
Most people approach manifestation the same way.
They think about what they want, they speak about it, and then, hopefully, they take action.
This is the classic thought → word → deed process.
But what if the key to manifesting faster wasn’t to follow this sequence, but to reverse it entirely?
Instead of waiting until you feel ready, what if you acted as if right now? Not in your mind. Not just through visualization. But in your real, physical reality.
This is where aligned action comes in.
The Difference Between Thinking and Doing
A lot of people misunderstand the concept of “acting as if.” They think it means sitting on their couch, imagining they’re wealthy, or walking around pretending they’re successful without doing anything different.
But the real power of acting as if isn’t just in thinking about it, but it’s in moving as if.
When I first set out to manifest a remote job, I didn’t just tell myself, “I have a remote job.” I asked myself:
- If I already had a remote job, what would be different?
- What would I need to prepare in my environment?
- What actions would I naturally be taking every day?
The answer? A dedicated home office.
At the time, my downstairs space was unfinished. But I knew that if I already had the job, I wouldn’t just sit in my living room or work from my bed. So, I finished my basement and created an office. I set up my workspace before I even had the job offer.
Some people might say, “Why would you do that before you had proof?” But that’s exactly the point. Manifestation moves fastest when you prove to the universe that you are already in alignment with what you’re calling in.
And guess what? The remote job followed very quickly.
I came across the idea of reversing the manifestation process recently. The short clip below touches on it, but let’s go deeper.
The Power of Reversing the Process
Most people create from thought first. They think about the outcome, talk about it, and then maybe take action. But what if you reversed this?
Instead of waiting to feel abundant before you start making abundant choices, act abundantly now.
For example:
If you want to manifest money, circulate the money you do have (even if it’s just $5, split into singles to give to others in need).
If you want to be a writer, start writing before you feel like an official author.
If you want to be in a loving relationship, start embodying the version of yourself who is already deeply loved.
Rather than hoping the circumstances will align first, you align first.
How to Apply This in Your Life
If you’re ready to take aligned action, start with these three steps:
1. Define What You’re Manifesting
Most people struggle with aligned action because they aren’t crystal clear on what they actually want. What does success, abundance, love, or freedom look like for you?
Before taking action, you need clarity.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a moment to define what you’re manifesting. A Vision List can help. It’s a structured way to see all the different ways your manifestation could unfold.
Start by asking yourself:
- What am I calling into my life right now?
- What would that actually look like in my daily reality?
- What habits, actions, or changes align with that vision?
Taking the time to define your manifestation in detail makes aligned action easier—and speeds up the process.
💡 Need help clarifying your vision? Join my email list to get strategic and structured ways to help define it! Sign up below!
2. Identify One Action You Can Take Today
Once you know what you’re manifesting, ask yourself:
What action would my future self already be taking?
What would they have already set up, started, or committed to?
Make it tangible. If you’re manifesting a career shift, start setting up the structure that future you would already have in place. If you’re calling in financial abundance, start managing your current money the way your wealthiest self would.
3. Move First, Then Watch Reality Catch Up
Take action before it feels safe. Before you feel ready. Before the proof shows up.
Manifestation happens when you prove to the universe, and to yourself, that you are already the person who has what you want. When you move first, reality catches up.
Bringing It All Together
Manifestation isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about moving differently. Instead of waiting for external confirmation, be the evidence. Show the universe who you are right now, and watch how fast things shift.
The life you want isn’t waiting for permission. It’s waiting for you to act.
Struggling to define what you’re manifesting? One of the biggest challenges people face is getting specific about their desires. If you want a sneak peek at how a Vision List works, I’ve put together three sample Vision Lists for common manifestations:
- Manifesting a high-vibe morning
- Manifesting a soulmate
- Manifesting a new job or promotion
Each list gives you clear, tangible examples of how your manifestation could look like, so you can start creating your own.
Click here to download them for free!

Shamonique Mattox helps people bridge the gap between ritual and strategy, transforming manifestation from wishful thinking into intentional action.
Through a blend of structured techniques, AI-driven insights, and time-honored rituals, she provides practical tools to align mindset, habits, and goals for real results.
Sign up for the email list to receive exclusive manifestation strategies and explore how ritual tools like bay leaves can amplify your intentions.