Today, you are going to learn the science of manifestation, visualization, and imagination - and the steps you can take to start creating the life you want. In this powerful episode, Mel sits down with Dr. Cassandra Vieten, PhD, a clinical psychologist, professor at UC San Diego, and one of the world’s leading researchers on imagination and consciousness. Dr. Vieten directs the Center for Human Imagination at UC San Diego, leads the Center for Mindfulness at UC San Diego’s Centers for Integrative Health, and her research has been cited more than 5,000 times. Together, Mel and Dr. Vieten unpack the science behind changing your mindset in order to change your life. You’ll discover how your mind shapes your reality and learn practical, research-backed techniques to shift your thinking and create new possibilities. In this episode, you’ll learn: -The difference between manifestation and magical thinking -How your imagination shapes your decisions, identity, and future -How to stop reacting to life and start intentionally creating it -How to use visualization even if you do not naturally see pictures in your mind -Why imagining the worst case keeps your body stuck in stress -How to meet your future self and use that vision to make better decisions today -How to break out of a “reality tunnel” and see possibilities you have been missing Dr. Vieten’s research is clear: Your imagination is not an escape from reality. It is one of the most powerful tools you have to change how you see your life, what you believe is possible, and what you do next. By the end of this episode, you will know how to get off autopilot, break free from the stories holding you back, and use imagination, visualization, and manifestation to start creating a more intentional and hopeful future. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-423/ Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 03:15 How to Stop Reacting to Your Life & Be More Present 08:19 The Science of Visualization 13:33 How Manifestation Really Works 25:19 What to Do When You Feel Stuck 31:58 Manifestation vs. Magical Thinking 33:33 How Your Imagination Can Change Your Reality 44:04 Use This Tool to Get Unstuck 54:16 How to Break Free From Your Current Reality This episode is brought to you by Apple Card. — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah