I’ll never forget the afternoon my mentor Shaun Oliver caught me writing another “wish list” in my journal.
I was sitting at my favorite coffee shop, scribbling down things I wanted: more money, a better relationship, a dream job. You know, the usual stuff. Shaun looked over my shoulder and said something that changed everything.
“Lisa, you’re not making a manifestation list. You’re just making wishes and hoping the universe does the work for you.”
I felt a little defensive at first. Wasn’t I doing what all those manifestation books told me to do? But Shaun sat down and showed me the difference between wishing and manifesting. That conversation started my real journey with manifestation lists, and it’s why I’m so passionate about sharing this with you through Self Help Powers today.
Most people make the same mistake I did. They write down what they want without understanding how to turn those words into energy, action, and real results. But here’s the good news: once you learn the right way to create a manifestation list, everything shifts.
In this guide, I’m going to share exactly what Shaun taught me about making manifestation lists that work. This isn’t theory or fluff. These are the actual steps I use, the mistakes I made, and the breakthroughs that followed.
What Is a Manifestation List and Why Does It Actually Work?
A manifestation list is way more than a wish list. It’s a written declaration of what you want to create in your life, combined with the emotional energy and belief that it’s already yours.
When Shaun first explained this to me, I was skeptical. I mean, how could writing something down actually make it happen? But then he showed me the science behind manifestation.
Here’s what blew my mind: Stanford neuroscientist Dr. James Doty explains that when we focus our attention intentionally on what we want, our brain actually changes. Through something called neuroplasticity, we create new neural pathways. Basically, our brain gets rewired to notice opportunities that match our intentions.
“Think of it like programming your GPS,” Shaun told me. “If you don’t enter the destination, you’ll just drive around randomly. Your manifestation list is your GPS coordinates for life.”
That clicked for me. It wasn’t about magic. It was about training my brain to see what I was looking for.
The Wish List vs. Manifestation List
Here’s the difference that Shaun helped me understand:
| Wish List | Manifestation List |
| “I want more money” | “I am earning $5,000 per month doing work I love” |
| Written once and forgotten | Reviewed daily with emotion |
| Vague and general | Specific and detailed |
| Future-focused (“I will have…”) | Present-tense (“I am…” or “I have…”) |
| No action attached | Paired with inspired action |
The first time I rewrote my list using these principles, something shifted inside me. I wasn’t just hoping anymore. I was declaring.
How Do You Get Clear on What You Really Want to Manifest?
This is where most people stumble right out of the gate. I know I did.
My first manifestation list looked like this:
- “I want to be happy”
- “I want financial freedom”
- “I want better relationships”
Shaun read it and laughed. Not in a mean way, but in that loving mentor way that tells you he’s about to drop some truth.
“Lisa, your brain has no idea what to do with these. What does ‘happy’ even mean? What does ‘financial freedom’ look like? Give me numbers, feelings, specific details.”
He was right. I was being so vague that the universe couldn’t possibly deliver. It’s like walking into a restaurant and telling the waiter, “I want food.” You’ll get something, but probably not what you actually wanted.
Shaun’s Clarity Exercise
Shaun taught me this simple exercise that I now share with everyone at Self Help Powers:
- Start with the vague desire. Write down what you think you want.
- Ask “What does that look like?” Get visual and specific.
- Ask “How will I feel when I have it?” Connect to the emotion.
- Ask “Why do I want this?” Make sure it aligns with your true values.
- Write the clear version. This is what goes on your manifestation list.
Let me give you a real example from my own journey.
Vague desire: “I want financial freedom”
What does that look like? I can pay all my bills without stress. I have $10,000 in savings. I take one vacation per year without worrying about money.
How will I feel? Relaxed, confident, proud of myself, secure.
Why do I want this? So I can sleep peacefully at night and have the freedom to help my family when they need it.
Clear version: “I am earning $7,000 per month from my online business. I have $10,000 in my savings account. I feel relaxed, confident, and secure about money. I take a two-week vacation every year with my family.”
See the difference? The second version gives your brain something to work with.
Research shows that specific goals activate different parts of the brain than vague wishes. When you get specific, your brain starts looking for ways to make it happen.
Want help getting crystal clear on your desires? Download our free Manifestation Workbook at Self Help Powers. It includes the exact clarity exercises Shaun taught me: Get Your FREE Manifestation Workbook
What Should You Write in Your Manifestation List?
Okay, now we’re getting into the good stuff. Shaun gave me a template that I still use today. I’ve filled countless pages using this framework, and I’ve seen it work over and over.
