Earlier this year, my daughter moved into college, where I noticed her neighbour's vision board filled with quotes and photos of physicians. The neighbour's mother explained it was meant to inspire her daughter, aspiring to be a pediatrician, to 'manifest' her goal. Manifestation, popularized by The Secret, suggests desires can become reality through focused thought. Neuroscientists James Doty and Sabina Brennan explore how brain function supports this idea, offering practical approaches to achieving goals.Doty's Mind Magic dismisses magical thinking, emphasizing a scientific approach to cultivating resilience and focus. His six-week plan teaches readers to embed intentions into their subconscious, rewire brain networks, and improve attention to opportunities. He argues that manifesting clarifies desires and aligns thoughts with purposeful action, transforming goals into reality.Brennan's The Neuroscience of Manifesting also debunks myths around manifestation, explaining how intentional thinking shifts perception and behaviour. She highlights the brain's negativity bias and advocates redirecting attention to positive, goal-oriented thoughts. Brennan introduces the "seven Cs of manifesting"- curiosity, compassion, connection, change, clarity, coherence, and creation - drawing from neuroscience and psychology to explain how intentional focus can lead to success.Both authors argue that tools like vision boards are not about magical outcomes but rather activating brain networks like the reticular activation system to reinforce goals. By stimulating focus and motivation, such tools help translate aspirations into action. Ultimately, Doty and Brennan remind us that achieving our ambitions depends on intention, focus, and actionable change -a "real magic" rooted in our own brains and behaviours.