Gen Z gets a bad rap for being chronically indoors—and honestly, the news cycle isn’t exactly helping the case for a hot, carefree summer. But before you resign yourself to another season spent doom-scrolling and binging  Love Island, let’s pause. What if this was the summer you manifested something different for yourself this season?

Contrary to TikTok how-tos, being intentional is not just about journaling about abundance over and over again, but prioritizing self-connection as a daily practice. There are a number of ways to do this, and all of them require specificity. I know what you’re thinking — no brainer, right? But it’s more difficult than you might think.

Since we’ve been conditioned to consider big dreams – or genuine self-belief – ‘cringe,’ we tend to create vague, non-committal affirmations like, “I just want to be happy.” Cut that out, mama. Octavia E. Butler, the Black writer whose 1993 novel, The Parable of the Sower, envisioned a reality scarily close to ours in the year 2024, you’ll know the type of precision I’m talking about. Seriously, Octavia references the best-seller lists she will inevitably top by name.

So whether you’re looking to manifest romance, money of friendship this summer, approach your dream life in great detail. Remember: mindset, energy, action, and finally, attraction. It’s not about magic, but becoming a magnet for what you deserve — here’s how to do it.

1. Think Differently

If you’re someone who has a complicated relationship with money, for example, that is something you’re going to have to tackle daily while diving into the nitty-gritty of manifesting. It’s easy to operate from a scarcity mindset when that is our daily conditioning, but when you catch yourself thinking or speaking poorly about yourself or your circumstances — rewrite the narrative. 

This could be as simple as retiring the word “poor,” or updating “I can’t afford it,” to, “I'm buying this in the future.” I was 24 with 20 cents in my checking account and told anyone within earshot that I was “broke,” even when I was still traveling or out to dinner. That year, I decided I was being oppressed by the word, and sidelined it altogether. Within the year, I’d paid off all my credit card debt, and I haven’t said the word since.

2. Start Scripting

Say it with me now, scripting is not journaling — it’s something else entirely. You’re not saying “I want,” but documenting your dream life as if it’s your current reality. Forget, “I will get into the school of my choice.” Say instead, “I am a student at Tisch, which I can afford because of my full-ride scholarship.” Take a leaf out of our girl Octavia’s diary.

I am a bestselling writer

I write bestselling books and excellent short stories

Both books and short stories win prizes and awards

Remember, the more specific the better. Think about engaging your senses. What does success smell like? What does the skin of your future lover feel like? What is your daily reality as your most actualized version of yourself?

3. Vision Board

You’ve seen it, you’ve maybe even tried it, but you don’t need to go straight down to the nearest Staples to pull it off. 

Find anything that you have lying around – books, magazines – and start creating your dream life inspired by words and images. Glue the cutouts inside a notebook, or to a piece of cardboard. You can also pin them to a corkboard or magnet to your fridge. For digital girls, head to Canva or Pinterest.  You can print out your creation, or keep it saved to your desktop so that you can refer back to. 

There is a tendency to want to veer toward status symbols – since magazines are full of them – but put your energy more towards, well, energy. Collage images that contribute to a sense of peace and fulfillment — flowers, food, destinations. Remember: seeing is believing. 

4. Say It — Seriously

Mantras, baby. This is where you can be a little more overarching, think: “I don’t chase, I attract,” or “Everything that is meant for me I will have.” 

Affirmations can also be a little like vocal scripting. “I am making X dollars per month and live in a home in X neighborhood and have a partner who loves it when I cook them my signature pasta.” 

If you’re feeling really bold — say it to yourself in the mirror. Or, try repeating it while driving or on a walk (don’t worry, everyone will just think you’re on a call!). Drop it casually in conversation when someone asks you a question about your life, for example, “I am attracting my dream man as we speak.”

The only rule here is to say it and keep saying it.

5. Practice Embodiment 

This is extremely helpful for money (within reason). 

Think: always tipping 20 percent, or taking yourself out for coffee — even if that feels like a sacrifice. There’s a balance to be found that allows you to release existing anxieties by living like you would a person who feels no anxiety. 

6. Proceed With Gratitude

Nothing opens the door for goodness like being grateful for what you do have. Chronicle what in your daily life brings you content, and attracts a lot more happiness. 

You can answer specific prompts while journaling (think: “What was I surprised to receive this week?”), or making lists about what you already have which brings you joy. Finally, be a good receiver — accept the dinner, and return the favor down the road. It only brings more. 

7. Practice Doing

Start showing up, one small step at a time, toward your intended goal. Want a new job? Reach out to people who do what you want to do. 

Ready for a relationship? Sign up for a class, or take yourself out to a bar or coffee shop with the goal of making conversation with just one person.  Want visibility for your project? Challenge yourself to post about it, just once.

Go on, shoot your shot. You're worth it.