What role do self-worth and resistance play in the manifestation process? 

Manifestation isn’t just about repeating affirmations—it’s rooted in self-worth and how you see yourself, as well as how you feel, both on the inside and out. We often overlook the connection between self-worth, negative thought patterns, and the roadblocks that can quietly hold us back from achieving our desires. True manifestation takes work—acknowledging resistance, rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, and aligning with a sense of trust and possibility.

To understand this better, we caught up with life coach and award-winning author Gabby Bernstein, who has spent over two decades transforming lives—including her own. She spoke about how resistance can keep you stuck in a rut and why shifting your mindset is key to unlocking your true potential. 

Cosmopolitan India: What are some common self-worth blocks that hold people back from manifesting, and how can they start shifting their mindset to move forward?

Gabby Bernstein: Some of the most common limiting beliefs that block manifestations and prevent people from becoming ideal attractors include believing in lack, which often shows up as a scarcity mindset rooted in the feeling of not being enough or not having enough—this keeps your vibration low. Comparison is another major block; constantly measuring yourself against others fuels insecurity and a sense of unworthiness. Many also struggle with feeling undeserving of their desires, doubting whether they’re good enough, qualified enough, or truly ready to manifest what they want. And finally, the belief that there’s not enough to go around—that someone else’s success means less for you—can severely limit your potential, as it’s deeply tied to scarcity thinking.

At their core, these are just false perceptions that block your connection to your true power. They keep you stuck in negativity and hold you back from embracing your full potential. But the good news is that you can transform these limiting beliefs by having faith, staying focused on your journey, and trusting that anything is possible. Shifting your energy is key to releasing these self-worth blocks and unlocking your manifesting power. It’s an inside job—but one that’s truly worth it.

CI: Personal manifestations are often seen as selfish, but they’re really about growth and alignment. How can we reframe them as essential to our well-being?

GB: Wanting to manifest things that bring you joy and enhance your life experience is not selfish or superficial. We are here to grow, evolve, and fulfill our soul’s desires. Whether you’re manifesting a bigger home, an exciting career opportunity, or a loving partnership—if it lights you up, it’s a beautiful and worthy desire to focus on.

The key is to check in with how you believe manifesting these things will make you feel. Are your desires coming from a place of alignment and inspiration, or from lack and neediness? When you manifest from a state of joy and openness—rather than desperation—you create the perfect energetic space to attract what you truly desire.

Remember, feeling good is good enough! Like I learned from Deepak Chopra, when we tie our happiness to a specific outcome, we actually weaken our manifesting power. The key is choosing to feel happy in the present moment, regardless of your external circumstances. That's the real secret to becoming a “super attractor.”

And here’s the beautiful ripple effect—when you feel good, the more light and positive energy you bring into the world. When you vibrate joy, abundance, and fulfillment, everyone around you is elevated by that energy. By manifesting your personal desires from a place of genuine alignment, you naturally create more good in the world.

Keep believing in your dreams and viewing them through a lens of love and positive expectation. You’ve got this! The universe always delivers—often in ways even better than we imagined. Trust the process and enjoy the magic as it unfolds.

CI: Are there specific practices or tools you recommend for strengthening one’s sense of self-worth when attempting to manifest?

GB: I have a few favourite practices that help strengthen your sense of self-worth as you manifest your desires. Start by affirming how you want to feel. In your journal, write powerful affirmations that align with your truth and make you feel amazing. Remind yourself daily that you are worthy of feeling good and attracting your deepest desires. Let these affirmations become your new reality.

Next, choose to feel good now. Make your happiness and peace unconditional—decide that you don’t need anything outside of yourself to feel joyful in this moment. Feeling good is your birthright, and when you truly embody that, you become a magnet for miracles. It also helps to release judgment. Pay attention to when you’re being overly critical of yourself or worrying about others’ opinions. These thought patterns can block your ability to attract what you want. Instead, practise radical self-love and acceptance. The more you believe in yourself and your desires, the more the universe and the people around you will, too.

Finally, protect your good-feeling emotions. Set clear boundaries with people, conversations, or environments that lower your vibration. Take social media breaks, redirect negative conversations, or walk away from draining situations when needed. Keep choosing the perspectives and experiences that make you feel worthy, peaceful, and abundant.

CI: Resistance is often seen as a blocker in manifestation circles, but how would you define it from both a psychological and energetic perspective?

