Career & Business Coaching Blog.
Inspiration and tips for multi-passionate creatives & entrepreneurs.
Manifesting Your Dreams: How Your Thoughts Can Shape Your Life as a Creative Generalist (I know it's woo-woo, but it works!)
As I set out to launch a new start-up project (check out CoachMila™.ai and let me know what you think!), I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey of being a creative generalist. This term has become an anchor for many of us drawn to a diverse and multi-faceted range of passions and interests.
Have you ever felt like your curiosity includes (but isn't limited to!) writing, technology, wellness, art, or even human connection and personal growth? If so, you’re in good company! How your brain is wired is a gift, and your interests are pulling at you, offering a unique perspective and endless potential. But let’s be honest - it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Navigating the maze of possibilities can leave us feeling stuck, unsure which path to follow or how to combine our many interests. Add to that the stories we tell ourselves about who we should be and the comparison traps we fall into, and it's no wonder creative generalists often feel paralyzed.
Here's the good news: your creative thoughts can transform your life. By rewiring your mindset and intentionally aligning your thoughts with your dreams, you can manifest a life that reflects your unique gifts as a generalist.
The Power of Manifestation: Creative Thoughts Become Things
Over the past decade, I've explored and experimented more with the concept of manifestation - not as magic (although it sure does feel like it!) but as a process rooted in the science of neuroplasticity and the power of intentional thinking. Rewiring how we think - shifting from limiting beliefs to empowering ones - can transform how we see ourselves and build our dreams. Neuroplasticity teaches us that our brains are malleable; by intentionally shifting our thought patterns over time, we can create new neural pathways that align with our goals and values.
One of my favorite ways to put it is this: “The magic is not in the wand, but rather in the thoughts of the one holding it.”
For creative generalists like you and I - who often juggle multiple passions and ideas - this process is especially powerful. It allows us to embrace our multifaceted nature while creating clarity and focusing on what truly matters.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: rewiring your brain isn’t always easy. Your sheer number of interests can lead to scattered thinking, choice overload, fear of missing out, or even analysis paralysis. Comparison might creep in as we measure ourselves against other people's external metrics, like follower counts or career milestones. When this happens, it’s important to remember that change starts within you - by deliberately shifting your thoughts (over and over again, months on end) so you can create new mental patterns that align with what you actually want.
Practices for Rewiring Your Thoughts and Manifesting Your Dreams as a Creative Generalist
So, how do we begin rewiring our brains and changing our thoughts to manifest the lives we envision? Here are a few practices I've tried in recent years that have worked really well for me:
Mantra recitation with brain frequency music
I've been doing this for two years daily for twenty, and it has changed my life! Start your day by reciting empowering mantras on flashcards while listening to brain-frequency music, such as 417 Hz or other healing frequencies. This practice combines the cognitive benefits of NLP and repetition with the neural alignment provided by specific sound frequencies, promoting clarity, focus, emotional balance, and even lowering anxiety. P.S. If you want my Spotify playlist, DM me, and I'll share it!Create space for reflection
Spend time in solitude and stillness through meditation, journaling, or quiet walks in nature to notice recurring thought patterns and identify those that no longer serve you. This helps bring subconscious beliefs into conscious awareness, making it easier to reframe them.Reframe limiting beliefs
Challenge negative self-talk by replacing it with affirmations or empowering alternatives that support growth and possibility. Since last year, I've decided to treat every negative thought as false, and again, it has transformed my life! Honestly, is the negative chatter in our heads true? And, if not, does it deserve any of our time?Experiment
Try small projects related to your passions and observe what brings joy and flow. Remind yourself you're not making a decision or writing anything in stone; you're just trying something out. The benefit? These activities engage the brain's reward system, strengthening neural connections associated with creativity and fulfillment.Trust the process
Rewiring takes time; trust that even setbacks are part of building new neural pathways - and thoughts. But once the new thoughts take hold, you'll see the world in a whole new light. One day, you'll wake up and realize your life is entirely different, your habits have changed, and you feel more fulfilled. And that's the true power of neuroplasticity - the ability to shape our minds and lives through intentional thoughts and actions.
