I was listening to another manifestation influencer talk about focused concentration and 25 repetitions of “seeing yourself already having ‘it’”. Then she started on “step 1… step 2…” and she lost me.
This is yet another version of, “if you’re very, very good - you’ll get the reward.” The reward being whatever it is you’re trying to manifest.
Society revolves around this theme in countless ways. We’re taught the reward system from a very young age: if you eat your broccoli, you can have dessert; if you’re good, kind, and follow the rules, you’ll go to heaven. If you vibrate high enough, you’ll manifest all your desires, etc.
So, it’s no surprise that even the world of magic and miracles often follows this theme, too. But what might happen if we moved beyond the traditional “naughty or nice” framework and reframed manifestation as something connected to being rather than doing?
There’s an interesting paradox in manifestation: the minute you stop “efforting,” what you desire often arrives. But we convince ourselves it was the techniques we used—perhaps months earlier—that did the trick. What if, instead, the arrival of that gift had nothing to do with any steps or “games”?
Moving Beyond the Scorecard Mentality:
True freedom is found in letting go of those benchmarks and simply existing as our unaltered, unmonitored selves. Abandoning the reward system can free us from overthinking and the constant monitoring of our "manifestation progress." True manifestation doesn’t require judgment—it’s about stepping into who we already are and allowing things to unfold from there.
Yet, fear can disrupt this by stirring up “chaos without rules” scenarios, imagining lawlessness, disorder, and mayhem if you stop monitoring every wayward thought. While this could fill an entire blog, here’s a brief approach to quiet those unfounded fears. When anxious, spiraling thoughts arise, try these two simple techniques to help ground yourself:
Ask, “Is that happening right now?” The answer will always be no. This question grounds you in the present, helping you to distinguish real, immediate, tangible events from hypothetical fears.
2. Ask, “Would I personally participate in that unruly, chaotic behavior?” Once again, the answer is always no. Recognizing this helps you separate yourself from those thoughts, realizing they don’t define you or your true, here-and-now reality that reflects the real you.
These techniques create a small but powerful shift, grounding you in the here and now and reminding you of the reality that fear often distorts.
As the Creators of our realities, we’re meant to play, expand, and thrive beyond any imposed limits. If anything ever feels like a cage, it's likely because it doesn’t belong in the life of an empowered creator.
When we focus on being rather than doing, we tap into a place where ease and wonder naturally arise. Instead of measuring ourselves by progress or tracking our every thought, we can allow life to unfold in its own way, free from rigid expectations. This isn’t about abandoning our dreams or desires but realizing that, by embracing the present and trusting in our own innate essence, we create the best foundation for those desires to manifest effortlessly.
So, next time you find yourself reaching for “steps” or questioning if you’re “doing it right,” consider pausing. Let yourself simply be and discover the subtle magic that exists in that quiet, powerful space. In being, we find not only ease but the unexpected wonders that emerge when we let go of the need to constantly adjust, achieve, or fix ourselves. It’s here, in this fullness of being, that life’s true treasures reveal themselves. After all, what did you do to raise the sun this morning? Not a damn thing. Bingo.
💋Kristen
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