6 Steps to Manifesting During Tough Times

Last Updated on November 24, 2024 by Jess Brown

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. I’ve been there – stuck in a job I hated, dealing with unexpected health issues, and watching my bank account dwindle. It’s in these moments that manifesting can seem like a far-fetched idea. But here’s the thing: I’ve discovered that tough times are actually when manifesting becomes most powerful.

In this post, I’m going to share the nitty-gritty of how I’ve managed to manifest positive change during some of my darkest moments. This isn’t about putting on rose-colored glasses or ignoring reality. It’s about harnessing your inner strength and the power of your mind to create real, tangible shifts in your life – even when everything seems to be falling apart.

6 Steps to Manifesting Positive Change During Difficult Times

I’ll walk you through 6 enhanced steps to manifesting during tough times, along with additional strategies and insights I’ve gained through personal experience and research. By the end of this post, you’ll have a practical toolkit for turning your difficult situations into opportunities for growth and positive change.

Understanding Manifestation in Tough Situations

Let’s get real for a second. When you’re in the thick of a crisis, the last thing you want to hear is some guru telling you to “just think positive.” It’s not that simple, and pretending otherwise is just insulting to your intelligence.

Here’s what I’ve learned: manifestation isn’t about constant happiness or denying your negative emotions. It’s about understanding the power of your beliefs and how they shape your reality.

Think of your beliefs as the operating system of your life. Just like a computer, if your operating system is outdated or corrupted, nothing’s going to work right. Your beliefs influence how you interpret events, what opportunities you notice, and even how others respond to you.

During tough times, it’s easy to fall into limiting beliefs like “Nothing ever works out for me” or “I’m just not meant to be successful.” These beliefs act like blinders, preventing you from seeing potential solutions or opportunities.

But here’s the kicker: you have the power to update your “operating system.” It’s not about ignoring the difficult reality you’re in. It’s about choosing beliefs that empower you rather than limit you.

For example, instead of “Nothing ever works out for me,” try “I have the ability to learn and grow from every experience.” This shift opens you up to seeing lessons and opportunities in your challenges, rather than just feeling victimized by them.

One little-known fact about belief systems is that they often operate on a subconscious level. You might not even be aware of some of the limiting beliefs holding you back. That’s why practices like journaling or working with a therapist can be so powerful – they help bring these hidden beliefs to light so you can examine and change them.

A key thing to remember is that manifestation isn’t about ignoring the bad things in life, but rather focusing on the good things and taking necessary action to create a better life.

6 Enhanced Steps to Manifesting During Tough Times

Now that we’ve covered the foundation, let’s get to the good stuff and dive into the practical steps you can take to manifest positive change, even when life feels like it’s falling apart.

Step 1: Set Clear Intentions and Goals

When you’re in the midst of a crisis, it’s easy to focus solely on what you don’t want. But here’s the truth: the universe doesn’t understand “don’t.” If you’re constantly thinking “I don’t want to be broke,” you’re still focusing on being broke.

Instead, get crystal clear on what you do want. Be specific. Instead of “I want more money,” try “I want to increase my income by $1,000 per month through freelance writing gigs.”

Pro tip: Write your intentions in the present tense, as if they’ve already happened. “I am earning an additional $1,000 per month through freelance writing” sends a much stronger message to your subconscious mind.

Step 2: Practice Creative Visualization and Vision Boarding

Your mind is an incredibly powerful tool, but it needs clear instructions. That’s where visualization comes in. Spend time each day vividly imagining your desired outcome. Engage all your senses. What does success look, feel, smell, taste, and sound like?

A vision board can amplify this practice. But here’s a twist on the traditional approach: instead of just using images of things you want, include images that represent how you want to feel. Maybe a picture of a peaceful beach represents the calm you want to feel in your finances, or an image of a strong oak tree represents the stability you’re manifesting in your relationships.

Remember, the key is to engage your emotions. Your subconscious mind doesn’t distinguish between a vividly imagined event and a real one. By consistently visualizing your desired outcome and feeling the associated positive emotions, you’re literally rewiring your brain to look for opportunities to make that vision a reality.

