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All In The Mind

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • The promise and perils of manifesting

The promise and perils of manifesting

Saturday 18th January 2025

Explore the allure and risks of manifesting in this episode of All In The Mind. Learn about evidence-based alternatives like WOOP for achieving your goals.
29 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Honest
Educational
Supportive

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All In The Mind
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ABC Radio
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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The Promise and Perils of Manifesting: Fact or Fiction?

Episode Overview

  • Manifesting can be alluring but has potential risks.
  • Research shows manifestors are more likely to experience bankruptcy.
  • WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) offers an evidence-based alternative.
  • Positive thinking alone may not lead to real-world success.
  • Personal anecdotes highlight both intrigue and skepticism around manifesting.
When people do this, are they more likely to achieve their goals than people who are not? And let's be honest, there's not the research for it.
What if you could bring your dreams to life just by thinking about them? This episode of All In The Mind dives into the fascinating world of manifesting, exploring both its allure and its potential pitfalls. Host Sana Khadar takes you on a journey through the history of manifesting, from the global phenomenon of 'The Secret' to its modern-day explosion on social media platforms like TikTok.
With over 160 million views for manifesting content on TikTok alone, it's clear that the idea of controlling your destiny through positive thinking has captured the public's imagination. But does it actually work? And more importantly, is it safe? The episode features insights from Lucas Dixon, a researcher and teacher at the University of Queensland Business School, who shares his findings on the real-world outcomes of manifesting.
Dixon's research reveals some surprising statistics, such as manifestors being 40% more likely to have experienced bankruptcy. This raises important questions about the effectiveness and risks of putting too much faith in positive thinking alone. You'll also hear from Gabrielle Otien, a professor of psychology at New York University, who offers an evidence-based alternative to manifesting called WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan).
WOOP combines the motivational aspects of goal-setting with practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, providing a balanced approach to achieving your dreams. The episode doesn't just stop at the theoretical; it includes personal anecdotes and reflections from individuals like Alice, a 28-year-old from Perth who is both intrigued and skeptical about manifesting techniques. Her experiences add a relatable dimension to the discussion, making it clear that while manifesting can be a fun and hopeful exercise, it also requires a critical eye.
If you're curious about the science behind manifesting or looking for more grounded ways to achieve your goals, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. It's a must-listen for anyone navigating the tricky waters of positive thinking and goal-setting.