Here are the five core elements every manifestation list needs:
1. Present Tense Language
Write as if you already have what you want. Not “I will have” or “I want.” Use “I am” or “I have.”
This felt weird at first. I remember telling Shaun, “But I don’t have it yet. Isn’t this lying?”
He smiled and said, “You’re not lying. You’re aligning. Your subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality. When you write in the present tense, you’re teaching your brain that this is already true.”
Instead of: “I will find my dream job”
Write: “I am working in my dream job as a content strategist at a company that values creativity”
2. Specific Details
Remember that clarity exercise? Use those details here. The more specific, the better.
Instead of: “I have a nice house”
Write: “I live in a three-bedroom house with a backyard and big windows that let in natural light. It feels peaceful and welcoming.”
3. Emotional Language
This is huge. Shaun always said, “Manifestation without emotion is just words on paper.”
Add how you feel in your manifestation list. This activates the emotional part of your brain, which is way more powerful than the logical part.
Instead of: “I am in a loving relationship”
Write: “I am in a loving relationship where I feel seen, appreciated, and supported. I feel joyful and peaceful when I’m with my partner.”
4. Aligned with Your Values
Make sure what you’re manifesting actually matters to you. Not what your parents want. Not what looks good on social media. What YOU truly want.
I learned this the hard way. I once manifested a high-paying corporate job because I thought that’s what success looked like. I got the job. And I was miserable. It wasn’t aligned with my value of creative freedom.
Shaun reminded me, “The universe will give you what you ask for. So make sure you’re asking for what you really need.”
5. Action-Oriented (Yes, Even in a List)
Here’s what most manifestation teachings leave out: your list should inspire action, not just visualization.
Shaun taught me to include statements that acknowledge my role in the manifestation.
Example: “I am taking daily action toward building my business. I show up with consistency and courage.”
This keeps you from the trap of “magical thinking” where you just wait for stuff to appear.
My Real Manifestation List Example
I’m going to be vulnerable here and share part of my actual manifestation list from two years ago:
- “I am running a successful online platform called Self Help Powers that helps thousands of people transform their lives. I feel fulfilled and proud of the impact I’m making.”
- “I am earning $8,000 per month from coaching, writing, and digital products. I feel financially secure and generous.”
- “I wake up every morning excited about my work. I feel creative, inspired, and aligned with my purpose.”
- “I am surrounded by supportive, growth-minded people who encourage my dreams. I feel loved and connected.”
When I wrote this, none of it was true yet. But writing it in present tense made it feel possible. And you know what? Most of these things have manifested. Not because of magic, but because my brain started seeing opportunities everywhere.
How Do You Write Your Manifestation List for Maximum Power?
Now let’s talk about the actual process of writing your list. This isn’t just about grabbing any old piece of paper and scribbling stuff down. There’s a ritual to it.
Shaun was big on rituals. He believed that when you create sacred space around manifestation, you tell your subconscious, “This matters. Pay attention.”
Shaun’s Manifestation List Writing Ritual
Here’s the exact process I learned and still use:
Step 1: Create Sacred Space
Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Light a candle if that feels good. Put on soft music. Turn off your phone. This is your time.
I have a special corner in my bedroom with a comfortable chair and good lighting. Every time I sit there, my brain knows: we’re doing important work.
Step 2: Get Into a Calm State
Take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes. Let the stress of the day melt away. Research on neuroplasticity shows that when we’re relaxed, our brain is more receptive to creating new neural pathways.
Shaun used to say, “You can’t manifest from a stressed-out state. You’re in survival mode. You need to be in creation mode.”
I usually take five minutes to just breathe and center myself.
Step 3: Write by Hand
This is important. Don’t type your manifestation list. Write it by hand.
There’s something powerful about the physical act of writing. It engages your brain differently than typing. Plus, it slows you down so you can really feel each word.
I use a dedicated journal just for manifestation work. It feels special.
Step 4: Write in Present Tense with Emotion
Go through each item on your list and write it as if it’s already true. Really feel the emotions as you write.
When I write “I am earning $8,000 per month,” I pause and let myself feel what that would be like. The relief. The pride. The security. I let those feelings fill my body.
Shaun taught me that the feeling is what creates the magnetic pull.
Step 5: Read It Out Loud
After you’ve written everything, read your entire list out loud to yourself. Hear your voice speaking these truths.
The first time I did this, I cried. Something about hearing myself say “I am living my dream life” out loud made it feel real in a way it hadn’t before.