Embrace Your Inner Rebel and Activist as a Creative Generalist
As a creative generalist, you're not just someone with many interests, passions, and talents. You're also likely to possess a powerful inner rebel and activist. These traits are part of what makes you unique. Your inner rebel thrives on freedom and resists being boxed into rigid structures or routines, even when those constraints come from yourself (hello promises to me I keep breaking!). Meanwhile, your inner activist has a strong sense of justice and an innate drive to stand up for what's right, whether in your personal life or the world around you (aka, you hate following directions from someone who doesn't know what they are talking about).
These qualities can be incredible assets. They nurture your creativity and push you to innovate in ways others might not. However, they can also create challenges, such as procrastination, self-sabotage, or frustration when your work or life feels misaligned with your values. Recognizing these inner forces is a big first step toward working with them effectively so they don't stand in the way of your dreams.
How Psycho-Education Can Help You Manifest Your Dreams as a Creative Generalist
Understanding how your creative brain works - and why you think and act the way you do - can be the most reality-bending thing you'll ever do. This is where psycho-education comes in. By learning about the unique wiring of your brain as a creative generalist, you can develop strategies to work with your natural tendencies rather than against them. That's why it's an important part of what I do with my clients. For example:
Learn to collaborate with your inner rebel by giving yourself more freedom in how you approach creative projects. This might mean allowing for flexibility in your schedule or experimenting with different methods of working that feel more aligned with your energy and interests. My Freedom Planner is a great way to get started. Get your free copy here.
Empower your inner activist by channeling your passion for justice into meaningful projects that align with your values. Whether through art, entrepreneurship, or community work, finding ways for this natural drive to express itself can bring so much joy and fulfillment.
Manifestation begins with the belief that your thoughts shape your reality. As Gandhi wisely said: "Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions…" This quote reminds me that by intentionally shaping my beliefs and thoughts, I can create an outer reality that reflects my inner transformation.
If you've ever felt like the world wasn't designed for someone like you, know there's nothing wrong with how you're wired. You're not an "ugly duckling" trying to fit into a world of specialists - you're a swan among swans in the world of creative generalists. Now spread those beautiful wings and show the world who you truly are!
No more burning out, people-pleasing, or picking just one thing.
Through my coaching, I provide psycho-education tailored specifically to creative generalists like you. Together, we'll explore how to embrace the unique way your brain is wired while building a career and life that reflects your passions, talents, and interests.
By understanding the science behind how your brain works - including its need for variety, freedom, and purpose - you'll gain tools for greater creativity, resilience, and clarity in everything you do.
How to Think Yourself Into a Brand New and Magnificent Life
Sometimes, when life is going just right, the only thing we do is wait for it to go wrong. We anticipate and wait for that so-called other shoe to drop. Right now, so many great things are happening in my life and at work, and the fruits of seeds I planted many months or years ago are finally coming out. This reminded me of how accustomed we are to expecting bad things - not good ones - to happen; at least, I know I used to be like that. And honestly, sometimes I still am.
Just last week, with everything feeling right - the sun shining, my new start-up off to a great start, friends and family all in reasonably good health and happy - there it was: the undeniable and oh-so-familiar feeling of doom looming. Something had to go wrong! Everything was going too well, and I was simply feeling too good!
Feeling like doom is coming has been my experience for the biggest part of my life. I know it's the same for many of my clients. Before starting my journey of transformation and anxiety-free living, I was so used to it that even when things were going well, my brain would actively search for something to be worried or unhappy about.
But here's the thing: life is not meant to be lived in fear and worry. We are not meant to expect the worst constantly.
We're meant to live in joy and abundance, regardless of our circumstances. It took me a long time to truly understand this. Still, I'm now at a place where I can confidently say that we have the power to choose how we experience life and that we are manifesting our existence and everything in it every moment of every day.
