We all make wishes with every sigh, but how often do they come true? A couple of years back, I visualized spending an evening in the Dublin Art Gallery. The thought filled me with excitement, but soon after, I pushed it aside, telling myself I’d do it “later in life.” Why does this happen? One moment our wishes light us up, and the next, we forget about them. And when those wishes remain unfulfilled, we’re quick to mourn our luck or blame the universe.
But what if there’s a way to turn these fleeting wishes into reality? Imagine understanding the principles behind making wishes come true and harnessing the power to manifest your desires. This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s about actively shaping the life you want.
Here are a few ways to move from dreaming to doing, so you can live the exceptional life you deserve.
1. Declutter your space
A great new beginning starts with letting go of what no longer defines you. Decluttering your physical space is a symbolic yet powerful step toward mental clarity. Begin by sorting through your belongings, dividing them into “keep” and “discard” piles. Once it’s all laid out before you, the process of deciding what truly matters becomes much easier. Clean your environment—especially your phone—removing anything that drains your energy.
This isn’t just about tidying up. Decluttering makes space for fresh energy to flow into your life. After clearing your space, take a moment to reflect on how you feel—freer, lighter, and more open to new possibilities.
2. Attract abundance in your life
The journey to manifesting your wishes begins with unshakable faith in the universe’s ability to provide. Believe that you live an abundant life and that abundance is your natural state. Your beliefs are like coordinates; if you believe your wishes will come true, you’ll attract the resources needed to fulfill them.
Think of it like ordering food at a restaurant with an unlimited menu. You place your order, and you trust that it will arrive without worrying about how it gets to your table. Similarly, ask the universe with complete faith that your wishes will come true. Once you accept life’s abundance, you’ll know exactly what to ask for and how to ask for it.
Now that you’ve created the mindset for abundance, it’s time to define what you’re attracting.
3. Make a list of wishes
Begin by writing down 10 wishes with a timeline for each. Your brain may resist these changes, however, it is important to override that resistance.
How to Craft Your Wishes
Crafting wishes is like solving a math problem—using the wrong formula yields the wrong answer. Be mindful of the words you use, as they directly impact the outcome. Use positive connotations and be specific in your wishes. For example, if you want a job, don’t just write, “I want a job.” Instead, write, “I have a job where I enhance my skills, maintain a work-life balance, and grow both intellectually and financially.”
Visualize your wishes in detail, ensuring the words match your heart’s desires. Be specific and clear to avoid half-baked results. Your wishes should be ecological, meaning they don’t harm anyone or anything.
Making Wishes for Yourself: A Personal Journey
When making wishes, it’s essential to remember that they must be for you—not for the people you love or in an attempt to benefit others. Your wishes reflect your personal needs and desires. Focus on what truly matters to you and craft thoughtful, intentional wishes.
- Write with Positivity: Take a diary or notebook and write down your 10 wishes. Use positive language, ensuring the wording of each wish resonates clearly with you.
- Frame in the Present: Start each wish with “I have…” to create the feeling that you already possess what you’re wishing for. This affirmation helps your mind align with your desires and attract them into your life.
- Be Specific: Define exactly what you want. For example, instead of simply wishing for a job, be clear about the details: “I have a job where I enhance my skills, maintain a work-life balance, and grow intellectually and financially.” This precision helps focus your energy and efforts.
- Include the Outcome: Always think of the results your wishes will bring. For instance, if you’re wishing for a vacation, specify the details: “I go on vacation twice a year with my family, exploring new countries.”
- Wish for Your Own Happiness: Ensure your wishes are rooted in what genuinely makes you happy, not in impressing others. Let them reflect your true desires, not external expectations.
- Be Ecological: Your wishes should align with the greater good. They should never harm others or the environment in any way.
Are Your Wishes Aligned with Your Heart’s Desires?
Wishes are anchors for shaping your future. Once you’ve written your list, read it aloud. Do the words resonate with your heart’s deepest desires? Do they clear the path ahead and provide a roadmap for a better future?
If your answers are yes, then you’re ready to move forward. If not, take a moment to reflect. Sit in a calm, quiet space, close your eyes, and think deeply about the things you want to turn into reality. Refine your wishes until they feel right.
4. Create your inner balance and harmony
Confidence and harmony are key to manifesting your wishes. If you’re lacking either, it’s time to confront the fears that are holding you back. These fears are often just illusions of the mind that prevent you from reaching your full potential.
What to Do:
Write down your fears on a piece of paper. Acknowledge them, and then symbolically release them—burn the paper, shred it, or throw it away. This process will help free your mind and soul from the burdens that have been holding you back.
5. Overcome your limiting beliefs
Limiting beliefs are like invisible walls that block our progress. Growing up, we inherit beliefs from family, society, or personal experiences that may no longer serve us. For instance, I once believed it was bad luck to take pictures with the setting sun, a belief passed down by my father. It wasn’t until later that I realized the sun doesn’t set; it simply lights up another part of the world.
Your limiting beliefs curb your imagination and prevent you from realizing your full potential. They can hold you back from opportunities or even cause you to make poor decisions.
What to Do:
Make a list of your limiting beliefs. Examine each one carefully, and then transform them into positive statements. For example, if you believe “a black cat crossing your path is bad luck,” reframe it as “a black cat crossing my path means new opportunities.” With this shift in mindset, you’ll unlock new possibilities.
6. Establishing new beliefs
Replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones is a lifelong practice. As you encounter more limiting thoughts, continue to reshape them.
What to Do:
Sit in a quiet place and review your old beliefs, imagining how they have impacted your life. Then, compare how your life would feel with new, empowering beliefs. This exercise helps you physically and emotionally sense the difference between the two.
7. Taking Action: Turning Wishes into Reality
Now that you have a clear list of wishes, it’s time to take action. Write down three steps you can take to get closer to each wish. Just as a GPS leads you to your destination step by step, your brain will automatically start directing you toward your goals once you’ve defined them.
Take baby steps—small, consistent efforts—toward making your wishes come true. Stay patient and persistent.
Conclusion
Fears and limitations may hold you back, but when you face them, you realize they are merely illusions of your mind. Once you’ve released your worries and limitations, nothing can stop you.
Now that you’re in the flow—free from fear and doubt—it’s time to embrace your highest potential. Live each day with open eyes, say yes to new opportunities, be gracious, and let positive changes settle into your soul.
When you master the art of focusing on the bright side, you naturally cultivate healthy, positive thoughts. Your subconscious mind will begin guiding you toward the right path, helping your wishes manifest effortlessly.
The process of making your wishes come true is more about practice than theory. As you work on your wishes, remember to enjoy the journey. Take it easy, trust in the process, and watch your wishes unfold naturally.
Written by Afreen Fatima
Content and Community Manager
Society of Design Thinking Professionals
