Introduction to ManifestationManifestation, popularised through New Age texts such as The Secret, has become a cultural phenomenon. “Manifest” was the word of the year 2024. It suggests that visualising one’s desires can bring them into reality. While often dismissed as pseudoscientific, neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan in her book The Neuroscience of Manifesting argues that there are credible mechanisms within the brain that can make manifestation an effective psychological practice.
Manifestation is the process of transforming thought into reality by visualising a goal, focusing attention on it, and taking action – in short, making things happen. Although it cannot defy physics or produce magical outcomes, it can alter behaviour and influence future experiences.
There are two common reasons people dismiss manifestation:
- It is viewed as wishful thinking.
- It is seen as lacking scientific credibility.
Dr Brennan contends that these criticisms overlook real cognitive mechanisms such as mental rehearsal, priming, and neuroplasticity, which provide a legitimate basis for why manifestation techniques can be beneficial.
Thoughts and emotions are powerful influencers of behaviour. Brennan explains that individuals often underestimate the impact of internal dialogue. By changing internal narratives, people can redirect attention and alter behavioural patterns.
“With clarity, you are giving your brain very specific information about what is important to you… manifesting is about having the clarity around your goals and then visualising the steps that you need to take to achieve those goals.”
Manifestation begins with self-compassion. Negative self-talk inhibits motivation and cognitive flexibility. Neuroscience shows that being kind to oneself:
- Reduces self-critical thoughts.
- Diminishes fear and stress.
- Creates an optimal cognitive environment for planning and positive thinking.
Using kindness and self-directed compassion activates brain regions associated with emotional regulation and memory. These regions support the development of helpful habits through neural reinforcement.
“If you consciously control your thinking and your acting, you can influence your reality and your future.”
Manifestation works through:
- Addressing cognitive biases.
- Understanding the brain’s shortcuts and survival mechanisms.
- Realising that the brain filters information based on perceived relevance and past focus.
Brennan shares an example: before buying a Mazda 323, she never noticed them. Once the car became relevant, she saw them everywhere. This illustrates how the brain tags important information as salient and through priming mechanism.
The brain’s predictive systems shape how we experience reality. Manifestation techniques enhance this system by:
- Activating salience networks.
- Prioritising opportunities that align with one’s visualised goals.
- Filtering out irrelevant stimuli.
The brain has the ability to rewire itself, known as neuroplasticity. However, change is difficult because:
- The brain prioritises safety and status quo.
- New routines are effortful and require sustained motivation.
- Uncertainty is naturally resisted.
Strategies for Effective Manifestation
1. Speaking to Yourself with Kindness
- Use a supportive tone.
- Reframe negative thoughts.
- Treat your inner dialogue like that of a friend.
2. Cultivating Self-Awareness
- Ask reflective questions.
- Identify moments of joy and meaning.
- Build clarity about what you value and desire.
3. Change Through Repetition
- Consistency reinforces neural pathways.
- Habitual action supports identity change.
- Repetition and priming encourages long-term transformation.
Daily Techniques for Building a New Reality
Gain Clarity
- Reflect regularly.
- Track progress and acknowledge small victories.
- This enhances dopamine release and motivation.
Build Coherence
- Review daily decisions and outcomes.
- Align actions with long-term goals.
- Make necessary adjustments.
Use Action-Oriented Mantras
- Examples: “I have what it takes”, “I am grateful for my health”.
- Speak in the present tense.
- Focus on process and effort rather than magical outcomes.
Brennan concludes that manifestation is not about wishful thinking but about engaging the brain’s capacity for growth and adaptation. By actively choosing thoughts and behaviours that align with one’s values, individuals can:
- Strengthen self-belief.
- Identify, prime and act upon opportunities.
- Rewire habits for lasting change.
Conclusion
Dr Sabina Brennan’s The Neuroscience of Manifesting reframes manifestation as a process rooted in neuroscience. It integrates concepts from cognitive behavioural therapy, neural plasticity, priming, and emotional self-regulation. Rather than magical thinking, it offers a structured, practical path to behavioural transformation and personal growth, supported by the way the human brain processes information and adapts to intentional change.
Top Quotes from Dr. Sabina Brennan and the Book
“If you consciously control your thinking and your acting, you can influence your reality and your future.”
“Manifesting is all about values. Because if you strip away all those things and keep asking, ‘Why do you want that?’; ultimately, you come to the answer: ‘Because I want to be happy,’ and you think that’s going to make you happy.”
“By manifesting a particular outcome, you help to tweak the filter in favour of your goal… Essentially it activates the salience network in your brain.”
“Manifesting is not passive. It’s not about sitting back and hoping everything will just come to you if you think long and hard enough about it.”
“You are the author of your own life, you’re the author of your own future and you can start rewriting those stories. It’s not easy… but the journey is worth it.”
“The best way to change your future is to create it. You’re the sole creator of your present and your future.”
“Manifesting is fundamentally about change — it’s about changing your thinking, your behaviour, your reality, and your brain.”
“With clarity, you are giving your brain very specific information about what is important to you… manifesting is about having the clarity around your goals and then visualising the steps that you need to take to achieve those goals.”
“Manifesting definitely supports neuroplasticity. It’s kind of like a brain training practice… training your brain to take the steps and work in a very methodical way towards your goals whilst protecting and looking after yourself.”
Core Takeaways
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Manifesting is a science-backed process of changing your brain and behaviour to achieve meaningful goals.
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It is rooted in clarity, self-awareness, values, and consistent, conscious action — not passive wishing.
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The process leverages the brain’s filtering systems and neuroplasticity to make lasting change possible.
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Visualisation, priming, self-compassion, and resilience are essential tools in the manifesting journey.
Dr. Brennan’s approach demystifies manifesting, making it accessible (the ebook costs only £2.99) and practical for anyone seeking real change in their life.
Recommended further reading: The Luck Factor
Table of Contents for The Neuroscience of Manifesting by Dr. Sabina Brennan
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Dedication
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Title Page
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Introduction: Curiosity
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Curious by Nature
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Weeding out the Woo
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Core Steps and Techniques
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Storytelling Origins
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Science and Magic
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Supernatural Bias
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Neuroscience
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Part One: Laying Foundations
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Chapter One: Compassion
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Self-Love
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Self-Compassion
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Self-Kindness
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Self-Acceptance
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Chapter Two: Connection
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Self-Connection
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Memory
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Self-Build
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Self-Perception
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Part Two: Construction
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Chapter Three: Change
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Brain Change
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Action
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Reality Control
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Novelty
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Change
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Chapter Four: Clarity
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Clarity
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Attention
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What Do You Really, Really Want?
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Chapter Five: Coherence
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Alignment
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Procrastination
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Habitual Behaviour
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Chapter Six: Create
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Manifesting Techniques
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Affirmations
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Faking It
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Gratitude
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Journaling
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Meditation
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Positive Thinking
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Scripting
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Vision Boards
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Conclusion
Bibliography
Notes
Acknowledgements
Credits
About the Author
Copyright