We may not be able to control what happens around us, but we can control how we react. Even more so, we have a say in what we attract into our lives and how we shape our reality. I shared a lot about this in my book "Get Unstuck!" because it's so important: our thoughts create our reality.
Think about it for a minute.
People who don't have the negative thoughts you or I have don't have the fears either! Can you imagine?
I heard a lawyer share his story recently. When asked how he chose law as his field, he shared how he had always loved conflict. It felt like a game to him, how good he was at it, and how when someone disagreed with him, he enjoyed going into the conversation to get them to see he was right. As someone who has always dreaded conflict, I lost my breath there for a second. I NEVER imagined anyone could enjoy conflict, let alone be good at it. But when I thought about it a bit more, I realized that - of course - to be a good lawyer, not being afraid of conflict is sort of an asset :)
Again, it's all about our thoughts. So, I imagined what my life would be like if I didn't have any negative thoughts about conflict but looked at it from the perspective of a conflict-loving lawyer.
And, you know what, it changes EVERYTHING!
It was a profound moment of realization for me. Of course, I already knew that changing my thoughts changed my life, but this thing called growth is like an onion. It keeps on giving! When you think you've reached the last layer, it turns out there's another one underneath. So, I continue peeling my onion every day - in a positive way, of course!
I've also learned that the power of our thoughts affects our lives and radiates outward to those around us. Have you ever noticed how being around someone who is constantly negative and complaining can bring your mood down? On the other hand, being around someone positive and uplifting can instantly boost your energy and mindset.
So why not choose to be that person? Why not channel the thoughts of the person you want to be in this world? Changing your thoughts can transform your experiences profoundly.
Fear, doubt, and self-limiting beliefs are the number one blocks for many creatives and entrepreneurs. But what if we approached challenges with curiosity and excitement instead, just like lawyers approach conflict? What if we could see difficulties not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth and learning?
What if, when everything is going well, we invite more good vibes into our lives and believe even better things are coming rather than waiting for the other shoe to drop?
For me, this shift in mindset was empowering. It felt like a door opening to a world where I had control over my life. I began to see that my thoughts were like seeds - when I planted positive, empowering beliefs, they blossomed into actions aligned with my goals and dreams. My current life is a testament to this. When I realized how powerful my thoughts were, I started to manifest a reality where fear didn’t dictate my decisions, and possibilities were endless.
You possess this power, too. It's within each of us to reshape our thoughts and, consequently, our lives. By consciously choosing to cultivate thoughts that are good for you and not entertaining the ones that are keeping you small, anxious, or fearful, you can unlock your true potential and create a life that not only meets but exceeds your wildest dreams.
Imagine the freedom and joy of a life unburdened by unnecessary fears and doubts. Imagine being like that lawyer. You have the power to make this your reality.
Here are five tips to help you shift your mindset toward one that is empowering and limitless:
Challenge your negative thoughts. The first and most crucial part of changing your negative thinking patterns is noticing and challenging your negative thoughts. When a negative thought pops into your mind, ask yourself if it is based on fact or fear. In 99% of the cases, it will be, so consciously choose to replace it with a more positive and empowering belief.
An example from my little mantra flashcards (see point two below) is the recurring belief that I held for the longest part of my life (which caused me to choose horrible partners to be with) that I must work to deserve attention or love. I have successfully changed that belief, and it has transformed my life. On my mantra cards (which I still read at least three times a day while listening to a manifestation playlist from Spotify), it says about this belief:
"I deserve attention and love just because I am. I am enough just as I am. I don't need to work for attention or love. Love is not equal to work. I am lovable just as I am. I don't need to do anything to deserve love." Repeating these mantras every day for years now has totally changed what I believe about myself and how lovable I am.Create mantra flashcards and read them multiple times every day. Mantra flashcards are small notes you write to yourself with positive affirmations and empowering beliefs. These could be simple phrases like "I am enough," "I am worthy," or "I am capable." You can add personal mantras that speak to your specific fears or doubts. The key is to read these cards multiple times a day, especially when you're in a negative headspace. This will help to reprogram your subconscious mind and reinforce positive beliefs about yourself.
