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On Purpose with Jay Shetty

You're Manifesting Wrong! Follow THIS 3-Step Alignment Formula That Actually Works (This is Life Changing!)

Published October 17, 2025
View Show Notes

About This Episode

Jay Shetty breaks down common myths about manifestation and reframes it as a process of clarity, belief, and aligned, consistent action rather than magical thinking. He walks through seven specific misconceptions-about magic, positivity, journaling, wanting, a smooth path, passivity, and material goals-using research, analogies, and personal stories. The episode emphasizes building systems, taking concrete steps, and aligning goals with deeper values and purpose.

Topics Covered

Manifestation Personal Development Goal setting Habits Perspective shift Resilience Self-talk Entrepreneurship Happiness Relationships

Disclaimer: We provide independent summaries of podcasts and are not affiliated with or endorsed in any way by any podcast or creator. All podcast names and content are the property of their respective owners. The views and opinions expressed within the podcasts belong solely to the original hosts and guests and do not reflect the views or positions of Summapod.

Quick Takeaways

  • Manifestation isn't magic or passive wishing; it's the alignment of what you think, say, and do toward a clear goal.
  • Specific, measurable goals outperform vague desires like "abundance" because they tell your brain and behavior where to go.
  • Positive thinking and affirmations only become powerful when paired with concrete, consistent actions.
  • Writing goals in a journal is just the first step; progress comes from breaking them into immediate, doable actions.
  • Desire without direction is like stepping on the gas without a steering wheel-strategy and positioning are essential.
  • Obstacles and struggle often signal that you're on a meaningful path, not that you're on the wrong one.
  • True surrender begins only after you've genuinely done everything within your control.
  • Lasting fulfillment comes from alignment with your values and growth, not just acquiring money, cars, or houses.

Podcast Notes

Introduction and reframing manifestation

Clarifying what manifestation is not

Jay lists common misconceptions about manifestation[2:03]
• Manifestation is not magic or wishing and waiting for things to appear
• It is not writing something once in a journal and closing the book
• It is not repeating affirmations while avoiding action
• It is not the universe delivering outcomes without your participation
• It is not a shortcut around hard work or an instant delivery system
Jay defines manifestation positively[2:58]
• He says manifestation is clarity, belief, and consistent action in alignment
• True manifestation is the alignment of what you think, what you say, and what you do

Why people are confused about manifestation

Jay notes widespread fascination but poor understanding[2:58]
• He says many people like the word and idea because it sounds and feels good
• People often use the word without understanding how it translates into reality
Examples of failed manifestation attempts[3:45]
• He asks how many have made vision boards that never came to life
• He mentions repeating affirmations that didn't manifest into reality
• He notes some people try to manifest something big and beautiful but feel they went down the wrong path

Myth 1: Manifestation is magic

The brain as GPS, not genie

Jay explains the difference between wishing and directing the mind[4:19]
• People think if they "think hard enough" about something, it will appear
• He says "your brain isn't a genie, it's a GPS"
• If you don't type in the address, the GPS can't take you anywhere
Driving without a destination analogy[4:13]
• He asks if you ever get in the car and just drive without a destination
• Doing so would waste gas, time, and energy
• Jay compares that to wishing without clarity in life

Research on clear vs vague goals

Locke and Latham's goal-setting theory reference[4:27]
• He cites Locke and Latham's 2002 goal-setting theory research
• The research shows specific goals lead to higher motivation and success than vague intentions
Practical example for specificity[4:42]
• He suggests swapping "I want to be successful" with "I want to grow my business revenue by 20% this year"
• He summarizes: vague wishes drift, clear goals direct

Importance of clarity even when outcomes change

Clarity is needed to start any journey[5:20]
• He notes that wanting abundance, freedom, or greatness is fine but too abstract for concrete action
• He emphasizes that your goal and vision need to be clear to guide your actions
• He clarifies he is not saying everything will work out exactly as envisioned or that you will get exactly what you imagine
• Clarity is still essential for building momentum and starting the journey

