
Are you manifesting your desires? Are you having any trouble with manifesting? These are questions I often hear, and I totally get why.
To put it simply, manifesting is always at work; it can’t be broken. However, you might be getting in your own way by not putting in the effort.
The truth is, manifesting doesn’t happen effortlessly. It requires some serious mindset changes.
So, when people are frustrated because their manifesting isn’t working, the first step is to reflect on themselves. It might not be the most satisfying advice, but often the issue is with our own vibes.
If you truly want to bring your desires into reality, it’s time to buckle down and do the necessary work. Keep reading to know the reasons why manifesting doesn’t work for you yet and practical tips on how to resolve the issue.
Reasons Why You Aren’t Manifesting Your Desires
You Don’t Really Want What You Want
Are you going after what I call “old dreams”? You know, those dreams you’ve been talking about since you were a kid (or a teenager or in your early thirties). Sometimes, we keep saying we want something, but deep down, we’ve evolved and changed. The truth is, that big dream isn’t what we truly desire anymore.
Many people struggle to let go of these dreams because it feels like admitting failure. But the real failure is persistently pursuing something that no longer excites you! Seriously, what’s the point of that?
Our time and energy are limited here on Earth. As we naturally grow and change, we sometimes need to leave behind things that no longer serve us.
Even if you haven’t reached that old dream, it still serves a purpose. It guided you and gave you the ambition to move forward. But at times, it’s essential to acknowledge what’s happened and exchange that old dream for something new.
Let’s be honest: manifesting isn’t really about the specific goal itself. It’s about the personal growth and transformation you experience on the journey.
“There is a truth deep down inside of you that has been waiting for you to discover it, and that truth is this: you deserve all good things life has to offer.”
— Rhonda Byrne
Your Desires Aren’t Clear
I’m always emphasizing how crucial it is to be clear about your intentions. In other words, stop wishing for vague things like “being rich” or “finding love.” While those are wonderful aspirations, by some definitions, you might already have some richness and love in your life!
So, what do you really want? Get down to the specifics! If you can’t define it, it’ll be challenging to bring it into existence. (How will you even recognize it when it arrives?)
If you’re seeking a romantic partner, be really clear about the qualities you desire. Take some time to get specific (height, profession, and all those important details!). Then, set your list aside and remain open to what unfolds.
If you’re aiming to manifest money, choose an actual dollar amount. And remember, you can ask for more later! This isn’t your one and only opportunity.
Be specific, but also be cautious about fixating on where that money must come from. Many of us believe money can only come from our jobs, but that’s just one source! Money can flow in various ways, and the more we try to control the entire process, the fewer opportunities become available to us. So, allow a little room for magic to surprise you!
You Have Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality. Do you believe in your power to manifest your desires? If not, that’s likely why your manifestations aren’t coming to fruition.
It’s essential to recognize that you create your own barriers when it comes to manifesting your dreams.
Have you ever seen someone stuck in a never-ending cycle of complaining about the same issues? They remain trapped in negativity and, as a result, keep attracting more reasons to complain. The key to change is breaking free from this loop and taking action.
It’s quite common to be ensnared in negative thought patterns, creating a repetitive cycle. Many of these patterns are learned in childhood, but the good news is you can break free from them and retrain your mind to be your biggest supporter instead of your harshest critic.
Imagine yourself as the future version of yourself who has already achieved what you’re striving for. Act as they do and feel what they feel. Be that person. They didn’t get there by dwelling in a pessimistic and negative cycle, did they?
Whenever doubts arise, counter them with positive affirmations. Arm yourself with uplifting affirmations or mantras that you repeat daily. Affirmations act like a protective shield for your mind, preventing negative thoughts from taking control.
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”
— Willie Nelson
There’s a Hidden Side that You Haven’t Explored
Behind every goal and aspiration, there’s a side you might not have thought about yet. If you haven’t taken the time to explore this hidden side, you could unknowingly hinder your progress.
Shadowwork is crucial for successful manifesting because failing to confront the darker aspects of yourself and your desires can lead to them controlling you.
So, it’s essential to reflect on the potential challenges and drawbacks that might come with your intentions. Maybe you’re secretly worried about becoming wealthy because you fear your older siblings will ask you for money. Perhaps you’re concerned that finding a fantastic relationship might make your friends envious and distant.
You Are Avoiding Something
Another common issue I often come across in manifestation is what’s known as the “spiritual bypass.” Life is a series of lessons, and it’s crucial to remember that these lessons are meant to help us grow, not to harm us.
Think of life like a video game at times! You need to conquer the lesson in front of you before you can progress to the next level.
