10 Tips To Start A Manifestation Journal That Really Works
If we could all manifest a home in Malibu by simply writing down “I have a home in Malibu” over and over again, then that lovely beach city would soon be as crowded as Times Square.
But the truth is: you’re not going to change your reality by writing repeated phrases into your journal (no matter what the online gurus tell you).
You’re not going to magically move to the Santa Monica Mountains just because you make yourself believe (for a split second) that you’re already there.
And that’s not the point of a manifestation journal.
But I can tell you this, as someone who keeps a manifestation journal and has seen a few faraway dreams turn into actual reality: you WILL change your outlook and what you believe is possible for yourself.
A manifestation journal lets you visualize the person you want to become and the life you want to have.
It makes your vague, wishy-washy hopes feel more immediate. Because you’re no longer beating yourself up over eating junk food. You’re reinventing yourself as a person who eats oatmeal topped with fresh berries for breakfast.
A manifestation journal gives you a crystalized vision to follow. It clarifies your goals and translates them into doable steps.
And most importantly: it gives you the confidence to take action.
But you have to know how to use a manifestation journal. You can’t just kick back with your morning coffee and fill up a page with “I live in Malibu.”
Your brain isn’t going to accept that. And you’ll feel pretty silly, too.
If you want a manifestation journal that actually works, you have to keep it realistic. You have to manifest in realistic stages – and you can’t just stop at writing. You have to take action towards your dream life that’s aligned with the person you want to become.
And if you really do want that home on the ocean, then start with affirmations about how you’re great at saving and investing money. Visualize yourself as a person who isn’t afraid to relocate and take risks. What kind of person would you have to become to live on the ocean?
What is a manifestation journal and how does it work?
A manifestation journal is a place to describe your dream life as if you’re already living it. This exercise trains your brain to believe in the possibility of your dreams.
Research shows that writing down your goals makes you far more likely to achieve them.
And repeating statements to yourself trains your mind to accept them as truth.
If you ever get down on yourself, then you know how negative self-talk leads to crippling self-doubt.
That pesky inner critic really DOES make you too afraid to ask for that promotion, to start that conversation or to book that trip.
Now imagine the impact if you actually spoke to yourself (even occasionally) in a loving way.
Imagine what you’d believe about yourself if you visualized your ideal life and your ideal self.
How to start a manifestation journal
Use the popular 369 method to start a manifestation journal. Write down what you’d like to manifest three times in the morning, six times during the day and nine times in the evening.
The benefits: improves your mood, increases mindfulness and gratitude.
Writer’s tip: Write daily to give your manifestations more power. Write in the present tense in detail about what you want to achieve.
Other manifestation journal techniques include:
- A gratitude journal makes you more appreciative and optimistic about your life. And when you feel better, you’re more motivated to improve yourself. Start simply by writing about 3 things you’re grateful for every morning.
- The 5×55 method means writing an intention 55 times daily for five days. This method cements your goals and helps you avoid distractions.
- Positive affirmations means writing down positive statements about yourself to counteract your negative self-beliefs. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write in detail about everything you like about yourself.
- Future scripting means writing about your ideal future life as if you’re already living it. Write in present tense with as much detail as possible. Future scripting familiarizes your mind with a new reality and makes it easier to take bold actions.
10 tips to start a manifestation journal
1. Be consistent
Make manifestation journaling a part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth or checking your emails.
2. Write in the present tense
Write your manifestations as if they were already a reality. Train your subconscious to believe in yourself and push out self-doubt with positive statements about yourself.
3. Use prompts
Use manifestation journal prompts to get inspired. Journaling prompts will make you think about aspects of your life you never considered.
4. Be present
As you write, let yourself feel the emotions you’d experience if you already achieved your goals.
5. Be detailed
Write about your future self in as much detail as possible. What kind of wardrobe do they wear? What is their favorite breakfast dish? How is their office organized?
6. Ignore distractions
Don’t take breaks to check your email or water the plants you forgot to tend. Stay focused as you journal and don’t procrastinate. Put your phone away and turn off the TV while you’re writing.
7. Make it enjoyable
Treat your daily journaling as an indulgent treat. Light a scented candle, snack on a bowl of fruit or brew your favorite tea. The more enjoyable the process, the more likely you’ll continue.
8. Make it a habit
Set aside a specific time each day to write in your manifestation journal. If you’re struggling, then use habit stacking and link your journaling to an already established routine.
9. Clarify your goals
Manifestation only works when you know exactly what you want. Be clear and specific. Don’t just write about living a healthier lifestyle. Include what you eat, how you shop for groceries and how you move your body.
10. Write about your self-doubt
A manifestation journal makes you more aware of your limiting self-beliefs. Write about them. Confront them head-on and write honestly about where they originate. Awareness helps you conquer your fears.
Manifestation journal prompts for beginners
If you need some inspiration to start writing, use these prompts:
- What are your career goals? What does your future work life look like? What have you achieved, what impact have you made and what legacy have you left?
- What is your ideal physical health? How does your future self move and feel in their body? What foods do they eat, how do they feel about their body image and how do they nurture their health?
- What are your relationship goals? What kind of a marriage or partnership does your ideal future self have? How does your future self relate to others?
- What are your financial goals? What does your ideal bank account look like? How does your future self manage, invest, save and spend money?
- What are your creative and personal growth goals? What hobbies does your ideal future self have? What do they enjoy on the weekends, and what brings them joy?
Ask yourself how you want these aspects of your life to look in a month. In six months? In one year?
Then write about the habits, choices and actions you can take NOW to achieve those goals.
Read next:
Journaling for Mental Health (And 30 Powerful Prompts)
100 Best Journaling Ideas (For Anxiety, Clarity And More)
14 Life-Changing Journaling Techniques
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