Repetition of what manifestation is not and is

Restating misconceptions for emphasis[5:27]
• He repeats that manifestation is not magic, not wishing and waiting, not writing once, not affirming without action, not delivery without participation, and not a shortcut around hard work
Core definition of manifestation[5:42]
• He again states manifestation is clarity, belief, and consistent action in alignment
• He notes that people who "manifested" something also aligned their time, energy, and resources toward it
• He contrasts thinking and saying you want abundance with actions that contradict it-leading to no change
• He distinguishes having an abundant mindset for happiness from needing concrete strategies for success

Myth 2: Positive thoughts alone attract success

Limitations of positivity without action

Jay challenges the idea that staying positive guarantees outcomes[7:07]
• People may believe that if they stay positive, the universe will deliver
• He points out many good, positive people still experience hard and difficult things
Positivity as fuel, not the vehicle[7:32]
• He describes positivity as fuel that gets you moving
• However, you still have to drive the vehicle-take the actions
Gym analogy for belief vs action[8:05]
• He uses the example of going to the gym and telling yourself "I believe in myself"
• Simply believing will not build muscle unless you pick up the weights
• Positivity is valuable because it can help you show up, but it is incomplete on its own

Research on positivity and action

Barbara Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory[7:56]
• He cites Fredrickson's theory showing positivity expands creativity and problem solving
• Without accompanying action, the benefits of positivity fade

Practical step: pair affirmation with action

Link every affirmation to a concrete step[8:09]
• He advises pairing each affirmation with one action
• Example: If you say "I'm building wealth," set up an automatic transfer to savings when you get your paycheck
Impact of taking action[8:53]
• He repeats that the moment you take action, your life will change
• Action replaces confusion with clarity
• Action starts momentum and makes "the right time" finally arrive
• Action helps you stop waiting for permission
Affirmation plus action as unbeatable formula[8:59]
• He says affirmation and action together create alignment
• Affirmation alone is wishful thinking
• Action alone can lack a sense of a higher way of living
• Together, they form "an unbeatable formula"

Systems, habits, and boundaries vs desires

The real source of failure[9:44]
• Jay urges listeners to examine struggles they constantly try to "pump themselves up" about
• He asks what habits, actions, and systems they have not built
• He argues we are not failed by our desires or expectations
• Instead, we are failed by systems we don't build, processes we don't create, criteria we don't have, and boundaries we don't make

Myth 3: Writing it down is enough

Utility and limits of journaling

Writing as step one, not the finish line[9:48]
• Jay notes people think that once they have written a goal in their journal, it's "on its way"
• He agrees writing helps focus the brain but clarifies it is only the first step
Grocery list analogy[9:52]
• He compares journaling to making a grocery list
• You need a list to know what you're missing and what you need to fill your fridge with for the week
• But if you never go to the store, the list doesn't feed you

Research on the generation effect

Memory vs momentum[10:09]
• He refers to research known as the generation effect showing writing improves memory and focus
• He stresses that memory is not momentum

Practical follow-up to journaling

Add a "one step I can take today" question[10:57]
• After journaling, Jay suggests asking, "What's one step I can take today toward this?"
• Example: if you write "start a podcast," the next step could be outlining an episode or learning how to record
• He also mentions researching podcasts as a next step
Breaking big goals into manageable steps[10:53]
• He says many people write down what they want but not how they will get there
• The "how" makes goals feel more manageable and less overwhelming
• He notes that saying "I want to start a podcast" can feel huge and burdening
• Breaking it down into multiple steps and then identifying the next step you can take right now reduces overwhelm
• Examples of immediate steps: calling a friend who has a podcast, watching podcasts for suitable formats, or looking up a YouTube tutorial on starting one

Definition of manifestation with emphasis on "how"

Manifestation defined as clarity plus steps plus persistence[12:42]
• He says manifestation is clarity about what you want and what it takes
• Manifestation is writing it down and then building it step by step
• Manifestation is persistence when motivation fades
• Manifestation is aligning your choices with your values, not just your wishes
Importance of figuring out "how"[13:28]
• Jay acknowledges "start with why" is important-you should know why you are doing something and what you want to build
• But he emphasizes that not knowing how you will get there makes everything harder
• He uses examples like not knowing how to get to a party, a vacation destination, or how to build a company
• He encourages spending more time figuring out the "how" to know you are making momentum and progress

