It’s already been plenty-times confirmed, but in case you need it again: Manifestation. Really. Works. And this week’s guest has made it work for both of us, in business and life, several times over.

Welcome back to Unfinished Business, the podcast where we dig into the whys, hows, and WTFs of building and thriving in business — hosted by longtime founder friends Alex Schinasi and Lee Rotenberg. Every week, we invite industry leaders and fellow -preneurs to candidly share their wins, truths, and lessons (and laugh while doing it).

This week’s guest isn’t just any manifestation coach. For three decades, Barbara Biziou’s been a secret weapon to entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and career creatives at their most critical junctures. Her blended psychological-technical-traditional approach to manifestation has helped clients land acquisitions, navigate pivotal transitions, and even find life partners.

In this episode, we demystify any lingering stigmas around manifestation — opting to share daily tactics and techniques you can start practicing on your next screen break. If you’re someone working toward or through a big life moment, buckle in. It’s time to embrace the woo-woo.

BUT FIRST: WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?

There’s a lot of noise around us dictating what, when, and how to want what we want — and to that end, to never stop wanting. Should we scale? Should we pivot? Should we just run away to Lisbon? (Okay, maybe that last one’s just Alex).

Eventually, it becomes option overload and we’re left feeling unfulfilled with any of the paths before us. To which we say, it’s 2024. Hustle culture, “having it all,” and burnout cycles are decidedly out. This is your reminder that only you know what you really want — and that it’s okay to focus on one thing at a time.

Manifestation helps cut through this mental clutter, centering your own voice and clearing all the rest. Whether you’re evaluating an offer or a third date, take a step away from what your parents, investors, or society want. Start with “What do I want?”

MANIFESTATION DEMANDS ACTION

Let’s be real: Not even five years ago, most of us still thought manifestation was basically a case of “cross your fingers and wait for the universe.”

Now we know better. Manifestation isn’t magic — it’s a course of action. Yes, it requires positivity, optimism, and generally sending good vibes. But after? Just like any old habit, you’ve got to put in the work to visualize and verbalize your vision — literally willing it into existence. Or as Barbara puts it, “Trust in God, but tie up your camel at night.”

It’s easier said than done, so we got Barbara to spill her most practical techniques:

1. DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE.

Slow down. Sit up. Take a damn breath. A good one. “Stress can really counteract your vision,” she explains. When it feels like everything’s one inch away from imploding, use Barbara’s deep breath method as a quick reset: Four seconds in through the nose, four seconds out through the mouth. Repeat as many times as needed, focusing on the sensation of the breath and the calmness it brings. On those particularly apocalyptic days, you can even place your hands together, letting the contact between your fingers ground yourself even further.

2. MAKE YOURSELF A SUCCESS JAR

In school there was the swear jar. These days we’re all about the success jar — a small but mighty tool where every step toward a designated goal earns you a coin. Don’t worry about reaching a certain sum, this method is designed to visually and physically represent the progress you’re making, no matter how small. Sent a terrifying email? Jar. Took a big call during your luteal phase? Jar. Landed the whole damn deal? Jar.

It may seem elementary, but recognizing the journey makes your Big Win all the more rewarding. When the jar is full, do something nice for yourself before starting over. This hack also works great for teams or companies, where collective progress is paramount to morale.

3. MANIFESTATION, MEET GRATITUDE

‍It sounds obvious, but starting your day with gratitude can “shift how you feel and make everything else flow more naturally,” reminds Barbara. It’s easy to forget this simple practice when you’re deep in the weeds. Try reframing gratitude as a habit you need to train, rather than a mental state that just happens. Just like your daily affirmations, find a tangible way to express your gratitude externally — whether it’s a quick iPhone note-to-self or that text you’ve been meaning to send.

4. ACT LIKE IT’S ALREADY HAPPENING

“Fake it ‘till you make it” applies here too. Our brains don’t like discrepancies (for example, dreams versus reality), so every time you vocalize a present-tense variation of your goal like “I am running a $1M business” or “I am attracting the right opportunities to support XYZ,” you train your brain to chase these outcomes. The idea is to turn your goals into an active, lived experience rather than a distant wish.

Narrow in on a handful of affirmations that feel honest, straightforward, and actionable. Then find ways to repeat them out loud and on paper everyday — a daily journal, sticky notes on your mirror, or even a scratch napkin can work great. If it feels unnatural, you’re on the right track. Allow your mind to run free of judgment, visualizing your goal in 4K, with conviction, as if it’s unfolding in front of you.

You’re already one step closer.

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