feels right for you). That connection is yours alone, and it grows stronger when your intentions are rooted in feeling, trust, and belief in what’s possible.
Tip: When I get stuck, I ask myself, “What do I truly want—and why?” That little question always brings me back to what really matters. The “why” behind your dream carries the energy that helps it come alive.
Step 2: Release Doubt and Limiting Beliefs
It's totally normal for doubt and old beliefs to sneak in when you're trying to manifest something new. Sometimes our minds hold onto stories that say, “This isn’t possible for me,” or “I’m not enough,” and those stories can quietly block the energy we’re trying to send out to the Universe.
Often, those limiting beliefs are just echoes of past experiences—something someone might have once said to you or fears that no longer serve you. The good news? You have the power to question them and make space for new, empowering thoughts.
One of my favorite ways to do this is through journaling. When a doubt pops up, I write it down and then challenge it. For example, if the thought is, “I’ll never be able to do this,” I ask myself, “Is that really true? What evidence do I have that says I can?” Over time, this shifts my mindset and clears the path for new possibilities.
Affirmations can also be really helpful as simple reminders of your worth and potential. Something like, “I am worthy of my dreams,” or “I trust myself to take the right steps,” can slowly reprogram those old thought patterns.
Remember, this isn’t about pushing doubts away harshly or pretending they don’t exist, but about noticing them, understanding where they come from, and choosing to move forward anyway—with compassion for yourself along the way.
Trust Yourself and the Universe
Step 3: Align Your Actions and Behavior
Dreaming is powerful—but the steps we take each day truly bring those dreams closer. When your daily choices and habits reflect what you want, you’re sending a clear message to the Universe that you’re ready to receive.
With intentions set and your heart connected to your vision, something beautiful happens: your subconscious begins to believe these dreams are real, gently steering your actions toward your goals. For example, if you’re craving more peace, maybe it means carving out a few quiet moments to breathe deeply or turning off your phone during meals. If abundance feels important, it could be as simple as tracking your spending or practicing generosity in small ways.
Each choice becomes a ripple—a quiet but powerful sign of your commitment to the life you’re creating. Think of it like tuning an instrument—when your thoughts, feelings, and actions are in harmony, your manifestations start to flow more smoothly.
Remind yourself to be patient and kind toward yourself during your journey. It’s not something to rush, and it won’t always go perfectly. Embrace the moments that matter, no matter how small. Trust in yourself and the Universe to guide you.
Tip: I like to ask myself, “What small action today can reflect my vision?” It helps me stay grounded and connected, especially when the big picture feels far away.
Step 4: Stay Open When the Universe Tests You
Delays, detours, and moments of frustration are natural parts of the journey. Sometimes the Universe sends these experiences as gentle nudges—tests that prepare you for what’s next.
It’s easy to feel discouraged during these times, but I’ve learned that these challenges are often invitations to grow and strengthen your commitment. When you shift your perspective from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I learn here?” you open the door to new possibilities and deeper resilience.
Your mindset always plays a huge role. Approaching your path with kindness, love, and patience—toward yourself and the world around you—creates an energy that reflects back in beautiful ways. The positive energy you put out acts like a magnet, drawing in experiences and people that support your growth and progress.
Stay open. Keep your heart soft and your faith steady. Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come right after the hardest moments.
Tip: When things get tough or confusing, I try to find a moment to laugh—whether it’s at life’s unexpected twists or my own mistakes. Having a good sense of humor keeps my spirit light and reminds me not to take things too seriously, helping me shift my energy and move forward with grace.
Practice gratitude and raise your vibration
Step 5: Practice Gratitude Without Attachment
When gratitude becomes part of your daily rhythm, you start to notice just how abundant your life truly is. That feeling of appreciation naturally raises your vibration, bringing more joy and openness into your experience. A higher vibration sends a clear message to the Universe that you’re ready to receive even more blessings and opportunities.
Regularly practicing gratitude also rewires your brain, helping you focus more on the positive aspects of life and creating new neural pathways that support joy and abundance. This shift strengthens your mindset and makes it easier to stay open and optimistic on your manifestation journey.
At the same time, gratitude flows best when it’s free from expectation. Feeling thankful for what you already have, without clinging to specific outcomes, creates a gentle but powerful energy that helps your manifestations unfold naturally—often in ways you hadn’t imagined.
