As we approach a new year, we are looking for a change. After the year we’ve had, making resolutions may feel like the last thing you want to do. And if I’m honest, resolutions rarely stick. 
But there’s a secret that many people don’t know… and I’m going to let you in on it. You can manifest anything you want. Yes, I mean anything. 
Maybe you’ve heard of manifesting before and wanted to add it to your life … but you’re not sure exactly what it is or if you’re doing it right? You’re not alone.
We tend to think that we have to make things happen and try to force an outcome. I mean, every other day I come across some Instagram post that says something like, “Make sh*t happen.” But this idea is totally backwards!
Sometimes we just have to learn things the hard way … and I’m definitely no exception to this. I’ve been trying to control the sh%t out of something I really wanted to attract. I set an intention. I had the perfect plan in place—right down to the timeline that it would all come together. But, my plan kept getting messed up. I had to keep updating it to fit into what I thought was my timeline. 
The problem was I was consciously trying to control something that was completely out of my control. I wasn’t living my life, I was chasing a dream. Sound familiar?
This is what I call Manic Manifesting! It happens when we try to control our manifestations. It leaves us feeling frantic and burnt out. In this low-vibe state we block our manifestations.
What I needed to do was stop forcing the outcome—and surrender instead. That doesn’t mean we give up—it means we give over our desire to the Universe. 
The lesson here is when we try to control the outcome, we block what the Universe can do for us.
So to help you surrender and let the Universe do its thing, here are three ways to effortlessly manifest.
The 3 Steps To Effortless Manifesting
Step 1: Decide What You Want
What is it that you want? And be unapologetic about it. Own it. Believe it. Trust that it can be yours. 
Now, right it down:
I want to be seen in the world in this way. 
I want to attract my romantic partner. 
I want to attract more abundance into my life.
I want … 
When you’re in alignment with what you want and you feel it, then you begin to effortlessly manifest it into your life. 
Step 2: Cultivate the Feeling
It was only after a conversation with a dear friend that it became crystal clear that I was manic manifesting. I broke down and outed my ego. This opened me up and allowed me to see that my plan had been getting in the way of the Universe’s plan.
I immediately spent time in meditation and prayer. Instead of praying for what I wanted, I prayed for the highest good for all.
I surrendered to the universe  
So how do you cultivate the feeling you want? Try to meditate on the feeling. Sit for 5 or 10 minutes and visualize what you want. Feel the greatness of it. It’s safe to feel good. It’s good to feel good! When you lean into the feeling of that manifestation, you allow it to effortlessly come into form.
You may even want to say your desire out loud and let those words cultivate the energy and awareness of what it feels like to be in that manifestation.
Trust that if you’re in the feeling of the manifestation, then you are already living out your desire, even if it has not come into form…yet.
Step 3: Let Go of Control
As humans, we love to set goals and make plans.
But when we fixate too much on achieving our goals and sticking to our plans, we get in our own way. We become convinced that we know what’s best. We relentlessly pursue the path of our ego. And in doing so, we cut off our communication with the Universe.
So we need to let go of control (I know, easier said than done—but it doesn’t have to be!).
The first step is to gently witness that you’re controlling. Honor the feelings behind it. Trying to control is merely a way to resist difficult emotions.
I want to emphasize that it’s important to be very compassionate with yourself. Remember that we all try to control in different ways. What matters is your willingness to change.
In order to allow the presence of love to shine upon every area of our life, we must remember to surrender.
Surrendering isn’t something that comes naturally to us—it must be a daily practice. The need to control is sneaky. The ego thinks it knows the way, and it does everything it can to keep us in a headlock.
If you’re in need of surrender, begin each day with these words:
Today I surrender my goals and plans to the care of the Universe. I offer up my agenda and accept spiritual guidance. I trust that there is a plan far greater than mine. I know that where there once was lack and limitation there are spiritual solutions and creative ideas. I step back and let love lead the way. Thy will be done.
Manifest A Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams 
It can seem like nothing worth having comes without struggle. Like we have to make things happen. Feeling good becomes an afterthought. Or maybe you’ve been taught to think you must suffer and struggle to be worthy of happiness—and if you let yourself be happy, it will be taken away from you.
Well, I’m happy to tell you that’s wrong. 
When you embark on a spiritual path everything changes. You begin to see the world through the lens of love. You seek solutions rather than problems. And, you become a magnet for what you desire.
In my book, Super Attractor, I lay out essential methods for manifesting a life beyond your wildest dreams. This book is a manifesto for confidently claiming your desires and can further help you on this journey.
Remember, it’s good to feel good. When you learn how to take spiritually aligned action, backed by inspiration and service, you’ll naturally attract good things.
Gabby Bernstein is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Universe Has Your Back and Super Attractor, a world-renowned speaker and thought leader.