Manifestation, or turning an idea into reality, is a popular concept that initially may seem to be based on pseudoscience. However, the view that our thoughts and feelings influence our behavior (and vice versa) is at the heart of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). For instance, if you believe you can achieve a goal, you are more likely to put in the work to achieve it. Our beliefs bring about behaviors that can lead to results. This is different than the law of attraction definition of manifestation that suggests belief alone can bring about results. Further, our expectations, positive or negative, tend to be confirmed. Therefore, if you expect to reach a goal, you are more likely to reach it through actions. Conversely, if you don’t believe you can achieve a goal, you are less likely to reach it.

Take Action With Helpful Thinking

On the Today show, Chamin Ajjan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Member of National Social Anxiety Center, discusses manifestion through Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She outlines the importance of action stemming from helpful thinking, and how action enables goal achievement. She states, “Ideas and beliefs are the fuel, actions are the engine, and you are the vehicle that gets from point A to point B.” Chamin outlines a series of steps to facilitate manifestation: 1. Identify what it is you want 2. Reflect on your values (i.e., what is meaningful and important to you) 3. Set an intention (and carve out time to reflect on and visualize your goal) 4. Create a plan for taking action 5. Take action, and 6. Review what is working and change your action plan, as needed.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Can Help

Cognitive behavior therapy can help you to clarify your goals and create an evidence-based plan of action to manifest your goals. For instance, Chamin discusses how people who experience social anxiety may need the assistance of a cognitive behavior therapist to set specific goals and practice strategies aimed at decreasing the hinderance of social anxiety to living one’s daily life. CBTDenver is proud to be Denver regional clinic of the National Social Anxiety Center and can help with social or other anxiety that gets in the way of manifesting your goals. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at CBTDenver.