Step 3: Embrace Uncertainty and Trust the Process

This is often the toughest part, especially when you’re in the middle of a crisis. But here’s an empowering truth: the path to your manifestation often looks nothing like you expect.

I once set an intention to increase my income. I visualized more clients for my business, but what actually happened was completely unexpected. A friend introduced me to a new investment opportunity that ended up being far more profitable than new clients would have been.

The lesson? Don’t get attached to how your manifestation should happen. Your job is to set the intention and take inspired action. Let the universe handle the details.

This is where trust comes in. It’s not about blind faith, but about understanding that you don’t have all the information. Just like you trust that your heart will keep beating and your lungs will keep breathing without your conscious control, trust that the universe is working behind the scenes to bring your manifestation to life.

A practical way to build this trust is to keep a “manifestation journal.” Write down even the smallest synchronicities or “coincidences” that occur after you set an intention. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns and connections that build your confidence in the process.

Step 4: Cultivate Unshakable Faith

When you’re in the middle of tough times, maintaining faith can feel like an uphill battle. But here’s a little-known secret: faith isn’t about feeling good all the time. It’s about holding onto your vision, even when you can’t see the path forward.

Think of faith as the only thing standing between your current circumstances and your dream life. Just like building physical strength, you need to exercise your faith regularly, especially when it’s challenging. One effective way to do this is through a practice I call “future self-journaling.”

Here’s how it works: Every morning, spend 5-10 minutes writing as if you’re your future self who has already achieved your manifestation. Describe your day, your feelings, and your gratitude for how things have worked out. This practice not only strengthens your faith, but also helps your subconscious mind align with your desired reality.

Remember, doubt is a natural part of the process. When doubts arise, acknowledge them, but don’t let them derail you. Instead, use them as opportunities to reaffirm your commitment to your vision.

Step 5: Examine and Reshape Your Belief System

Our beliefs are like invisible architects, silently shaping our reality. During difficult times, it’s crucial to examine your belief system and identify and challenge any limiting beliefs that might be holding you back. This is an important step in your personal development.

Here’s a powerful exercise I use: Write down your current situation and how you feel about it. Then, ask yourself, “What would I have to believe to be experiencing this?” You might be surprised at the underlying beliefs you uncover.

For example, if you’re struggling financially, you might discover a belief like “Money is hard to come by” or “I’m not good with finances.” Once you’ve identified these limiting beliefs, you can start to challenge them. This process of creating new beliefs is a universal truth in personal growth, helping you move from bad choices to a good life.

A technique I find effective is “belief bridging.” Instead of jumping straight to a belief that feels unattainable (like “I’m a money magnet”), create intermediate beliefs that feel more accessible. For instance, you might start with “I’m learning to manage money better every day” and gradually work your way up to more empowering beliefs. I first learned about this from an old mentor, Law of Attraction expert, Andy Dooley, and it made a tremendous difference for me.

Step 6: Take Inspired Action

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Manifesting isn’t just about thinking positive thoughts; it’s about aligning your actions with your intentions. But there’s a difference between forced action and inspired action.

Forced action comes from a place of fear or desperation. It’s grinding away at something because you think you should, even when it doesn’t feel right. Inspired action, on the other hand, flows naturally from your aligned state. Taking inspired action is often the fastest way to move in the right direction, even if you can’t see the entire path to your goals.

To tap into inspired action, pay attention to your intuition and energy levels. When an idea excites you or you feel a sudden burst of energy to do something, that’s often a sign of inspired action.

One technique I use is the “10-minute rule.” When you feel an impulse to take action towards your goal, commit to doing it for just 10 minutes. This overcomes inertia and often leads to a flow state where you naturally want to continue.

Remember, in any given moment, you have the power to take the next step towards your goals. Your actions in the present shape your future, so make each choice count.

Developing a Positive Mindset Without Toxic Positivity

Now that we’ve covered the six core steps, let’s dive deeper into maintaining a positive mindset during tough times—without falling into the trap of toxic positivity.

Toxic positivity is the belief that we should maintain a positive mindset at all times, even in the face of significant challenges or negative emotions. While well-intentioned, this approach can actually be harmful, leading to suppressed emotions and feelings of guilt for not being “positive enough.”

