By Julie-Ann Sherlock
By now, you will know that if it’s “happening”, it’s on TikTok. One of the latest trends to take over the social media platform is manifestation. While I am all about positive thinking, I am sceptical about magically making your dreams come true, as many TikTokers claim. So I decided to dive a little deeper and see what is going on with the #Manifestation trend.
Is it possible to attract what you want into your life simply by focusing your thoughts and emotions on it? It sounds crazy to me, but thousands of people swear by it to achieve their dreams. So, let’s take a look!
Trending On TikTok: But What Is Manifestation?
Manifestation is the practice of using positive thinking and visualisation exercises to bring a desired outcome into reality. It is a concept based on the Law of Attraction, which suggests that the power of our thoughts and feelings can attract what we want into our lives.
The idea is often associated with New Age and spiritual practices, but it actually has its roots in ancient African practices. Back in the early 2000s, the film and book The Secret brought the practice to a new audience (me included!). It has once more gained popularity recently thanks to the TikTok trend.
It involves setting clear intentions, focusing on what you want to achieve, and using visualisation exercises to realise your goals. This can involve creating vision boards, repeating affirmations, or meditating on your desired outcome. Many people also believe in the power of positive thinking and gratitude to help manifest their desires.
But why is manifestation so popular, especially on TikTok? It has become a viral sensation, with thousands of users sharing their manifestation success stories and tips for attracting abundance, love, and success into their lives. Perhaps it’s trending because we all want to feel like we have some control over our lives, especially during uncertain times.
The practice of manifestation techniques can give us a sense of urgency and encourage us to focus on what we want rather than dwelling on life’s negatives.
Whether you believe in it or not, the trend has sparked a conversation about the importance of positive thinking and setting clear intentions and goals. It encourages people to be proactive in creating the life they want and to focus on the things that bring them joy and fulfilment.
But Does It Work?
Of course, manifestation is not a magic solution to all of life’s problems. It’s not a substitute for hard work or taking action to achieve your goals. However, it can be a valuable tool for cultivating a positive mindset and attracting new opportunities. Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, it’s hard to deny the power of positive thinking and its impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Daily affirmations such as “I deserve to be loved” or “The world is better with me in it” can change your mindset and help you believe in yourself and how important you are in the world. This can be so powerful, especially at times of self-doubt or when you are struggling with some shitstorm life has decided to throw at you. Taking back some of the control in your mind can help you have the confidence to take control of your life.
While my manifestations asking to be rich, thin and have a hot boyfriend have yet to become a reality, it reminds me that if I genuinely want these things, I must work for them. Using TikTok affirmations such as “I don’t chase, I attract. What belongs to me will simply find me” is a cop-out in my book and won’t work without me putting myself in the path of the things I want.
Another popular manifestation trend on TikTok is the 369 method. This method involves writing down what you want to manifest three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon, and nine times at night. The idea is to focus your energy on what you want, and the repetition reinforces the positive mindset needed to attract what you desire.
For me, writing down what I want to do or tasks I need to complete helps embed them more into my brain and makes me more likely to achieve them, so perhaps the 369 method is a more intense way of doing this?
If you decide to try manifestation, it’s important to remember that it is not a quick fix or a replacement for hard work and action. It is a tool to help you focus your thoughts and energy on what you want, and it can supplement your efforts to achieve your goals.
Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, exploring the manifestation trend on TikTok is a fun way to spend some time. You may even discover new techniques and strategies that help you focus on achieving your goals and manifesting your desires!