Ah, manifesting—the buzzy word that’s gone from spiritual practice to boardroom buzzword. Gone are the days of just sending in a resume; now it seems like we’re supposed to meditate, visualize, and maybe do a sage cleanse before we hit “apply.” If manifesting sounds a bit “woo-woo” to you, I get it. But there’s actually something powerful about setting a focused intention for the career you truly want. So let’s talk about how you can manifest that perfect job—without relying on moon phases or burning incense at your desk.

Step 1: Define What You Really Want (And What You Don’t)

When you hear “dream job,” it’s easy to get stuck on fantasy perks—snazzy title, six-figure salary, maybe even a beanbag chair or two. But when it comes down to it, what do you actually want to do every day? Wanting “something creative” or “a job that pays well” is a good start, but let’s be real: that’s just scratching the surface. Manifesting works best when it’s specific. Take time to envision your ideal role in detail—what does your day look like? What kind of work fills your hours? (Also, what won’t you tolerate? No job can be perfect if it makes you roll your eyes hourly.)

Step 2: Speak Your Goals Out Loud (Without Sounding Like a Motivational Poster)

Once you’ve nailed down your dream job vision, say it out loud. And no, it doesn’t mean reciting your goals in front of the mirror (unless you’re into that). Tell your friends, family, and even your current coworkers (if you’re brave) what you’re aiming for. This is less about cosmic forces aligning and more about being proactive—speaking it out loud can create connections and opportunities, as people think of you when those positions arise. The universe may or may not be listening, but your network certainly is.

Step 3: Turn “Manifesting” Into Action

The line between “manifesting” and just planning well can blur quickly, so let’s keep it clear: visualizing alone doesn’t get the job done. You can spend all day dreaming about that job at Vogue or that perfect tech startup, but if you’re not sending applications or brushing up on relevant skills, you’re not really manifesting; you’re daydreaming. Every time you find yourself daydreaming, ask, “What’s one thing I can do right now to bring this closer?” That’s where the magic happens.

Step 4: Align Your “Vibe” with Your “Dream Job”

If you’re manifesting a job that values creativity, organization, and a solid work ethic, guess what? It’s time to start acting like the person who’d excel in that role—right now. Start cultivating those qualities in every area of your life. That way, when the opportunity does come, you’re ready for it. It’s less about pretending and more about training to step into the role when it arrives. After all, the dream job you’re manifesting should feel like a natural fit, not an act.

Step 5: Let Go of “The How” (Because No One Ever Got Anywhere by Overthinking)

Maybe the hardest part of manifesting is letting go of exactly how things will fall into place. Sometimes the perfect job shows up in a different industry than you expected, or maybe it’s freelance work instead of full-time. Maybe your career manifests in pieces—a great freelance gig here, a new connection there—before it fully comes together. Flexibility is the secret sauce of manifesting. Think of it as staying open to different ways of achieving the same goal.

Step 6: Believe (And Don’t Forget to Breathe)

Manifesting involves a little faith—not just in the universe or some higher power, but in yourself. Self-doubt has a sneaky way of derailing the process, so every now and then, remind yourself why you’re perfect for the career you desire. (A little pep talk in the mirror doesn’t hurt here.) And remember, there’s no set timeline for when your dream job will materialize. Be patient and enjoy the journey—it’s a part of the process too.

Final Thoughts: Is Manifesting Real?

Whether you think it’s all cosmic energy or just clever goal-setting, manifesting has one big benefit: it gets you focused on what you want and open to new possibilities. If nothing else, it’s a great excuse to get clear on what lights you up, which is a powerful first step toward building a career you actually enjoy. So, go ahead—make a vision board, say a few positive affirmations, and then get to work. The universe may just surprise you.