Desire to see listeners build what they love

Jay expresses his intention for the audience[14:00]
• He says he really wants listeners to get to their goals and experience the joy of building something they love
• He doesn't want their dreams to remain in their mind and heart without ever seeing the light of day

Myth 4: The universe rewards wanting

Desire vs direction

Misbelief that wanting intensely is enough[14:21]
• Jay states many think "If I want it badly enough, I'll get it" but says it does not work that way
• Desire is described as fuel, while direction is the map
• Without direction, you spin in circles
Analogy of gas pedal without steering wheel[14:41]
• He asks if you've desperately wanted a job or relationship but had no strategy
• He likens desire without direction to stepping on the gas with no steering wheel

Reticular activating system (RAS) and noticing opportunities

How defining goals trains perception[15:02]
• Jay explains that the reticular activating system (RAS) filters what you notice
• When you define a goal, your brain starts spotting related opportunities
• He uses the example that once you think about buying a red car, you start seeing red cars everywhere

Daily practice to direct RAS

Three things to notice each day[15:01]
• He suggests each morning writing down three things you want to notice that day
• Examples include new clients, learning opportunities, or ways to connect
• This tunes your RAS toward those priorities

Positioning yourself in the right places

Story about networking events[19:08]
• Jay describes advising a friend to attend networking events so people could meet and see him
• The friend avoided such events for months
• When the friend finally went, he was shocked by how it felt to be front of mind and to have conversations
• Jay concludes that being present in the right places allows conversations and opportunities that never occur if you stay away
Avoiding action vs expecting results[19:31]
• He notes many people avoid the actual action while wondering why their business is not taking off
• He says they are not positioning themselves where they need to be

Perception shaped by stories and beliefs

How we see things, ourselves, and the future[19:32]
• Jay says you don't see things as they are; you see them through your fears and hopes
• You don't see yourself as you are; you see the story you keep repeating about who you are
• You don't see the future as it is; you see the version you believe is possible

Clarifying what financial freedom and abundance look like personally

From generic wants to specific visions and paths[20:14]
• Jay notes everyone would want to be financially free and have abundance
• He asks what that looks like for you and how it manifests uniquely for you
• He encourages envisioning a unique version and a unique way of getting there

Myth 5: The path will be smooth if it's meant to be

Struggle as sign of a real path, not misalignment

Challenging the idea that obstacles mean it's not meant for you[18:32]
• Jay says people often think if they face obstacles, maybe it's not their destiny
• He counters that struggle usually means you're on a real path, not the wrong one
• Struggle may indicate you have a lot to learn to reach the goal
Examples from high achievers[18:59]
• He mentions having interviewed many athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs
• He says the dream always comes with resistance
• He observes you will get where you want, just not in the way you imagined

Pain, purpose, and caring enough

Pain as proof of growth and meaning[19:14]
• Jay says pain is not proof of misalignment but proof you're growing
• Pain is also proof that the goal matters and reveals whether it matters enough to you
Giving up vs caring deeply[19:40]
• If you give up because something is hard, he suggests it means you didn't care enough about it
• He says humans do the most difficult things for what they care about
Parenting as example of love outweighing pain[19:52]
• He calls parenting one of the most thankless and hardest jobs
• People still do it because they love their child; their love outweighs the pain
• He equates this dynamic with purpose and manifestation-love, dedication, and devotion outweighing stress and difficulty

Grit research and reframing resistance

Angela Duckworth's grit findings[19:58]
• Jay cites Angela Duckworth's grit research showing sustained effort through challenges predicts achievement more than talent
Reframing obstacles as workouts[20:03]
• He proposes that when you hit resistance, reframe it as "This is the workout, not the wall"
• He suggests writing down what the obstacle is teaching you