I have cards for all aspects of my life and thoughts I want to change: my life, my relationships, my work, my goals... I take them with me everywhere and truly enjoy reading them; it's like a tiny meditation multiple times a day that reminds me who I really am and where I'm going. Powerful stuff!Surround yourself with positivity. This can include the people you spend time with, the media you consume, and even your living space. Make an effort to surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who support and encourage you. Follow social media accounts that promote self-love and acceptance, and unfollow those that make you feel like crap. Surround yourself with items that bring you joy and make you feel good about yourself, whether it's a favorite quote or a piece of art that speaks to your soul.
By creating a positive environment and having an eye for what I find beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, I am now constantly reminded of my worth and value as a person and the great way I know I can show up for myself and care for my well-being. I surround myself with the life I want to live. And you know what? That's how I create it!Practice gratitude daily. Take a few moments each day (early morning and late night for me) to reflect on what you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus from lack and negativity to abundance and positivity. Repeated daily, it will change your mindset!
Make sure these are not just little trivial things (although they can be); add in the real stuff too, like, in my case, "I'm grateful that my friend Lena, who is a badass feminist, teaches me how to be a badass woman myself" or "I'm so grateful for the freedom I created for myself to be able to work from anywhere" or "I'm so grateful for that new pink bikini that fits me so well." Yes, I hear you. What if there's nothing for which to be grateful? Well, sorry to break it to you, but that's just a load of BS. There is always, ALWAYS, something to be thankful for. You should write it down even more diligently if you find it hard to find.Visualize your desired outcome. It's essential to bring as many of your dreams and desires into your life now, even if not everything has manifested yet.
I take time every day to visualize myself living the life of my dreams. It's such an enjoyable experience, and it almost feels real. I go into a lot of details about where I am, what I'm doing, how I'm feeling, who I'm with, and even what I'm wearing. This practice helps me stay focused on my goals and motivates me to take action toward making them a reality. It's like creating a roadmap for your life; the best part is that you have complete control over it.
Bonus tip: REMEMBER TO TAKE ACTION! Ultimately, it's all well and good to bathe in the feel-good hormones from imagining your dream life, but you must take action to create a mindset that empowers you and a life that fills you with joy and gratitude. Eventually, you have to go out and do something to materialize it!
Shifting your mindset takes time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Your life will be completely transformed, and you will experience things beyond your wildest dreams. Trust me, it works!
Feeling stuck in your current situation?
You're not alone. Many professionals have the same feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt.
Imagine waking up every day excited about your future, no longer paralyzed by fear or self-sabotaging thoughts. It's time to break free and start living the life you've always dreamed of.
Real Magic: How Thoughts Become Things And Why it Matters
I believe thoughts are REAL things. As real as physical things, and even people. I also believe that thoughts shape our reality and our life. What we think manifests in our life. That’s why having a strong mindset, aka being in control of your thoughts is so important. Because if you are, you also become the master of your life. The thing that makes thoughts so intangible is – obviously – that we can’t see them, at least not just like that. But thoughts are all around us, constantly shaping the world. Although they seem invisible, you can do many things with thoughts, and thoughts become many things, too.
Thoughts can be smelled. Perfume is a beautiful example of thoughts that manifest into real life. The creator behind the perfume had an idea once, and started playing with flowers and oils. Eventually, that thought manifested into a (hopefully) delicious scent.
Thoughts can be shared. Ideas is probably one of the things we share most with each other. In fact, pretty much everything we do online comes down to sharing our thoughts.
Thoughts can be bought or sold. Lobby groups know this all too well. But they’re not the only ones. Silicon Valley is full of idea buyers. But so are book stores and theaters.