Instead, aim for realistic optimism. This means acknowledging your current difficulties while maintaining hope for the future. It’s okay to have bad days or negative emotions. The key is not to dwell in them, but to process them healthily and then refocus on your vision.

One powerful tool for this is the “Yes, and” technique borrowed from improv comedy. When facing a challenge, acknowledge it with “Yes, this is tough,” and then add an empowering statement. For example: “Yes, I lost my job, and this is an opportunity to explore new career paths I’ve been curious about.” It’s important to acknowledge your true feelings, including negative feelings, while maintaining a positive attitude.

This approach allows you to honor your current reality while keeping the door open for positive change.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Negative Self-Talk

We all have that inner critic, and during tough times, it tends to get louder. The key is learning to recognize negative self-talk and replace it with more empowering thoughts. This isn’t about ignoring reality, but rather choosing a perspective that serves you better.

Your thoughts create your reality. Good thoughts lead to good things, while dwelling on negative energy can keep you stuck.

One technique I’ve found particularly effective is the “thought ladder.” Here’s how it works:

• Write down your current negative thought. For example, “I’ll never have enough money.”
• At the top of the ladder, write an empowering belief that feels like a stretch but still possible. For instance, “I always have more than enough money.”
• Fill in the rungs between with thoughts that feel incrementally better. For example:
  • “Sometimes I have enough money.”
  • “I’m learning to manage my money better.”
  • “I’m open to new opportunities to increase my income.”
  • “I’m capable of creating financial abundance.”

Climb this thought ladder daily, focusing on the belief that feels most accessible to you at the moment. Over time, you’ll find yourself naturally adopting more empowering beliefs.

The Power of Gratitude: Starting a Gratitude Journal

In times of uncertainty, gratitude can feel like a tall order. But here’s the thing: gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about training your mind to notice the good, even in difficult situations. Gratitude can be a powerful daily practice, even when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom.

A gratitude journal can be a powerful tool in this process. But let’s kick it up a notch from the usual “list three things you’re grateful for” advice.

Try this instead: Each day, choose one thing you’re grateful for and dive deep. Write about why you’re grateful for it, how it makes you feel, and how your life would be different without it. This depth of focus amplifies the positive emotions associated with gratitude.

For an extra boost, include gratitude for things that haven’t happened yet. For example, “I’m grateful for the abundance that’s flowing into my life” or “I’m thankful for the perfect job opportunity that’s on its way to me.” This practice helps bridge the gap between your current reality and your desired manifestations.

Using Positive Affirmations to Rewire Your Brain

Affirmations can be a powerful tool for manifestation and removing any limiting belief, but there’s a catch: if they don’t resonate with your current beliefs, they can actually backfire. The key is to create affirmations that feel true to you right now while gently stretching your comfort zone.

Affirmations can be particularly helpful for young people and young women looking to build self-confidence and set clear goals.

Here’s a method I’ve developed:

1. Start with your desired state. For example, “I am financially abundant.”
2. If that feels too far-fetched, add a buffer word: “I am becoming financially abundant.”
3. Still too much? Try: “I am open to becoming financially abundant.”
4. If even that feels like a stretch, go with: “I am willing to be open to becoming financially abundant.”

Use the version that feels most believable to you. As your belief grows, you can move up the ladder to stronger affirmations.

The power of affirmations lies not just in saying them, but in feeling them. Engage your emotions and visualize yourself embodying these statements as you repeat them.

Manifesting in Specific Difficult Situations

Now, let’s apply these principles to some common tough situations:

Financial Struggles: When money’s tight, it’s easy to fall into a scarcity mindset. Instead, focus on the flow of abundance. Keep a “prosperity log” where you record every bit of abundance that comes your way, no matter how small. Found a penny on the street? Log it. Got a free coffee? Log it. This trains your brain to notice abundance, making you more receptive to financial opportunities.

Health Issues: Dealing with a health challenge can be overwhelming. While following medical advice, also visualize your body in a state of perfect health. When dealing with a health issue, visualize your healthy body and make choices that support your well-being. Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work on the mind-body connection offers fascinating insights into how our thoughts can influence our physical well-being. Consider adding meditation to your daily routine, focusing on sending healing energy to specific parts of your body.

