Psst: YOU ARE ABOUT TO HAVE THE Best.Year.Ever.

Bye, never gonnahappen New Year's resolutions. Hi, *actually making all your dreams come true.

- AMANDA KOHR

S wipe through your FYP long enough, and you're going to find someone claiming how effective manifestation is. And if you're anything like me a year ago, you might initially meet that video with a major eye roll. I'm naturally skeptical (I like to know there's an answer for everything), and my logical brain couldn't quite wrap itself around how simply *wanting* something was going to make it happen.

But I was feeling a little stuck, and after seeing dozens of videos, it felt like the algorithm was nudging me to try something new. That's where I found out about "practical manifestation," aka knowing what you want, believing you're worthy of getting it and taking the proper steps to achieve that goal.

"Manifestation is not just about wishful thinking," says psychologist Dr. LeMeita Smith. "It's about tapping into your thoughts and energies, channeling your focus and determination and actively aligning your beliefs and actions to create positive outcomes in your life." Sounds pretty magical after all, right? Let's get started.

UNCOVER THE VISION

Here's the tough truth: For this process to work, you have to lean into the values that feel authentic to you-not your friends, parents or random people on your feed.

"Create a list of values like self-care, creativity, hard work and spirituality, and pick the three or four that speak to you most," advises life coach Anna Cantwell.

Another way to discover what's important to you is to reflect on the past. Think back through the year: When did you have the most fun? When did you feel the most motivated? Which people, environments and activities left you feeling energized or relaxed?