Clarifying expectations around ease and timing

Series of "just because" reminders[20:17]
• Just because something is right for you doesn't mean it will be easy
• Just because something is meant for you doesn't mean it will come quickly
• Just because it's your purpose doesn't mean it won't test your patience
• Just because you've found your calling doesn't mean you won't doubt yourself along the way
• Just because you're ready doesn't mean life won't make you wait

Myth 6: Manifesting is passive

Misinterpretation of waiting and trusting

Question from an event about surrender[20:54]
• Jay recalls being asked how to surrender, detach, and leave results up to external forces after acting
Definition of true surrender[21:05]
• He says surrender only starts when you've already done everything under your control
• It requires giving 100% of your energy and leaving no stone unturned
• Only after giving it all you've got can surrender begin
• Doing 50% and calling the rest surrender is actually just hoping, wishing, and waiting
Mindset after full effort[21:41]
• Surrender says: I've put in all the energy, knowledge, and wisdom I have at this point in life
• Then you detach from the result, realizing whatever comes is what's meant and you don't fully know what you're being prepared for

Personal story: rejected TV show and birth of On Purpose

Opportunity for a TV show[22:05]
• Jay recalls that about eight years ago, after a viral video, a TV company in LA reached out to make a TV show
• He spoke to a friend he thought had made a TV show and someone he was producing with
• They created a sizzle reel and a deck and flew to LA at their own expense from New York
• They pitched the show to all major TV networks and streamers at the time and everyone rejected it
Response to rejection and surrender[22:44]
• Jay says he had done everything he possibly could to make the best pitch
• He was upset and disappointed but recognized his effort was complete
• He was therefore able to be detached and surrendered
Rejection leading to On Purpose podcast[22:48]
• He explains that only because he was rejected did he start "On Purpose"
• On Purpose is something he built from scratch and defines completely himself
• He controls who he speaks to, when, what topics, and where the show goes
• He suggests that if he'd received the TV show, which might have lasted only a few seasons and been cancelled, he might never have had this opportunity

Endeavor vs surrender and what outcomes may mean

Endeavor must be complete before surrender[23:25]
• He sums up: surrender begins when endeavor is complete
• If endeavor is incomplete, it's not surrender but merely wishing, hoping, and wanting
• He advises putting in all the energy, wisdom, and knowledge you have, then surrendering
Receiving what may save you for what's to come[24:04]
• Jay suggests what you receive may save you for what's to come
• He says he was given something better than he imagined in "On Purpose" than from any show he could have created

Waiting vs manifesting

Waiting defined as stalling[24:07]
• Jay states waiting isn't manifesting; it's stalling
• Action is what flips vision into reality
• He compares planting seeds and then staying indoors without watering, sunlight, or care to waiting on dreams without action

Bandura's self-efficacy and seven-day goals

How confidence is built[24:20]
• He cites Bandura's self-efficacy theory that confidence comes from doing small things successfully, not from waiting for a big break
Seven-day actionable goals[24:13]
• He advises breaking one big dream into a seven-day goal
• Example: if you want to change careers, update your resume this week
• He says momentum builds confidence

Myth 7: Manifestation is about stuff

Stuff vs meaning and value

Misplaced focus on money, cars, and houses[24:27]
• Jay notes people think if they manifest money, a car, or a house, they'll be happy
• He clarifies that material stuff is a byproduct of meaning and value you create
• He says stuff is not bad; it's great and wonderful to have, but it can't be the goal in itself

Emptiness after achieving material goals

Short-lived satisfaction[24:42]
• He asks how many times you've gotten what you wanted (promotion, gadget, trip) and felt empty after a week
• He attributes this to fulfillment arising from alignment with values, not just getting things

Harvard adult development study and relationships

What predicts long-term happiness[25:09]
• Jay references the Harvard Study of Adult Development (the Grant Study) lasting over 85 years
• The study finds that quality relationships, not wealth or fame, are the strongest predictors of long-term happiness
• He clarifies he is not dismissing wealth or success and notes he brings money experts on his show to help listeners

Connecting goals to values and "why"

Adding "so I can" to income goals[25:25]
• He suggests that when you write a goal, add your "why"
• For example, instead of just "I want a $100,000 salary," write "so I can travel, take care of my parents, and live without stress"