Relationship Challenges: Whether you’re seeking a partner or working through difficulties in a current relationship, self-love is crucial. Develop a daily self-love ritual – it could be as simple as looking in the mirror and saying, “I love and accept you fully.” As you cultivate self-love, you’ll naturally attract healthier relationships and have the strength to address issues in existing ones.

Career Setbacks: Job loss or career stagnation can be devastating. Use this time to reconnect with your deepest desires. What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Create a vision board for your ideal career, and take small steps each day towards that vision, even if it’s just reading an article in your desired field or reaching out to a potential mentor.

Manifestation isn’t about denying the reality of your current situation. It’s about holding space for a better future while taking inspired action in the present. Trust the process, stay consistent with your practices, and be open to opportunities that may come in unexpected forms.

The Science Behind Manifestation

While manifestation might sound mystical, there’s fascinating science backing it up. Quantum physics suggests that our thoughts and expectations can influence outcomes at a subatomic level. While the full implications are still debated, it opens up intriguing possibilities about the power of our minds.

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself, plays a crucial role too. When we consistently focus on positive outcomes and practice visualization, we’re literally creating new neural pathways. This makes it easier to maintain a positive mindset and spot opportunities aligned with our goals.

The impact of positive energy on physical health is well-documented. Studies show that optimistic people tend to have stronger immune systems and recover faster from illnesses. This doesn’t mean positive thinking alone cures diseases, but it suggests that our mental state can significantly influence our physical well-being. Even skeptics like Deepak Chopra have acknowledged the potential impact of positive thinking on mental health.

Maintaining High Vibrations in Tough Times

“High vibrations” isn’t just New Age jargon. It’s about maintaining a state of positive energy, even when external circumstances are challenging. Here are some practical ways to keep your vibration high:

• Practice self-care and unconditional love: Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a dear friend. This isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for maintaining resilience.
• Surround yourself with good people: Jim Rohn famously said we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Choose your company wisely. It’s important to recognize that everyone, even the next person you meet, is dealing with their own challenges. Showing kindness can lift both your spirits and theirs.
• Limit exposure to negative influences: This includes not just toxic people, but also doom-scrolling on social media or binging on negative news. Stay informed, but set boundaries.
• Connect with your inner strength or a higher power: Whether through meditation, prayer, or time in nature, find ways to tap into something greater than yourself.

Maintaining high vibrations doesn’t mean ignoring negative emotions. It’s about processing them healthily and not letting them dominate your mental landscape. Remember, you’re a human being first. It’s okay to have moments of doubt or to feel like you’re in a dark place. The best thing you can do is acknowledge these feelings and then take the next step towards a more positive state.

Even More Reading On This Topic:

• 30 Transformative Healing Quotes to Inspire Your Journey (Plus Journal Prompts)
• 31 Self-Healing Journal Prompts to Heal Emotional Trauma
• Moving On: Inspiring Letting Go Quotes to Help You Move Forward

Common Questions About Manifesting in Difficult Times

Embracing the Power of Manifestation in Difficult Times

Manifesting during tough times isn’t about denying reality or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about harnessing your inner strength, rewiring your thought patterns, and taking inspired action towards your goals, even when the path isn’t clear.

Remember, every challenge carries within it the seeds of opportunity. By applying these manifestation techniques consistently, you’re taking personal responsibility for creating your best life. You’re not just working towards specific goals – you’re developing resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper trust in your own abilities. Whether you’re manifesting a new home, a better relationship, or personal growth, remember that every given situation, even those that seem to have a dark side, holds the potential for positive change. The next time you face a challenge, see it as an opportunity to apply these manifestation techniques.

This spiritual practice can transform your entire life, guiding you out of your comfort zones and towards your true potential.

I encourage you to start implementing these practices today. Choose one technique that resonates with you and commit to it for the next 30 days. You might be surprised at the shifts you begin to see, both in your external circumstances and in your own mindset.

NOW OVER TO YOU: I’d love to hear about your experiences with manifesting during difficult times. What techniques have worked for you? What challenges have you faced? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your insights might be just what another reader needs to hear.

Remember, you’re more powerful than you realize. Trust the process, stay consistent, and keep your vision alive. Your breakthrough might be just around the corner.

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