Manifestation isn’t new, but in the past decade, it’s gone decidedly mainstream. Whether it’s a byproduct of the modern witch craze or a way to regain control in an unpredictable world, the practice has moved from niche self-help circles to social media feeds and daily routines.
At Starbucks’ recent “Magic of Spring” event, promoting the brand’s new seasonal at-home coffee and creamer collection, I spoke with manifestation expert Haley Hoffman Smith about how intention setting can fit into everyday rituals. Smith, who began prioritizing her own manifestation journey in 2020, has since built a following of nearly 680,000 people on TikTok and authored the book You Have the Magic, documenting what she’s learned along the way.
In our conversation, she shared her perspective on how manifestation works, when to practice it, and how beginners can get started.
What is manifestation?
At its core, manifestation is the practice of using visualizations and affirmations to attract specific outcomes. It builds on the law of attraction—the idea that positive thoughts can influence positive results—but takes it a step further by focusing on clearly defined goals. Instead of cultivating a general good, manifestation centers on tangible desires: a job promotion, a dream apartment, or success on a major test.
When is the best time to manifest?
According to Smith, timing plays a key role. The most effective moment to manifest, she says, is during your morning coffee.
“Right when you wake up, your brain is in a lower brainwave state,” she explains—a more relaxed, receptive state that may make it easier to access the subconscious. The subconscious mind helps shape conscious thoughts and behaviors, as noted by neurosurgeon and author James Doty.
In this state, whether you’re at home or in the office, take a few quiet minutes to sip your coffee and visualize the best possible version of your day—and how it connects to your larger goals. Tying manifestation to an existing ritual, like your morning coffee, makes the practice easier to remember and sustain.
How to manifest
While there are loose guidelines for manifestation, the practice itself is completely customizable.
“It doesn't have to be this big, hour long production,” says Smith. “It can just be, 'Let me take a few sips of this coffee [and] brew my intentions into it.”
Over time, you can tailor the practice to what feels most effective—adjusting how long you spend, the visuals you evoke, or the affirmations you recite.
1. Create a comfortable environment
Start by preparing your coffee in a way that feels intentional: Choose your favorite grounds, pick out a mug you love, add fun syrups or creamers, and settle into a quiet, comfortable space.
2. Clarify your intention
You may already have a goal in mind, but if not, try asking yourself: ‘If today were my ideal day, what would it look like? What would I need to do to make it happen?’ Use the answer to guide what you want to manifest.
3. Use visualizations and affirmations
Smith recommends pairing affirmations with visualizations. One of her go-tos is, “I’m open to unexpected magic, where everything goes my way.”
As you repeat your affirmation, visualize your desired outcome as if it has already happened. What does it look like? How does it feel? You can also use a vision board as a visual cue to keep your goals top of mind.
Framed this way, manifestation becomes less about sweeping, life-altering changes and more about small, repeatable rituals—like a daily cup of coffee. It’s a subtle shift that transforms an ordinary habit into a more intentional practice, one that can help shape a more focused, purposeful day.