Focusing on value and skills rather than images of stuff

Becoming better at your craft vs visualizing outcomes[26:23]
• He argues that making the end goal about a thing lets you down compared to seeing it as a byproduct of creating value and success
• If you analyze patterns, learn marketing, and solve problems, success follows and material rewards like car, house, and travel will come
• He notes that staring at a picture of a desired car or house every day does not make you a better salesperson, marketer, coder, AI user, videographer, or photographer
• He says energy should go into becoming better at your art and skill

Don't overvalue outcomes and undervalue process and growth

Series of "don't overvalue" contrasts[26:33]
• Don't overvalue the goal and undervalue the growth
• Don't overvalue speed and undervalue direction
• Don't overvalue success and undervalue sanity
• Don't overvalue approval and undervalue authenticity
• Don't overvalue being right and undervalue being kind
• Don't overvalue recognition and undervalue consistency
• Don't overvalue the outcome and undervalue the process
• Don't overvalue what you gain and undervalue who you become

Closing thoughts and call to action

Summary of manifestation as active alignment

Moving beyond waiting for the universe[27:09]
• Jay reiterates that manifestation is not about wanting and waiting for the universe to deliver
• It is about getting clear, rewiring your brain to see opportunities, and taking consistent steps until your vision becomes reality

Request to share and reassurance of support

Encouraging community engagement[27:26]
• He thanks listeners and encourages them to pass the episode to a friend
• He invites people to tag him on social media and share what resonated
Affirmation of support[27:46]
• Jay says he is "forever in your corner" and always rooting for the listener

Lessons Learned

Actionable insights and wisdom you can apply to your business, career, and personal life.

1

Manifestation requires specific clarity about what you want and a concrete "how"-breaking big desires into immediate, actionable steps that you can take today.

Reflection Questions:

  • • What important goal in your life is currently defined in vague terms, and how could you rewrite it into a specific, measurable target?
  • • How can you break your biggest current aspiration into one small, practical step you can complete in the next 24 hours?
  • • When will you schedule time this week to map out the next 5-10 steps toward one of your written goals instead of just revisiting the goal itself?
2

Positive thinking and affirmations only become powerful when they are consistently paired with aligned behaviors, habits, and systems that support the outcome you want.

Reflection Questions:

  • • Which affirmations or positive thoughts do you repeat most often, and what concrete actions are (or aren't) backing them up right now?
  • • How might your results change if you committed to taking one specific action every single time you use a particular affirmation?
  • • What new habit or system could you design this week to make it easier for your daily actions to match the identity you affirm for yourself?
3

Obstacles and struggle are not proof you're on the wrong path; they are often evidence that you're on a meaningful path that requires growth, grit, and new skills.

Reflection Questions:

  • • What current challenge in your life might actually be a "workout" building your capacity rather than a wall stopping you?
  • • How could you reframe one persistent obstacle by asking, "What is this teaching me that I'll need later?"
  • • Where in your life have you given up because something felt hard, and what does that reveal about how much you truly valued that goal?
4

True surrender only begins after you have genuinely done everything within your control-once you've given full effort, you can detach from the exact outcome and trust what unfolds.

Reflection Questions:

  • • In which area of your life are you telling yourself you've "surrendered" when you actually haven't yet given your full effort?
  • • How would your mindset shift if you decided to fully exhaust your current knowledge, energy, and resources before letting go of the result?
  • • What is one project or goal where you could clearly define what "leaving no stone unturned" would look like over the next month?
5

Lasting fulfillment comes from aligning goals with your deeper values and who you're becoming, rather than fixating on material outcomes or external approval.

Reflection Questions:

  • • What is a major goal you're pursuing right now, and why does it truly matter to you beyond money, status, or recognition?
  • • How might your priorities change if you measured success less by what you gain and more by the person you become in the process?
  • • What adjustments could you make this week to bring your daily choices into closer alignment with the values you want your life to reflect?

Episode Summary - Notes by Reagan

You're Manifesting Wrong! Follow THIS 3-Step Alignment Formula That Actually Works (This is Life Changing!)
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