Roxie Nafousi, Vogue Scandinavia's go-to self development coach, manifestation expert and author, answers our burning questions about what manifestation really is – and how we can harness it as a tool in our own lives
Over the course of just a few years, manifestation has gone from a new-age niche tracing back to the 19th century, to a buzzword used on the daily and TikTok fodder for keen Gen Zers. The basic ‘think it, get it’ principle may sound simple, but there's a little more to manifestation than just wishful thinking and willpower. So before you get wrapped up in the trending ‘scripting’ or ‘5x55’ methods, we take it back to the basics to understand what the fuss is all about. Is manifestation the real deal, or just spiritual mumbo-jumbo?
To answer 10 of our burning questions on the basics of manifestation, we turned straight to Roxie Nafousi, a self-development coach, inspirational speaker and Sunday Times bestselling author three times over. Below, the manifestation expert gives us the lowdown on the basics – but Nafousi's top tip? Pick up a copy of her book Manifestation: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life.
What exactly is manifestation?
“Manifesting is using the power of your mind to change and create the reality that you experience. To manifest literally means to make it happen.”
Can anybody manifest?
“Absolutely anyone can manifest and I think everybody should.”
What is the different between manifestation and wishful thinking?
“It's a common misconception that manifestation is just about wishful thinking, but it's not. You cannot think your way to success. Manifestation is about being proactive, taking action, stepping outside your comfort zone and showing up as your highest self.”
Photo: @roxienafousi
What kind of things should I aim to manifest?
“I really believe you can manifest absolutely anything, whether that's a new job, a new partner, or a new home. But the most important thing you should be focusing on in your manifestation journey is: who do you want to become? We can manifest the best version of ourselves that can exist.”
Are some things not possible to manifest?
“You can't manifest for other people and you can't manifest winning the lottery.”
How long does it take to see results from manifestation?
“How long is a piece of string? You can manifest some things really quickly, other things may take time.”
How do you stay patient during the process?
“This is all about step seven in my book, trust in the universe. This is about surrender, it's about not becoming obsessive or desperate for your goals, but enjoying the process that will get you there.”
Photo: @roxienafousi
What are the most popular manifestations?
“Most people want to manifest love, and following that, they want to manifest their dream job.”
What is the strangest thing someone has come to you wanting to manifest?
“Someone once sent me a vision board with a big picture of Chris Hemsworth on it, and... I get it.”
What are the most common manifestation mistakes?
“There are three main mistakes that people make. The first is people just visualising it and waiting for it to happen without taking action. The second is people not committing to the inner healing required to unlock their full potential, and the third is becoming desperate or obsessive.”