In 2026, the idea of manifesting a raise or a promotion continues to be a popular concept, with millions turning to manifestation and visualization techniques to help achieve their career and personal goals. On platforms like TikTok alone, over nine million posts highlight the supposed power of these mental practices. While some critics view manifestation as mere wishful thinking, many experts argue that it can have real, tangible benefits—particularly when combined with deliberate actions. This approach is rooted in psychological and neuroscientific principles that suggest the mind can influence behavior and perception, ultimately aiding people in manifesting their desired outcomes through focused intention and mental rehearsal.
The Power of Manifestation in Popular Culture
The Jim Carrey Example
One of the most iconic stories illustrating the potential of manifestation comes from Jim Carrey, the celebrated actor and comedian. During the early 1990s, Carrey famously wrote himself a check for $10 million for acting services, post-dating it to Thanksgiving 1995. He kept this check in his wallet as a visual reminder of his aspirations. Miraculously, within six months of drafting this check, Carrey was earning $10 million for his role in “Dumb and Dumber.”
Carrey has publicly credited visualization techniques as a key factor in his success. Before he ever received a big paycheck, he would drive to Mulholland Drive every night, sit on the side of the road, and visualize himself as a popular actor, imagining that every director wanted to work with him. “I used to go up to Mulholland Drive every night, sit on the side of the road, look out at the lights and go, ‘I’m a popular actor. Every director wants to work with me,’” Carrey said during an interview with Barbara Walters in 1995.
He explained that these mental practices helped him deal with the struggle of being out of work and that they played a vital role in shaping his mindset to believe in his success even before it materialized. Carrey’s story exemplifies how visualization can serve as a mental rehearsal for real-world achievements.
The Neuroscience and Psychology of Manifestation
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The Science Behind the Practice
While manifestation may seem like a mystical or woo-woo concept, mental health professionals and neuroscientists suggest it has a scientific basis. Psychotherapist Chamin Ajjan describes manifestation as a conscious process that involves aligning your core values, setting clear intentions, and taking targeted actions to bring about desired life changes. According to her, this deliberate approach can help clarify goals and foster motivation, making it easier to act in ways that lead toward those goals.
Neuroscientific research supports these claims by indicating that engaging in visualization or manifestation techniques can physically rewire the brain. When individuals consistently focus on their goals and imagine achieving them, their brains develop new neural pathways that prime them to recognize opportunities and pursue necessary actions unconsciously. Neuroscientist Dr. James R. Doty explained to SELF Magazine last year that such mental engagement can make the brain “primed to subconsciously seek out something you want or the steps you need to take to reach a certain goal.”
This neural rewiring creates a sort of feedback loop: the more one visualizes success, the more motivated and focused they become, increasing their chances of actually achieving their objectives.
The Role of Visualization in Success
Jim Carrey’s practice of visualization extended beyond writing the check. He often spent time sitting on Mulholland Drive at night, immersing himself in images of success and admiration. Carrey described how this mental exercise gave him genuine feelings of joy and confidence about his future accomplishments, even before they happened. Over time, these positive emotions and clarity of purpose reinforced his drive, enabling him to persist through challenges.
His dedication to visualization paid off: Carrey has since become one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, according to Forbes. His success story illustrates how mental rehearsal combined with belief and action can significantly impact real-world outcomes. Carrey claims, “I’m a huge visualizer, and a manifestor,” emphasizing that these practices are integral to his approach to achieving his goals.
Manifestation and Practical Success
While the idea of manifesting success might seem abstract, many entrepreneurs and professionals have reported that consistent visualization helps them stay focused and motivated. The practice encourages setting clear goals and mentally experiencing the feeling of achievement, which can motivate concrete steps toward that vision.
However, experts caution that manifestation alone isn’t enough. It must be paired with proactive effort, strategic planning, and perseverance. Visualization and mindset shifts are tools that can complement tangible actions, helping individuals overcome mental barriers and maintain confidence.
### Incorporating Manifestation into Daily Life
Practices such as journaling about your goals, meditating on success, or visualizing yourself achieving specific milestones can reinforce a growth mindset. These mental exercises can improve your resilience and make you more alert to opportunities that align with your aspirations.
Ultimately, manifestation is about aligning your subconscious beliefs with your conscious goals. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of taking the necessary steps to realize your dreams—and this combination of mental focus and action is what many believe propels people toward success.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the popularity of manifestation continues to grow, bolstered by stories like Jim Carrey’s and supported by emerging scientific understanding. While it’s not a magic bullet, the practice of visualization and aligning one’s intentions can serve as powerful catalysts for real change when integrated with diligent effort. As more people embrace these techniques, the line between mindset and tangible results blurs, reminding us that often, believing in possibility is the first step toward making it a reality.