Sometimes, we attempt to manifest our way out of problems to avoid confronting them head-on. But that’s akin to burying your head in the sand. By doing so, you’re avoiding the very thing that requires your attention the most.
So, when you try to manifest your way around something you’re deeply afraid of, it’s unlikely to succeed. No amount of positive energy can compensate for the fear and resistance you have towards the issue.
Remember, what you resist tends to persist! If you genuinely want to move forward in life, it’s time to summon your courage and confront the matter you’ve been trying so hard to evade.
“Never allow your mind to wander untamed like a wild animal that exists on the basis of survival of the fittest. Tame your mind with consistent focus on your goals and desires.”
— Stephen Richards
You Are Clingy Too Hard to the Outcome
Another reason you might struggle with manifesting your desires is holding on too tightly to the outcome.
Just like being overly clingy in a relationship can push someone away, being too fixated on your desire can hinder its manifestation and bring about feelings of fear and anxiety about not having it yet.
This excessive attachment to the outcome stems from dwelling on what’s missing rather than embodying the energy of the person who already possesses what they desire.
I’ve definitely been guilty of obsessing over what I want, much like a child repeatedly asking, “Are we there yet?” until they irritate their parents enough to pull the car over or, worse, turn back.
You can’t be so laser-focused on the end result that you forget to embrace the present moment, potentially missing important signs and opportunities from the universe.
It’s essential to release your grip on the outcome. Understand what you desire, send your intentions out into the universe, and then release it.
You Are Overthinking How and When You’ll Manifest Your Desires
In our fast-paced world of instant gratification, it’s entirely natural to want things “right now.” Many of us prefer having control over when and how things unfold. However, unless you possess a magical lamp (if you find one, please share!), you can’t make things happen in the blink of an eye.
When you release your desires into the Universe, you must relinquish control and have faith that things will manifest in the right time and manner for you.
Ask yourself, Are you worrying about why your manifestations aren’t working ever made them happen any faster? In my experience, it hasn’t. It reveals a lack of trust in the process.
Impatience because your manifestations aren’t working as quickly as you’d like can lead you to give up just before the magic is about to unfold.
Instead of constantly searching for signs that your manifestations aren’t progressing, let go and have faith.
Learning to release the need to know how and when it will happen takes practice and time. So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you catch yourself wondering. Simply gently shift your thoughts and feelings and focus on the sensation of your desires already being fulfilled.
“The idea is the first currency of the Universe, so pay attention to the ideas that are in harmony with your vision.”
— Mary Morrissey
You Have a ‘Not Enough’ Mindset
When you approach the art of manifesting from a mindset that feels like you’re lacking, it can become a stumbling block.
People generally fall into one of two categories: those with a growth mindset and those with a lack mindset. Take a guess which group tends to attract more abundance and happiness? It’s the folks with a growth mindset!
The thing is, individuals with a growth mindset don’t attract more positivity because their lives are already perfect. It’s because their mindset remains open to opportunities for growth, abundance, wealth, and happiness. They value what they have in the present while believing they can achieve and experience even more.
If you request more from the universe while deep down believing it’s out of reach, you’re essentially setting yourself up for a self-fulfilling prophecy. Opportunities may be all around you, but you won’t even notice them because you hold an underlying belief that you’re powerless and forever trapped in your current circumstances.
You Aren’t Taking Action to Manifest Your Desires
Manifesting isn’t about just receiving what you want on a silver platter. While sometimes things seem to magically appear, there are instances where you need to take action when the universe signals you to do so.
Remember when we discussed how constant complaints can attract more reasons to complain? Well, the same principle applies here. If you’re simply sitting around waiting for your desired manifestation, what are you drawing in? More waiting.
Your manifestation may not be working because you’re not putting in the effort. This doesn’t mean you have to struggle, but it does mean you should actively seek out or create opportunities and seize them.
For instance, if you want to manifest a healthier body, that means you need to invest time in preparing nutritious meals and staying active. If you’re aiming to manifest more money, you might need to explore additional income sources or ask for a raise.
Visualization of your desires is important, but you also have to meet the universe halfway with your actions. Like attracts like, so when you put in the work, the universe will match your effort.
Imagine your ideal self and future. Did that future version of you achieve their goals by idly wondering, “Why isn’t manifesting working for me?” No, they took action, one small step at a time, every single day. Your ideal self didn’t wait for Monday or next week; they began today and kept moving forward.
Be the person who takes action.
Visualization + Feeling as if You already have It + Action = Manifestation
You can explore success tips with the book “8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting” by Mandy Morris.