Does Manifesting Actually Work?

Can you really "Think and Grow Rich", as Napolean Hill wrote 86 years ago?

I'm a skeptic when it comes to these things, but lately, I've been starting to wonder. Or perhaps my expectations have just been wrong all along.

I began a 21 day meditation, visualization, and surrender program a few weeks ago. I'm coming to the end of it, and I wonder if, perhaps, it really has made a difference.

If it has, it's likely to change my life. Significantly.

The program has all the hallmarks of a typical mindfulness program. There's nothing all that unique about it. It involves some common tools: goal-setting, mind movies, visualizations of ideal outcomes, surrendering limiting beliefs, and expressing gratitude and appreciation.

Little weird things have been happening.

I called home the other day from the road to offer to swing by and take the kids out for frozen yoghurt. My wife relayed the message to the room and my daughter yelled out, "I was just texting dad to ask him that exact question!". The next day, I called my mom to invite her over for a pork and sauerkraut dinner.  "Michael!," she said. "I was just sitting here thinking how nice it would be to get the family together for dinner. And I've been craving sauerkraut!"

Coincidences? Maybe. I usually think so. That's why I'm not shy in calling myself a skeptic.

Yet, some kind of big weird things have been happening, too.

My monthly goal? It's come true. That seems fast. My new client opportunities have swelled, my discovery meetings have a new energy and enthusiasm to them, and I signed a new client to an ongoing retainer. 

It's suddenly a very real possibility that I'll have to hire some help in the next month or two, or even partner up with a peer.

I'm writing more than ever, my family relationships are richer, and my meditation practice has deepened.

Those are all fairly "light" things. Again, my skeptic is screaming at me that this is all just in my head. I'm just more positive and nothing is manifesting, I'm just seeing things differently.

But I am on alert. I'm watching for signals. And, well, if it is just an improved state of mind, I guess I'll take it. The new habits are a process I imagine I'll stick with, regardless of the underlying mechanism of how it's working.

At its most basic truth, it just feels nice. And that's enough.