Manifest mayhem

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In 2024, you’ve seen the word “Manifest” pop up more times than you can count on social media. You might say to yourself, “I’m manifesting my dream job!” You will also find saying. or “I’m manifesting a better tomorrow!” Well, you are not alone. The Cambridge Dictionary has crowned “manifest” as its ‘Word of the Year’ for 2024, signaling a cultural shift towards optimism, self-confidence, and an infusion of good vibes. And guess what? India is also in this trend! “Manifest,” derived from the Latin meaning “to make clear,” has taken on a new meaning in modern discourse, denoting the act of seeing and believing—

ing on a desired outcome to make it a reality. But why is “revealed” resonating with so many people now? And what does this trend reveal about the collective psyche of our time?

Appears in style

The practice of expression is not a new phenomenon. It is rooted in the ancient spirit-
Traditional traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, and New Thought philosophies. The idea that thoughts can influence reality gained widespread attention in the early 2000s with the success of books such as Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. But in recent years, the concept has seen a resurgence, especially among millennials and the tween

Gen-Z.

Psychologist and life coach Kiara Jain attributes this renewed interest to the current global climate. “The concept of manifesting gives us hope for a better future. With the rise of stress and frustration, the practice of manifesting provides a way to envision a better life, a better present, and most importantly, a better future,” she says. Pandemics, economic uncertainty, and climate concerns have left many feeling powerless. Manifestation provides a sense of agency in shaping one’s destiny.

A star-studded trend

It is not surprising that Bollywood, always at the forefront of culture, is on this trend. Celebrities like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have long been open about their mental health journeys, and lately, they’ve been using “disclosure” as their secret sauce. Deepika has often spoken about the power of visualization. Priyanka, whose global success seems almost perfectly timed, often shares posts about believing in your dreams.

Social media buzz

Expressions have found their magic wand on social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have given the term a spotlight. Everyone is talking about their “manifestation ritual”.

In India in particular, tik-tokers and Instagram influencers are leading the way with “manifestation challenges,” where they encourage their followers to write down their dreams and visualize their goals for 21 days. From fancy journal entries to posting affirmations every morning with the hashtag #ManifestingMyDreams, the trend has gone viral. You’ll see posts like “Today, I’m manifesting a big break in my career, and I know the universe will deliver.” or “Revealing my ideal love with a side of biryani!” Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.
“The word ‘manifest’ is sometimes associated with imagining a positive future without requiring actual action,” explains Jain. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and, in some cases, exacerbate feelings of inadequacy when results are not realized.

A game changer

So, what is all the hype? What makes expression so attractive, especially in India? In a country like India, where opportunities sometimes seem scarce and dreams feel out of reach, the idea that we can control our destiny with our thoughts is incredibly empowering. For young Indians, especially millennials and Gen-Zs, the expression offers a new way of thinking about their future. It says: “You don’t have to wait to see what happens. You can create your own reality, one positive thought at a time.” In a world where the pressure to succeed can sometimes feel unbearable, a tool like Manifesto offers hope and a sense of personal control.

“The upside is that people are more optimistic about their lives overall, which is good,” comments Jain. Visualization exercises, affirmations, and gratitude journals—common tools of expression—help people focus on positive outcomes and reduce anxiety.

Stay focused

Expression doesn’t mean you can lie on your couch all day and wait for good things to land in your lap. You still need to try. The idea is to focus your energy and intention on your goal. Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully aware of one’s thoughts and actions, can help prevent the problems of over-reliance on visualization.

“Expression can help a person become more positive and optimistic, while mindfulness can help a person be more flexible and practical,” explains Jain. Together, these practices provide a balanced approach to personal growth. For example, imagining future career success can be linked to focused action, by paying attention to everyday tasks. This combination helps maintain motivation while remaining rooted in the reality of what needs to be done.

The flip side

The line between positive thinking and wishful thinking is thin, and without a balance of effort and planning, expression can backfire. The negative side is a person who puts all their hopes in pure fantasy and fails in the endeavour.

A 2021 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people who relied solely on visualization without taking actionable steps were 18% less likely to achieve their goals.

So, is revelation just a passing trend, or has it found a permanent home in our lives? The concept has proven unifying in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. Whether you’re in the city or a quiet village, the idea that you have the power to shape your future resonates deeply.

If expression gives people reason to be hopeful, why doesn’t it become part of our lives? The practice speaks to a universal desire for hope, agency, and connection, things we need more than ever.

word power

• 72% of Gen-7 regularly engage in disclosure practices (YPulse Survey 2023)
• Searches for “disclosure” started in 2019 and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (Google Trends)
• #Manifestation garnered over 20 billion views
TikTok in 2023
• Collected videos related to ‘Law of Attraction’
5 billion views
• Instagram influencers and YouTube creators contribute personal success stories and tips on how to “manifest” everything from career opportunities to relationships.

“With increased stress and frustration, manifesting practice provides a way to envision a better life, a better present, and most importantly, a better future.” – Kiara Jain, Psychologist and Life Coach

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