Thoughts create your reality. Look around you. Everything you see as been called into your life by you. You’ve manifested it by first thinking about it. Thoughts are powerful beyond belief…
Almost everything that is man-made in this world started – at some point or another – as a single thought. Think about that for a minute (pun totally intended).
When I was a little girl one Christmas I received a magic box as a present. In the box was a black wand that I spent the entire day of Christmas swaying around, at everyone and everything, casting spells and trying to make my wishes come true. But nothing happened. So, that night I went to bed absolutely disillusioned, and in a last attempt to draw magic into my life, I invoked a prayer, asking the Universe to give my magic wand real magic. I don’t remember what happened after that, only that the next morning the magic wand still wasn’t of much use. It took me almost 30 years to understand that the magic is not in the wand, but rather in the thoughts of the one holding it.
When I understood that thoughts are *real things* I became much more mindful of what I was thinking and saying. I felt like a real magician, able to create my own reality by shaping my thoughts to what I wanted my life to be like.
It is my sincere conviction that the thoughts we have ultimately manifest into the physical world – all of them, with no exception. And I’m not the only one to think so. There’s a long tradition of thinkers and spiritual leaders who’ve come to the same conclusion as me (with much more gusto). Among them is Gandhi, who put this priceless and magical wisdom into words beautifully when he said:
Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.
– Gandhi
How do you manifest the life you want?
Maybe you’re familiar with the concepts of abundance and the law of attraction. In a way, what I’m explaining has to do with all of that, too. But it’s not entirely the same. Yes, you can attract what you think about and wish for, but – and this is the key – by doing so, you can actively participate in shaping your reality. Everything you ever thought has brought you to where you are right now. This means that everything you’re still to think up in the future will bring you somewhere too.
That’s why I am extremely cautious of my mindset, beliefs, and thoughts. I understand their power and the magic that words hold. Although I’m not in control of the world, and I don’t know what the future holds, my thoughts allow me to create my own reality.
I decide how to react to what happens to me.
I choose my thoughts carefully.
I make sure I think nourishing thoughts.
When a negative thinking spiral starts, I know it’s only temporary.
6 steps to start manifesting your dream life now:
Understand that your thoughts create your reality.
Every thought you have is creating your reality. If you want to manifest your dream life, you need to be aware of the power of your thoughts and focus on positive thinking.Vibrate at the frequency of your dreams, not your fears.
Change your negative thoughts into positive ones - If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, consciously change them into positive ones. For example, if you're thinking, "I'll never be able to afford that," change it to "I can achieve anything I set my mind to."Let go of the outcome.
If you cling too hard to something, you're sending a message to the Universe that you desperately need it, aka that you don't have it. Trust that the Universe will take care of the details - Don't worry about how your dreams will come to fruition, trust that the Universe will take care of the details.Be grateful for what you have.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful manifesting tools available. When you focus on being thankful for what you already have, it opens up the possibility of more good coming into your life.Visualize what you want.
Another powerful manifesting tool is visualization. When you close your eyes and picture exactly what you want in your mind, you're sending a strong message to the Universe that this is what you're looking for.Take action towards your goals.
For your manifestation to become a reality, you need to take action steps towards your goal. For example, if you want to manifest a new job, start by updating your resume and sending out applications.
By following these tips, you can begin manifesting the life of your dreams! Just remember, thoughts become things, so focus on thinking positive thoughts and watch as your life transforms before your eyes.
The magic is within you.
Think thoughts of love, success and joy for those around you, for yourself and the world. Love, success and joy is what you’ll get. Because thoughts become things, and they ALWAYS manifest.
Feeling like you're stuck and don't know what to do next?
A growth mindset is key for success. You have to be willing to learn, grow, and change in order to achieve anything great in life. With the help of a private coach, you can develop the skills you need to succeed.
As a coach I can help you break through your barriers and achieve your goals. You will get personalized attention and guidance so you can reach your full potential. Working with me is an investment in yourself – and it’s one that will pay off big time.