Why more and more women are visualizing their goals to achieve them
The word sounds like glitter journals and new moon rituals. But “manifestation” has long moved beyond the wellness niche — into psychology, business, and a growing wave of women reclaiming agency. On Instagram, vision boards multiply. Podcasts talk about embodiment. And startups sell goal clarity as a competitive edge.
So what’s behind the trend? Can you actually manifest the life you want — or is this just neoliberal “think positive and you’ll win” in a new outfit?
Between desire and reality
Scientifically, manifestation is a set of visualization techniques. The idea: regularly focusing on specific, emotionally charged goals — writing them down, picturing them — increases your chances of achieving them.
Not because of magic. But because of cognitive focus.
That our brain operates selectively and prioritizes relevant information is well established in neuroscience. Attention follows focus – and focus, in turn, follows our goals and inner images. If you charge a goal with emotion, you activate the neural networks linked to action, motivation, and decision-making.
Or, as the manifestation community puts it: Energy flows where attention goes.
Self-optimization or self-determination?
Criticism isn’t far behind — especially when manifestation gets mixed up with toxic positivity: You’re not rich, healthy, or fulfilled? Then you must’ve manifested wrong.
It’s a dangerous narrative. One that blames the individual — and ignores structural realities.
But many women are approaching it differently: manifestation as clarity. As a way to reclaim direction in a life built around functioning, not creating. Alisa and Virginia, two founders from North Rhine-Westphalia, turned that idea into a product. Their “Vision Board” has now sold thousands of copies.
Their take: a structured system with life categories, goal cards, and reflection tools — to help bridge the gap between wish and action.
The will to future
“We wanted a tool that helps women figure out what they even want,” Alisa tells Belle&Yell. This isn’t just self-help talk. It’s gritty, grounded insight.
Alisa studied business psychology, runs a café, has two kids, and co-leads a startup. Virginia moved to Germany from Bulgaria — with a baby and zero network. Their first product? A structured vision board born from a personal low point.
Their drive isn’t about control. It’s about creation.
“Manifestation only works if you’re willing to ask the hard questions,” Alisa says. Like: Where does my energy go? And: What if I couldn’t fail?
Manifestation – 5 Key Insights
- Definition: The intentional visualization of goals to increase the likelihood of reaching them.
- Scientific Core: Emotional focus activates cognitive systems tied to action.
- What It Takes: Clarity + repetition + follow-through.
- Critique: Risks self-blame and ignores structural injustice.
- Potential: A tool for clarity, motivation, and self-agency — especially for women.
Manifestation is the mood board marathon of modern life
The Micalé Vision Board looks like a lifestyle journal but works like a compass. In six life areas, you define goals on physical cards you can pull, swap, or toss. Everything stays in motion. Just like you.
What makes it better than a Pinterest board?
It’s structured. And it’s not digital. “The physical part makes a difference,” says Alisa. “You can’t just swipe it away.”
The science behind the trend
Psychologists like Gabriele Oettingen have studied this. Her theory: Mental Contrasting — pairing a desired outcome with a realistic barrier — works better than positive thinking alone. In other words: dream it, yes — but also name what stands in the way.
Still, the act of visualizing and articulating goals does influence motivation and behavior.
In a study from the Dominican University of California, 76% of participants reported greater success in reaching their goals after writing them down.
Somewhere between tool and trend
Whether it’s a journal, a Pinterest board, or a phone note — manifestation today reflects something deeper: A need for orientation in a world that overwhelms. For purpose in a work culture that confuses. And for the quiet belief that your life can still be your own.
Maybe manifestation is the most rebellious form of life planning we have right now. Not a ten-year strategy. Not a hustle hack. But a gentle reminder: you don’t just have to survive your life. You’re allowed to shape it.
