THIRDRAFT

Manifestation has basically become the modern-day magic spell. People think if they scribble their dreams in a notebook, light a scented candle, and whisper sweet nothings to the universe, everything they want will magically appear. Love? Money? A six-pack without working out? Just believe, and it’s yours, or so they say.

Let’s be real, it can work, but not because the universe is sitting there like an overworked assistant, rearranging reality to fit your wish list. It works because once your brain decides it wants something, it starts paying more attention to opportunities that were always there. You want a job in fashion? Suddenly, you notice styling workshops, networking events, and that one distant cousin who works at a magzine. The universe didn’t do that. Your brain just stopped being oblivious.

But of course, people love a good shortcut. And that’s where manifestation goes from “useful mindset shift” to “excuse for doing absolutely nothing.” Writing “I am rich” a hundred times in a diary every morning won’t increase your bank account. Repeating I am in a loving relationship won’t make your situationship commit. And yet, people will swear it’s working, until it doesn’t. Then suddenly, it’s universe’s fault, or “low vibrations.” Anything except, you know, their own lack of effort.

Aditi Bansal, a 19-year-old student, studying Interior Design at Pearl Academy learned this lesson the hard way. “I kept writing about getting my dream internship, thinking if I manifested hard enough, they’d find me,” she told me. Turns out, the universe isn’t running an HR department. “Meanwhile, my friend was actually applying for jobs instead of just thinking about them, and guess what? She got hired.” Shocking.

Kunal Biyani, a 20-year-old student, third year student from Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management living in Delhi, has a different take. “I manifest by setting goals, and then doing something about them,” he said. “I don’t just sit there chanting goal, I figure out how many people I need to contact, what skills I need to learn, and then I go do it.” Revolutionary concept, right? Actually, working for what you want? Who would’ve thought?

So, if manifestation helps you focus and gives you the confidence to chase your goals, great. But if you think the universe is just going to hand you success while you lie in bed visualizing it… good luck with that.