As “manifest” hits word of the year status, some experience harm and regret in the growing online life coaching space
New York, N.Y. — On a drizzly afternoon in Manhattan’s East Village, the word “manifest” appears not just on wellness café chalkboards and crystal shop flyers, but in the conversations snaking through subway commutes and brunch tables.
In 2024, “manifest” earned the distinction as the Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year, cementing its place in the contemporary lexicon. Yet as the term has grown in popularity, stories of both profound inspiration and troubling consequences have followed — particularly for those who turned to self-described manifestation life coaches for answers amid life’s uncertainties.
Manifesting in the Mainstream: From Margins to Everyday Mantra
The philosophy behind manifestation roots deep in the American consciousness, its origins stretching back to spiritualist movements of the 1800s and blossoming into the so-called New Thought era. By summer 2020, Google searches for “manifestation” spiked.
Podcasts and books multiplied, social media feeds brimmed with testimonials, and the concept quickly shifted from esoteric spiritual circles to the forefront of pop culture. By mid-2024, the hashtag #manifest boasted billions of views on platforms from Instagram to TikTok.
Celebrity endorsements and influencer cred have further propelled the movement. A leading life coach on Instagram, for instance, now touts her status as a “seven-figure entrepreneur,” offering manifestation strategy courses through a slick digital academy.
Students, often promised abundance or love, can pay thousands of dollars for tiered workshops, private masterminds, and downloadable affirmations. Yet, for every reported breakthrough, there are tales of financial and emotional distress.
Jim Luce’s Story: When Manifestation Turns Manipulative
Jim Luce still remembers the optimism tinged with anxiety that passed through his group’s weekly circle, beneath softly glowing Himalayan salt lamps. He first joined a life coaching organization spun out from idealistic 1960s roots.
“It ‘manifested’ itself into a cult-like experience, so I left — but it was a Chinese finger trick and very difficult to exit, with tremendous social and psychological pressure to remain,” Luce recalls.
For Luce, the group’s principles morphed from uplifting to oppressive. Attendance and loyalty were tracked, “accountability buddies” pried into personal doubts, and “manifestation contracts” edged out individual agency. Leaving, he says, required not just a psychological break, but navigating social ostracism and harassment.
He is not alone. Reddit’s Life Coach Snark community and similar online forums are filled with thousands of candid stories from those who have experienced overreach from increasingly commercialized “manifest” mentors. On these platforms, participants say they feared retaliation for speaking out, especially when expressing regret over lost time, relationships, and money.
Coaching, Commerce, and the Cost of Hope
Manifestation is often marketed as a way to “will things into existence” — a blend of positive thinking, visualization, and unwavering faith in the universe’s abundance.
Popular coaches teach that behaving as though you already have wealth (by spending or splurging, for example) will draw more prosperity to your life. Followers are sometimes instructed to borrow money to pay for expensive lessons or even skip critical bill payments in the name of manifesting a better financial future.
Compounding the issue: life coaching remains a largely unregulated industry. While certifications exist, their rigor and legitimacy vary widely — there is no overarching regulatory board to protect consumers or enforce industry standards. This means virtually anyone can market themselves as an expert and charge steep fees, regardless of formal training or qualifications.
“You are a de facto therapist,” says one coach. “While any new helping profession is a welcome addition to our well-being landscape, this totally unregulated Wild West risks doing serious harm.”
Navigating the Manifestation Maze: Safeguards for Seekers
As the wellness boom collides with the digital age, those seeking guidance are left to wade through a landscape as saturated with confidence as it is with ambiguity. Experts agree that transparency and skepticism are not just advisable but essential.
- Ask tough questions: How will we measure progress? What evidence supports your approach? What happens if I don’t see results?
- Enlist a trusted friend: Have a third party monitor your early sessions and weigh in if something seems off.
- Know when to seek a professional: If you need mental health support, consult a licensed therapist, not a self-proclaimed coach.
Forums like Reddit’s Life Coach Snark provide a critical outlet for those who wish to vent or seek validation from others with similar experiences. Fear of retribution is real, particularly when groups or leaders discourage dissent under the guise of “limiting beliefs.”
The Lure—and Danger—of Promised Transformation
For many, the promise of manifestation is as familiar as the American dream itself, shaped by a culture that values self-improvement and hustle. When guided responsibly, the practice can foster hope, resilience, and a growth mindset.
But absent regulation or formal oversight, its commercialization can leave even the most optimistic participant disillusioned.
In a crowded marketplace, “manifest” is more than just a word — it is a Rorschach test for our collective longing, our optimism, and, sometimes, our vulnerability.
If you or someone you know has experienced challenges with a manifestation life coach, consider sharing your story
on public forums or with local consumer advocacy organizations. Before enrolling in coaching programs, always research
extensively, ask critical questions, and consult a qualified mental health professional if you need emotional support.
Audio Summary (75 words)
Manifestation soared into mainstream culture and in 2024 became Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year. While some claim transformation through manifestation life coaches, many report harm and regret—pointing to financial strain, cult-like dynamics, and emotional distress. The life coaching industry’s lack of regulation leaves seekers at risk. Experts advise skepticism, questions, and professional mental health help if needed. As “manifest” continues to shape conversations, navigating its culture requires vigilance and critical thinking.