GB: Resistance is a powerful force that can block us from manifesting our desires and living in alignment with the universe. It often stems from deeply ingrained fear and limiting beliefs.

From a psychological perspective, as Sigmund Freud observed, the ego clings to fear-based thought patterns as a misguided form of self-protection. We resist positive change and sabotage our progress because the ego sees the unknown as threatening, even when it's an improvement.

Energetically, resistance is a low vibration that keeps us stuck in unwanted circumstances. Our fearful, limiting thoughts emit a frequency that not only repels what we desire but also attracts more lack and struggle instead. Even when we consciously choose to think positively, those old resistant energies can still linger in the background, subtly influencing our reality.

The key is to observe our resistance rather than judge it. Acknowledge the fear-based thoughts and limiting beliefs, bringing them into the light so they can heal and release. Then, consciously choose to shift toward love, abundance, and faith—even in moments of uncertainty.

Building this muscle of choosing faith over fear helps retrain our energy to align with what we desire. It's normal for the ego to kick and scream along the way. But the more we align with the universe and allow ourselves to feel good, the more effortlessly we manifest our dreams.

CI: Are there any practices or mindset shifts that have personally helped you overcome resistance in the manifestation process?

GB: Here are a few practices and mindset shifts that have really helped me move through my own resistance. The first is witnessing my thoughts with love. When fear-based thoughts or limiting beliefs come up, I try to observe them with compassion rather than judgement. I thank the fear for trying to protect me, and then consciously choose to lean back into love and faith. Just acknowledging resistance—without trying to fight it—helps it loosen its grip.

Another shift that’s been powerful for me is focusing on feeling good now. When I get too caught up in a future manifestation, I often end up feeling lack in the present, which only creates more resistance. So I gently bring my focus back to what feels good in the moment—appreciating what I already have and doing more of what lights me up. I’ve also learned to see obstacles as detours in the right direction. If something doesn’t go the way I expected, I try to trust that the Universe is redirecting me toward something even better.

Finally, I’ve found peace in letting the Universe surprise me—by letting go of the “how” and focusing on the “why.” I set my intention clearly, tune into how I want to feel, and then allow the details to unfold in their own time. If I’m attached to a specific outcome, I’ll offer a prayer like, “Thank you, Universe, for delivering this or something better. I welcome miracles beyond what I can see. Use me for the highest good.” This always helps me release resistance and return to a space of calm faith.

CI: When external circumstances or internal resistance feel overwhelming, what are some ways to stay aligned and consistent with manifestation practices?

GB: Remember, it's totally normal to wobble off track when fear or resistance arises. The universe is always ready to support and guide you forward—but you have to be willing to let go of control and remain open to that guidance.

Protect your good-feeling emotions by creating loving boundaries with people, conversations, and environments that consistently lower your vibe. You can't control the world around you, but you can choose what you focus on and how you respond.

Most importantly, don’t let your manifestation practice depend on external conditions being perfect. Keep aligning with the universe and choosing to feel good unconditionally. Trust that everything is unfolding in your favour, even when it doesn't look the way you expected.

The universe is always conspiring to support you—keep leaning into that support, prioritising your alignment, and staying open to the magic. You’ve got this!

CI: Even after doing the work—like a 21-day challenge or personal growth practices—how can someone tell if resistance is blocking their manifestation? And what can they do when a desire just isn’t coming through?

GB: Here’s how to navigate through the resistance. First, acknowledge it with compassion. Denying your resistance only gives it more power. Instead, observe it without judgment—thank it, even—for trying to protect you. It’s often just a defence mechanism rooted in fear.

Next, allow yourself to feel what’s underneath. Whether it’s sadness, fear, or pain, give those emotions space to move through you. The only way to release them is to feel them fully. Avoiding them just keeps you stuck.

Once you’ve honoured the resistance, gently reach for relief. Shift your focus to something that lifts your energy—gratitude, joy, or even a simple prayer or affirmation. Realign with your faith, and then, most importantly, surrender the outcome. Let go of the “how” and instead focus on how you want to feel. Trust that the universe has a plan—often better than the one you’ve imagined.

Keep returning to these steps anytime you notice resistance pop up. Be patient and gentle with yourself through the process. The more you realign with the love of the universe, the more easily your manifestations can flow to you. I'm cheering you on every step of the way!

Lead image: Netflix

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