On this special encore presentation of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host Darlene Marshall dives deep into one of her all-time favorite episodes: “Beyond Manifesting.” This episode unpacks the popular concept of manifesting—those vision board dreams fueled by the Law of Attraction—and examines it with both an open mind and a critical, science-based perspective.

Darlene invites listeners to join her in the middle ground, where skepticism and hope coexist, and where manifesting is neither blindly worshiped nor outright dismissed. She traces the origins of manifesting back to the widely known book (and film) “The Secret,” breaking down how its spiritual foundations entered mainstream culture and wellness circles.

But is manifesting enough to create real change? Darlene explains why simply “thinking your way to success” may be incomplete, highlighting the ways manifesting practices often misinterpret science, particularly concepts from quantum mechanics. She shares compelling research—like Gabrielle Oettingen’s studies on “mental contrasting”—showing how combining dreams with honest reflection and action steps delivers tangible results.

Listeners will learn why it’s important to move beyond wishful thinking, identify self-sabotage, and implement evidence-based tools to create change—personally or professionally.

Whether you’re a true believer, a diehard skeptic, or somewhere in-between, this episode will empower you to take ownership, ground your aspirations, and go beyond manifesting to make meaningful progress in your life.

References:

Free support to practice WOOP: https://woopmylife.org/Gabrielle Oettingen's book Rethinking Positive Thinking: https://a.co/d/eXYEzkx

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The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

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