Manifesting and Backwards Design
I didn't know she had a blog until I researched her article! I just screamed to no one in particular: Roxie Nafousi has a blog!! OMG, Roxie Nafousi has a blog!! OMG, Roxie Nafousi has a blog!!
I got all inspired by Roxie Nafousi when I watched her YouTube video with Ali Abdaal. I love them both! I prefer Roxie because she tends to use profanity frequently. Good profanity! Three f-bombs in one podcast!
Ali commented that manifestations, as Roxie defines them, are much more realistic than The Secret, which I thought was a little too much.
This reminded me that I always wanted to write an article about using backward design principles to improve your life.


So, without further ado:
Exploring the Parallels and Contrasts Between Backward Design and Manifestation Principles
In education and personal growth, two distinct concepts have gained prominence for their effectiveness in guiding processes: Backward Design and Manifestation. While these principles belong to different spheres—education and self-improvement—they share intriguing similarities.
A Pedagogical Approach
Backward Design is a pedagogical framework widely used in curriculum development. It emphasizes the need to begin educational planning with the end goals in mind. Educators first identify this approach's desired learning outcomes and objectives before designing instructional strategies and assessment methods. The central idea is to create a coherent learning experience by aligning content, instruction, and assessment with the ultimate goals.
It involves three stages:
*Identify desired results
*Determine acceptable evidence of meeting results successfully
*Plan learning experiences and instruction based on the previous two stages
A Psychological and Spiritual Approach
Manifestation, on the other hand, is a concept rooted in the realm of personal development and spirituality. It suggests that individuals can influence their reality by focusing their thoughts, emotions, and energy on their desires. The belief is that by consistently visualizing and affirming their goals, people can attract positive outcomes and materialize their aspirations. While the scientific basis of manifestation is debated, its popularity highlights the human inclination to channel thoughts and intentions toward a desired result.
It involves three stages:
*Identify desired results
*Turn on your subconscious to lead you to the identified results
*Support with experiential exercises (meditation, vision boards) to clarify the vision

Not convinced? Ok, here's more!
Clarity of Intent: Both Backward Design and Manifestation emphasize the importance of clarifying intentions. In Backward Design, educators articulate clear learning objectives, ensuring the entire educational process aligns with those goals. Similarly, manifestation encourages individuals to define their desires precisely, enhancing their focus and intention.
Visualizing the End Result: Both approaches involve visualizing the result. In Backward Design, educators envision successful learning outcomes to create effective instruction.
In manifestation, individuals visualize their desires as already achieved, reinforcing their belief in attainability. According to the philosophy, once you know where you are going, your brain and the universe will lead you there if you act like you are already there. Everything is made of energy.
While I am not in the manifestation training business, I believe that using both methods can increase your chances of success.
Begin by formulating your goal—whether in education or personal aspiration. Define the steps required to achieve it, ensuring each step is measurable—a classic Backward Design approach.
As you align Backward Design's precision with manifestation's intentionality, you become an unstoppable force, forging ahead with purpose and conviction. Through this fusion, you will craft your reality and achieve your dreams.
Or maybe you will devise a good plan for your new course. Either way, it's a win!