Tip: A simple way to bring this practice into your life is by ending each day listing three things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Over time, this habit deepens your positive mindset and strengthens your connection with the life you’re building.
Step 6: Turn Envy into Inspiration
Have you ever noticed a little twinge of envy when you see someone living a life that looks just like the one you’re dreaming of? That feeling is totally natural—it’s part of being human. But it’s important to recognize that envy carries a lower vibration that can nudge us off our path if we sit with it for too long. The key is to notice it—and then turn it into something empowering.
Instead of letting envy pull you down, welcome it as a reminder from the Universe that your dreams are possible. Let it encourage and inspire you. Rather than comparing, celebrate others and use their success as fuel for your own manifestation journey. Their achievements are proof that what you desire is within reach—and can reignite your motivation and sense of possibility.
When you view others as expanders—people lighting the way and showing what’s available—you open your heart and naturally raise your vibration. That energy shift invites even more joy and abundance into your life. Just remember, someone else’s light doesn’t dim yours. There’s more than enough space for all of us to shine.
Tip: When envy pops up, pause and ask yourself, “What is this feeling showing me about what I truly want?” That simple insight can inspire your next aligned step.
Trust the Universe’s timing.
Step 7: Trust the Universe and Let Go
Letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means loosening your grip and allowing space for miracles to unfold. When you’ve done the inner work, aligned your energy, and stayed open to receiving, the final step is trust.
Trust the Universe’s timing. Trust that what’s meant for you will not pass you by. Trust in your own growth and your ability to stay connected to your desires even when things feel uncertain.
Letting go allows you to live from a place of ease rather than control. It creates the space for your manifestations to come through in ways more magical and meaningful than you may have imagined.
Tip: Try repeating this to yourself: “I trust the timing of my life. I let go and stay open to receive.” Even saying it softly can anchor you in peace and possibility.
You’re Already on Your Way
Now that you know how to manifest what you want, you’re already on your way.
Each step you take—whether it’s getting clear about your goals, aligning your actions, or shifting your mindset—sends a powerful signal to the Universe that you’re open, ready, and willing to grow. Manifestation is a personal journey, one that unfolds in layers. Some days it may feel like everything is flowing effortlessly, and other days you may question it all. That’s okay. Keep going anyway.
What matters most is the energy you hold as you move through this process. The more you nurture your frequency with intention, love, and trust, the more magnetic your dreams become.
For extra support, I’ve put together a post on how to create clear intentions for manifestation that can help you dive even deeper into Step 1. And if you’d like regular encouragement and tips on your journey, I invite you to join my newsletter. As a subscriber, you’ll receive a password to the manifestation and holistic self-care library where you can find resources to help you along the way.
You’re not alone on this path, and there’s no need to rush. Every step, every shift in perspective, every choice to believe in your dreams—it all matters.
You’re doing beautifully.
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Create clear intentions and align with the Universe…
Key Takeaways
How to manifest is a practice of aligning your internal state with your external desires. By following these seven steps, you can create a powerful rhythm that signals to the Universe you are ready to receive. It starts with a clear vision, moves through releasing self-doubt and taking aligned action, and is supported by a grateful mindset.
Remember to stay open to challenges and to see the success of others as an inspiration for your own potential. Ultimately, the process is about trusting yourself and the Universe to bring your deepest desires to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the law of attraction?
The law of attraction is the belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life. It is the idea that "like attracts like," and it is a core concept within the practice of manifestation.
How long does it take to manifest something?
The time it takes to manifest something varies greatly and is unique to each individual. The speed of manifestation depends on factors such as your clarity of intention, your emotional state, the presence of limiting beliefs, and your willingness to take aligned action. It's best to release a timeline and focus on the process rather than the end result.
Is manifestation a religious practice?
No, manifestation is a spiritual or self-development practice, not a religion. While many religious traditions include elements of prayer and faith that align with the principles of manifestation, the practice itself is non-denominational and can be used by anyone, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs.
What are some common manifestation mistakes?
Common mistakes include a lack of clarity, focusing on the "how" instead of the "what," not taking any aligned action, resisting challenges, and trying to control every detail. The key is to trust the process, stay open, and focus on the energy you are putting out. Try creating a sacred space where you can focus on your manifestation journey.