Money Mindset coach, Denise Duffield-Thomas, reveals how to train your brain to spot opportunities, boost your mindset to make more money and make your dream life feel real, long before it arrives.
Words and portrait image: Denise Duffield-Thomas
I know what you’re thinking: ‘Dream boards? I’m too tired for another craft project Denise! I’m still clearing away the Ferrero wrappers, give me a break…’ OK, hear me out, I used to be sceptical too. Until I tried it.
Facebook recently showed me an old picture from 15 years ago, and it just happened to be a dream-board collage. At the time, some of those dreams felt not only unrealistic but downright delusional… except, I was shocked at how many of them came true.
The dream house that looked identical to the one we recently built, the ballet pictures when I’ve recently taken up pointe classes again, even the picture of Oprah – I’ve actually met her in real life since then.
So, I know everyone is trying to get through the grey days with a hot cuppa and a decent night’s sleep. The start of the year isn’t always the most convenient time to set big, fresh goals.
We’re often stressed, freezing and hungover (from food, alcohol or too much peopling). Who needs the pressure of the perfect dream board on top of everything else? No thank you!
But here’s the thing: dreaming is free. Planting those seeds of intention can pay off, sometimes years down the track. And having goals to work towards can focus you and give you the boost of motivation when you feel stuck. And if you’re still on the fence about dream boards, don’t worry, they’re not the only way to manifest.
Does “manifesting” even work?
I always pride myself on being a practical person, so I was very sceptical about the law of attraction, until I learned about the RAS.
Here’s a little brain science for you: your reticular activating system (RAS) is like your brain’s personal information filter. It decides what to notice and what to ignore, because we’re taking in so much all the time.
When you focus on something you want (like a picture on your vision board), your RAS starts looking for anything related to it. Ever test-driven a new car and suddenly seen that exact car everywhere? That’s your RAS at work.
And the best part? You can train it. Every image you pin on a dream board, every word you scribble in your dream journal, is like nudging your RAS and saying: pay attention to this. This matters. By consciously choosing your input, you’re gently reminding yourself: this is where I’m headed. This is who I’m becoming. You’ll activate your inner compass and follow the “signs” pointing you toward what feels aligned.
Need to save money in 20026? Here are eight tips that might help.
But dream boards aren’t the only way
This is where things get fun. What if your entire home was a living, breathing dream board? What if you activated all your senses? What do your dreams sound, smell or feel like? Experience your future dreams now, even in small ways.
What music would be playing in the Parisian café you want to visit one day? Listen to it as you do chores around the house. Listen to inspiring podcasts on your commute. Sometimes you need to hear something multiple times to believe it for yourself.
What would your dream vacation smell like; the lemon-scented air of Capri or the salty, coconut breeze of Jamaica? The right candle or perfume can transport you there instantly. Especially on dreary days where you feel less than optimistic.
If you struggle with imagining your goals, try visual cues, like travel posters on your fridge or a symbolic charm on your keyring. For a year, I wore a necklace engraved with the word YES to remind me to take new chances.
My mum just got a tattoo of a plane on her wrist to connect to her love of travel. Mentally go through your day to see where you can activate your RAS.
Start your morning writing your goals in the shower steam and layer the other cues throughout your day. Manifesting just means “make real” and by anchoring your dreams in your physical environment, you can feel like you’re stepping into your future self’s world now.
Use your phone as a manifesting tool
Let’s be honest, we’re all on our phones a lot. And maybe one of your new year goals is to have less screen time. So, why not turn it into a manifesting machine?
One simple way is to choose a photo for your lock screen that represents something you’re calling in – like a dream holiday, a new house, or a happy relationship.
Selling a house? Make a fake SOLD picture. Every time you check your phone (which is probably dozens of times a day), you’re training your RAS to believe in your dreams.
But here’s the big one: curate your social media feed. Start following people, pages and accounts that reflect the kind of life you want to create. I flooded my social feeds with mature-age dancers before I summoned up the courage to return to ballet in my 40s.
Think beautiful travel destinations, positive quotes, role models of all shapes and ages doing exciting things. Seeing is believing. Most importantly, unfollow anything that makes you feel small, jealous or stuck.
Social media algorithms show you more of what you interact with, so when you start engaging with uplifting, inspiring content, you’ll naturally start seeing more of it. Even if you’re not techy, just start small.
One new account, one inspiring image. Your phone becomes a vision board you carry with you all day.
Three easy ways to start manifesting now
I told you this can be easy, so here are three things you can do today, no fancy supplies required:
1. Make mini dream boards
Grab a few magazines, postcards or catalogues. Choose just five images or words that give you a little zing of excitement. Tape them somewhere you’ll see them every day – like your bathroom mirror or fridge. But unexpected places work too; like inside drawers, or the back of the toilet door.
2. Pick one space in your home to “upgrade” energetically
Think about an area you use often, maybe your desk, bedside table or entryway. Add one or two things that reflect your dream life: a candle, a photo, a Post-it with an affirmation. Let it feel like a little altar to your future self.
3. Create aligned screen time
Grab your phone and spend the next hour following new social media accounts, especially ones dedicated to showing the best that midlife has to offer: travel accounts, fashion influencers that speak to you or the type of women you’d like to be friends with.
3 journal prompts to kickstart things
- What’s one small change I could make at home that would remind me of my dreams daily?
- Where in my daily routine could I add a mini cue – sound, scent, or sight – that connects me to my bigger vision?
- What accounts, books or people could I surround myself with that reflect the kind of life I want to create?
Need help manifesting your dreams? Get my free goal workbook at denisedt.com/goals.
