Manifestation, motivation, and why the magic is in the messy middle
Sitting here, looking at my beautifully planned-out content calendar — because obviously, I love a plan 📅 — I just thought… Nah, not today. I didn’t want to write another blog about business foundations or planning or structure. You know that’s my thing — it’s literally what I help people with. But maybe you don’t want to read another one of those. And honestly? I don’t want to write one… not today anyway (which is my designated marketing time, too there! 😅).
So here’s what you’re getting instead: whatever fell out of my head after listening to a podcast this morning — Mel Robbins, who I’ve just discovered and I’m already obsessed 🎧.
Let Me Set the Scene
Mel was talking about manifestation. Now, stick with me — I know, I know, it sounds a bit woo-woo ✨, but hear me out.
You see, I’ve dabbled in that world. Years ago, someone gave me The Secret and I thought, “Yeah… that’s just wishful thinking.” Turns out, it kind of is. But the way Mel explained it — this made sense. It’s not about just thinking really hard and waiting for the universe to deliver.
It’s about what happens when you say, “Right, this is what I want.” You start seeing it everywhere — because now, you’re actually looking 👀. And you start working for it, putting in the effort to get to that end vision.
Exhibit A: The Cat Situation 🐾
Case in point — I want a cat. My Gorgeous Flash passed away in February 💔, and now, apparently, I’m in the market for a new cat. Easier said than done when you have kids and a dog, by the way. Rescue centres don’t love that combo.
But now that “get a cat” is in my head, I see cats everywhere. Facebook knows — obviously. The algorithm’s gone wild. I looked at one cat and now my feed is just a stream of furry faces needing homes 🐱. I’ve put it out there, and I’m doing the leg work scanning the websites too.
I’ve set my intention, I’m working on the steps to get there, but right now, I’m not focusing on the end goal. I am not thinking about having a cat padding round the house again (OK I am… but I’m really trying not to get carried away 😅).
That’s manifestation. Not magic. It’s intention and focus. I’ve put the message out there, and now my brain — and the internet — is picking up on it.
Same Thing Happens in Business
You set a big business goal — “I’m going to grow my team by two people this year” — and suddenly that’s all you can see. You’re picturing their desks, their job titles, imagining how it’ll feel 💼.
And that’s great. But it’s also where loads of people get stuck. Because there’s this huge gap between the dream and actually making it happen.
We don’t talk about that bit enough, do we? 🤔
Stop Focusing on the Vision Board — Start Focusing on the Steps
Mel made this point, and it hit me hard: sticking a picture of a yacht or a private island on your vision board doesn’t mean you’re magically getting a yacht 🛥️.
It’s the same with your business goal. You can want those two new team members all you like — but until you figure out what actions actually get you there, you’re just rearranging imaginary office furniture 🪑.
Here’s What Actually Gets You There
It’s not the vision board. It’s not thinking really hard about it. It’s the small daily and weekly actions.
What’s the plan? What are you doing this week to move forward? What habits are you building?
Because — and here’s the kicker — when you do hit that big goal, it won’t be this massive “Ta-da!” moment 🎉. It’ll be that tiny last puzzle piece clicking into place. You won’t even notice it at first — because you’ve been laying the groundwork all along.
And That’s Where I Come In
This is literally why I exist. Because if it was as simple as setting the big goal and going for it… you wouldn’t need me.
But you do. Because the bit in the middle? That’s hard. That’s messy. That’s where people get stuck.
I help you stop staring at the picture on the front of the jigsaw box 🧩 and start slotting the bloomin’ pieces in.
✔ I help you figure out which piece goes next.
✔ I hold you accountable when you really can’t be bothered.
✔ And I make sure you don’t give up when it gets hard — because it will.
One Last Thing on Motivation
We get so caught up waiting to “feel” motivated. But honestly? Motivation’s unreliable. It’s emotional. The way I see it, if you can take emotion out of the equation, you’ll just get sh*t done 💪.
I have, for example, no feelings about brushing my teeth every day 🪥. I don’t think about it, procrastinate or talk myself out of it. I just do it. Let’s do the same in business. Take the emotion out, have actions that you just need to do, and someday you’ll be completing that goal ✅.
Build the habits. Do the work. The big goal happens because you showed up — not because you stared at the vision board long enough.
Anyway, that’s what was in my head today. Not a polished “5 Ways to Strengthen Your Foundations” post. Just a chat — inspired by cats, podcasts, and the fact that business growth is never as simple as it looks on paper.
So… what’s your next puzzle piece? 🧩
Ann x