Step 6: End with Gratitude
Finish by writing a few sentences of gratitude. Thank the universe (or God, or your higher self, whatever resonates) for supporting your manifestation.
I always write: “Thank you for guiding me toward these desires. I trust the timing. I’m ready to receive.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you from some mistakes I made:
❌ Don’t write from fear or lack. “I don’t want to be broke anymore” focuses on being broke. Instead: “I am financially abundant.”
❌ Don’t use wishy-washy language. “I hope to maybe start a business” is weak. Instead: “I am running my successful business.”
❌ Don’t write a manifestation list when you’re angry or upset. Wait until you’re calm. Negative energy creates negative manifestations.
❌ Don’t overthink it. Your first instinct is usually right. Don’t edit yourself to death.
Should You Use Affirmations or Specific Goals in Your List?
This is a question I asked Shaun early on. I was confused because some teachers said to use affirmations like “I am abundant,” while others said to be super specific like “I have $10,000 in my bank account.”
Shaun’s answer? Use both.
“Affirmations create the energy and belief system,” he explained. “Specific goals give your brain a target. You need both to manifest powerfully.”
The Difference Between Affirmations and Goals
Affirmations are statements about who you are or how you feel. They shape your identity and energy.
Examples:
- “I am worthy of love and success”
- “I am confident and capable”
- “I am a magnet for abundance”
Specific goals are statements about what you have or what you’re experiencing. They give your brain something concrete to work toward.
Examples:
- “I have $15,000 saved in my emergency fund”
- “I am living in a beautiful apartment in downtown Austin”
- “I am in a committed relationship with someone who shares my values”
How I Combines Them
Here’s how I structure my manifestation list at Self Help Powers:
Section 1: Identity Affirmations (Who I am)
- I am confident and aligned with my purpose
- I am a powerful creator of my reality
- I am worthy of all my desires
Section 2: Specific Manifestations (What I have/experience)
- I am earning $10,000 per month from Self Help Powers
- I live in a home that feels peaceful and inspiring
- I have a circle of five close friends who support my growth
Section 3: Feeling Statements (How I feel)
- I feel joyful and excited about my life
- I feel grateful for all the abundance flowing to me
- I feel proud of the person I’m becoming
This three-part structure keeps me balanced. The affirmations build my belief, the specific manifestations give me direction, and the feeling statements keep me connected to the emotional energy.
Shaun used to say, “Affirmations without goals are like having an engine without a car. Goals without affirmations are like having a car without an engine. You need both to get anywhere.”
That’s stuck with me for years.
How Often Should You Review Your Manifestation List?
Here’s where most people drop the ball. They write a beautiful manifestation list, put it in a drawer, and forget about it. Then they wonder why nothing manifests.
I did this too. My first manifestation list lived in my journal for three months without me looking at it once. Obviously, nothing happened.
When I told Shaun, he laughed and said, “Lisa, manifestation isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ thing. You have to feed it. Daily.”
The Power of Repetition
Remember that neuroscience research I mentioned? Creating new neural pathways requires repetition. Your brain needs to hear your manifestations over and over to make them feel real.
Think about it like learning a new language. You don’t just study vocabulary words once and expect to be fluent. You review them daily until they become automatic.
Your manifestation list works the same way.
Shaun’s Morning Ritual (That I Adopted)
Shaun had a morning ritual that transformed his life, and he passed it on to me. Now I’m sharing it with you.
Every morning, before I check my phone or do anything else, I:
- Read my manifestation list (5 minutes)
- Visualize one item from the list (5 minutes)
- Write three grateful things (2 minutes)
That’s it. Twelve minutes that changed everything.
When I read my list, I don’t just skim it. I read each line slowly, pausing to feel the emotion. I let myself believe it’s already true.
Sometimes I read it out loud. Sometimes I read it silently. But I always connect to the feeling.
My Transformation Through Consistency
I’m not going to lie—it felt weird at first. Reading “I am earning $8,000 per month” when I was making $2,000 felt like lying to myself.
But Shaun encouraged me to stick with it. “Give it 30 days,” he said. “Just trust the process.”
After about two weeks, something shifted. I started noticing opportunities I would have missed before. A coaching client reached out. Someone wanted to pay me for my writing. Small things at first, but they added up.
By three months, my income had doubled. By six months, I hit that $8,000 goal.
Was it magic? No. It was focus. My brain was primed to see opportunities that aligned with my manifestation list. And because I reviewed it daily, I actually took action when opportunities appeared.
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How Often Should You Update Your List?
I review my manifestation list every morning, but I only update it about once a month.
Usually during the new moon (yes, I’m a little woo-woo like that), I sit down and ask myself:
- What has manifested that I can celebrate?
- What no longer feels aligned?
- What new desires have emerged?
Then I rewrite my list with fresh energy.
Some manifestations stay on my list for months. Others manifest quickly and get replaced. That’s normal.
The key is staying connected to your list through daily review, but not obsessing over it. Trust the process. Trust the timing.
What Actions Should You Take After Creating Your List?
Okay, this is the part that Shaun really drilled into me. And honestly, it’s the part that made all the difference.
Creating a manifestation list is powerful. But if you just write it and visualize it without taking action, you’re missing the whole point.
“The universe rewards action,” Shaun used to say. “Show the universe you’re serious by moving toward what you want.”
When I Only Visualized (And Nothing Happened)
Let me tell you about a time I failed at manifesting. I had written on my list: “I am a published author with a book that helps thousands of people.”
Every day, I read it. I visualized it. I felt it. But I didn’t write. I didn’t pitch publishers. I didn’t even start a manuscript.
Guess what happened? Nothing.
I complained to Shaun. “This manifestation stuff doesn’t work! I’ve been visualizing for six months!”
He looked at me with those knowing eyes and asked, “How many words have you written toward your book?”
Zero. I had written zero words.
“Lisa,” he said gently, “manifestation isn’t about sitting on the couch and hoping the universe drops a book deal in your lap. It’s about aligning your energy with your desire AND taking inspired action. The universe can’t deliver opportunities if you’re not in position to receive them.”
That hit me hard. I had been treating manifestation like a magic trick instead of a partnership with the universe.
Shaun’s “Inspired Action” Philosophy
Shaun taught me the difference between forced action and inspired action.
Forced action comes from fear or desperation. It feels heavy and stressful. You’re pushing and grinding because you don’t trust the process.
Inspired action comes from alignment and intuition. It feels exciting, even if it’s challenging. You’re pulled toward it naturally.
When you create your manifestation list and review it daily, inspired action will show up. You’ll get ideas. You’ll feel nudges. You’ll see opportunities.
Your job is to follow those nudges.
Practical Action Steps After Creating Your List
Here’s what I do after writing my manifestation list, and what I recommend to everyone at Self Help Powers:
1. Ask: “What’s one small step I can take today?”
For each item on your list, identify one tiny action you can take right now.
Example: If you’re manifesting a dream job, one small step could be updating your resume or reaching out to someone in your desired field.
2. Schedule it.
Don’t just think about the action. Put it in your calendar. Make it real.
I block 30 minutes every day for “manifestation action time.” That’s when I work on whatever actions support my list.
3. Stay open to unexpected paths.
Sometimes the universe delivers in ways you didn’t expect. Stay flexible.
I manifested “financial abundance” but I expected it to come from one specific coaching program. Instead, it came from three different sources I hadn’t anticipated. I almost missed them because I was too focused on my original idea.
4. Celebrate small wins.
Every time something moves in the direction of your manifestation, acknowledge it. Gratitude speeds up the process.
I keep a “manifestation wins” journal where I note even tiny things. “Someone asked about my coaching.” “I got a new subscriber.” “I felt confident today.” These little wins matter.
5. Trust the timing.
Some things manifest quickly. Others take time. Keep taking action and trust that it’s all unfolding perfectly.
My Breakthrough Moment
About a year into my manifestation practice, I had written: “I am helping thousands of people through my writing and teaching.”
I had been blogging, creating content, taking courses to improve my skills. I was taking action consistently.
Then one day, one of my blog posts went viral. Thousands of people read it. My email list grew by hundreds overnight. People reached out saying my words changed their lives.
I sat at my desk and cried. This was the manifestation I had been working toward. It didn’t just happen. It happened because I combined clear intention with consistent action.
That’s when I truly understood what Shaun meant. Manifestation is a partnership. You provide the clarity and action. The universe provides the opportunities and timing.
How Do You Know If Your Manifestation List Is Working?
This is a question I get a lot at Self Help Powers. People want to know: “How long does it take? How can I tell if it’s working?”
I love this question because Shaun gave me such a good framework for understanding the signs.
When your manifestation list is working, you’ll start noticing these things:
1. Synchronicities
You’ll see repeated numbers, run into people who can help you, or stumble upon resources at exactly the right time.
I started seeing 11:11 on the clock every single day when I was manifesting a new business opportunity. Then I “randomly” met someone at a coffee shop who became my first big client.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it happened too many times to ignore.
