The Law of Attraction: manifesting or just magical thinking?

April 28, 2025

Mastering the Law of Attraction: how to make it work for you

Somewhere along the way, you’ve likely been told: “Stay positive and the universe will answer.” A beautiful idea—but let’s be real, manifesting your dream life isn’t quite as simple as ordering your favorite pizza (though deciding between burrata or pineapple toppings might feel like your biggest life choice some days).

Welcome to the world of the Law of Attraction.

At its core, the Law of Attraction is the idea that like attracts like—meaning, whatever energy you put out into the universe is what you’ll attract back. Good vibes = good life. Bad vibes = well, you get it. But is it real? Is it wishful thinking? Is it low-key just gaslighting yourself into ignoring red flags? Let’s dive in.

What is the Law of Attraction, really?

In simple terms: your thoughts shape your reality.

If you constantly think, “I’m not good enough,” you might subconsciously act in ways that reinforce that belief. If you think, “I’m a badass who deserves good things,” you’ll probably show up more confidently—and surprise, people will treat you that way too.

It’s less about magically bending the universe to your will and more about how your mindset influences your actions, decisions, and opportunities. You’re not just wishing on a star. You’re becoming the kind of person who can catch a shooting star when it flies by.

Manifesting ≠ magic

Here’s the thing people sometimes get wrong about the Law of Attraction: it’s not about sitting on your couch, chanting affirmations, and hoping Ryan Gosling will just… knock on your door (although, listen, never say never).

It’s about aligning your mindset with your goals and then taking inspired action. Want a new job? Visualizing your dream role every morning is great—but updating your CV, networking, and actually applying are still very much required.

Think of it like this:

  • Intention is the engine.
  • Belief is the GPS.
  • Action is the fuel.

Without all three, you’re just sitting in a car going nowhere.

How to actually use it (without losing your mind)

If you’re curious to try it out without turning into a human vision board, here are a few grounded steps:

🌟 Get clear on what you want

Vague dreams lead to vague results. Be specific. Want to move to Italy? Cool. Picture yourself ordering coffee in broken Italian, not just “being happy somewhere.” Specificity is your best friend.

When I was 12, I had a crystal-clear vision: one day, I was going to live abroad. Because of that dream, I made moves early. I studied English like my future depended on it (spoiler: it kind of did), got my Cambridge certificates, enrolled in a full-English Bachelor’s program, and took my Erasmus and internship abroad in two different countries—just to test the waters. And you know what? I loved it. I saw the dream. I made choices that matched the vision. And eventually, I woke up living the life I used to daydream about.

Moral of the story: Dream it. Define it. Then start walking toward it.

🌟 Feel it in your bones

Visualization isn’t just about thinking—it’s about feeling. You want your dreams to stick to your brain like glitter? Add emotion.

When I found out I got accepted to a University in Valencia for my Erasmus exchange, I didn’t just smile and move on. I felt it—deeply. Excitement, gratitude, that electric “holy crap, I made this happen” buzz. I carried that feeling with me every single day I was there, and I swear it made the experience even richer. Gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. It anchors you to the present moment, helps you notice the magic you’re living while you’re living it, and honestly? It opens the door for even more good things to flow in.

When you honor the opportunities that come your way, you invite even more good things in.

🌟 Take messy, imperfect action

Manifesting isn’t passive. Even a tiny step counts. DM that person. Apply for that opportunity. Book that one-way ticket (okay, maybe think about that one twice).

Sometimes, you have to be bold. There’s a saying in my language that goes: “Cheeky people own half the world.” And honestly? Facts. My boyfriend once slid into the DMs of a major magazine’s marketing team with some of his photoshoot pictures—and guess what? He’s going to be featured in their May edition. Legend. And a couple of months ago, I met up with someone I truly admire, sharing how much I loved her work and (not-so-subtly) hinting that I’d love to collaborate someday. You won’t believe this (at least I don’t): today, I received a job offer from her! Talk about full-circle moments. And honestly, it’s what inspired me to sit down and write this blog post, so hopefully you feel encouraged to shoot your shot too.

Does it mean you’ll always get a yes when you put yourself out there? Nope. But here’s the thing: you’ll never know what could happen unless you try.

🌟 Detach a little

Yes, want it—but don’t cling to it. Obsession can actually push things away. Let it unfold naturally, without gripping too tightly to the timeline.

As much as I dream and work toward my goals, I’m also a firm believer in “what’s meant to be, will be”—and that mindset gives me some breathing room when things don’t go as planned. I always make sure to show up and put in the effort, but I try to stay grounded and not get lost in expectations. Honestly, it’s helped me handle disappointments with much more ease, because I trust that if something doesn’t work out, it simply wasn’t meant for me.

So, dream big but hold it lightly—trusting that what’s meant for you will always find its way.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, the Law of Attraction isn’t about snapping your fingers and waiting for miracles. It’s about becoming an active participant in your own life—getting clear on what you want, believing it’s possible, taking brave, imperfect action, and trusting the timing of it all.

It’s not about forcing the universe to bend to your will. It’s about meeting it halfway—with open hands, an open heart, and a whole lot of grit. Your dreams aren’t random. They’re little whispers of what’s possible for you. So honor them. Work for them. Stay grateful for the journey—and stay open to magic along the way.

So, what’s one dream you’re ready to start believing in a little more boldly? ✨

P.S. To any Italians out there: forgive me for even suggesting PiNeaPpLe as a pizza topping—I promise I meant well!