2. Inspired ideas
You’ll wake up with ideas or solutions you didn’t have before. Your intuition gets stronger.
After I started my daily manifestation practice, I’d wake up at 5 AM with ideas flooding my brain. I had to keep a journal by my bed to capture them all.
3. Energy shifts
You’ll feel more optimistic, motivated, and aligned. Even when things are challenging, you have an underlying sense that you’re on the right path.
I used to feel anxious about money all the time. After a few months of manifesting financial abundance, that anxiety lifted. I just knew it would work out. And it did.
4. Small manifestations
Little things on your list will start showing up first. These are signs that the bigger things are coming.
Before I manifested my $8,000 monthly income, I manifested free coffee, surprise gifts, and small amounts of money. The universe was testing me: “Will you notice and appreciate these? Are you ready for more?”
5. Opportunities appear
People will reach out with offers, you’ll see job postings that match your desires, or doors will open that were previously closed.
This happened constantly once I got serious about my practice. It was like the universe was lining up opportunities and saying, “Here you go. Are you ready to receive?”
When to Revise Your List
Sometimes, you’ll realize what you thought you wanted isn’t actually what you need. That’s okay.
I manifested a relationship once, but when it showed up, I realized I had been manifesting from a place of loneliness, not genuine desire. I revised my list to focus on healing myself first.
Shaun always said, “The manifestation process will teach you what you truly want. Be willing to let go of old desires that no longer serve you.”
Revise your list when:
- Something no longer feels exciting
- You’ve manifested it and want to level up
- Your values or priorities have shifted
- You realize you were manifesting from fear instead of love
Shaun’s Patience Lesson
The hardest part of manifestation for me was patience. I wanted everything RIGHT NOW.
I remember complaining to Shaun one day: “It’s been three months and nothing’s happened!”
He smiled and said, “Lisa, if you planted a seed three months ago and got mad because there’s no tree yet, would that make sense? Some things take time to grow. Your job is to water the seed and trust.”
That changed my perspective completely.
Now when I’m manifesting something big, I remind myself: I’m watering the seed. I’m taking action. I’m trusting the timing.
My Emotional Moment When It All Clicked
Two years after starting my manifestation practice, almost everything on my original list had manifested in some form.
I was sitting at my desk, looking at old journal entries, and I realized: this stuff actually works.
Not because the universe magically gave me things, but because the process of manifestation changed ME. It made me clearer about what I wanted. It made me take action. It made me notice opportunities. It made me believe I was worthy of good things.
That’s when I knew I had to share this with others through Self Help Powers. Because if manifestation could transform my life, it could help others too.
Your Manifestation Journey Starts Now
So, how do you make a manifestation list?
You get clear on what you really want. You write it in present tense with emotion and specificity. You review it daily. You take inspired action. And you trust the process.
But more than anything, you believe you’re worthy of what you’re asking for.
That’s what Shaun taught me, and that’s what I’ve proven true in my own life.
Manifestation isn’t about tricks or hacks. It’s about aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions with the life you want to create. It’s about partnering with the universe instead of waiting for life to happen to you.
I went from being a skeptic who thought manifestation was wishful thinking to someone who has manifested job opportunities, income, relationships, and even this platform you’re reading right now.
If I can do it, you absolutely can too.
At Self Help Powers, we believe everyone has the power to create the life they dream about. Your manifestation list is where that power begins.
Start today. Write your list. Feel it. Believe it. And then go out there and take one small action toward making it real.
The universe is waiting to support you. Are you ready to receive?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my manifestation list be?
Keep it between 5-15 items. Too few and you’re limiting yourself. Too many and you’ll feel scattered. Focus on quality over quantity. Each item should feel important and emotionally charged.
Can I manifest multiple things at once?
Yes! Your brain can hold multiple intentions at once. I usually have about 8-10 things on my list across different life areas: career, relationships, health, finances, and personal growth. Just make sure you’re genuinely excited about each one.
Do I need to believe in manifestation for it to work?
You don’t need to believe in magic, but you do need to believe in your ability to create change. Even if you’re skeptical, try it for 30 days with an open mind. The neuroscience backs it up whether you believe in “woo-woo” stuff or not.
What if I don’t see results right away?
Manifestation isn’t instant. Some things show up quickly, others take months or years. Keep reviewing your list daily and taking action. Look for small signs of progress. Trust that things are moving even when you can’t see it yet.
Should I share my manifestation list with others?
This is personal. Some people find it helpful to share with trusted friends who support them. Others prefer to keep it private. I share some manifestations but keep others close to my heart. Do what feels right for you.
