Psychologist Debunks Myths About Wish Maps and Info-Gypsies

Probably, each of us dreams of having wishes fulfilled with a snap of the fingers. In search of that «magic pill,» people are ready to pay huge sums and go through many marathons and courses. Fortunately, the internet now offers a large number of methods that, according to their creators, will help fulfill even the boldest dreams. One such method is creating a wish map. The izh1.ru correspondent contacted clinical psychologist, CBT therapist Anastasia Kornilova to find out if wish maps really work or if this is another trick by info-gypsies.

What is a wish map?

“The essence of a wish map lies in creating a collage of images representing desired material and immaterial goods. This can be anything — from an apartment and a car to a wedding and a child,” said psychologist Anastasia Kornilova.

To create a wish map, you need to take a sheet of paper or poster board, divide it into sectors, glue on images that symbolize the fulfillment of your wishes, and write useful affirmations next to them containing settings for «successful success.» You can use pictures from the internet, magazines, and books or buy a ready-made set on a marketplace.

It is recommended to place the wish map in a visible place so that you always have a visualization of your dream life before your eyes.

Why have wish maps become so popular?

Recently, the idea that desired things can be attracted by the power of thought has been gaining momentum again on the internet. Want to get back with an ex? Correctly formulate the request, send it to the universe, and sincerely believe that everything will work out, and then success in love is guaranteed. Just don«t use the particle »not« and don»t fixate on the result: otherwise, the desired person will never knock on your door.

On marketplaces, books by Joe Dispenza about the power of the subconscious are selling out, videos by bloggers making content on this topic are getting millions of views. Info-gypsies launch wish marathons, where they teach how to correctly formulate intention so that the universe definitely understands what exactly you want from it. Affirmations for attracting finances, subliminals for weight loss and correcting bite, candles with spells — people are desperately searching for a «magic pill» that will solve all their problems.

With the wave of popularity of the topic, the demand for wish maps has also increased. After all, they are to some extent also connected with the idea of the power of thought: read affirmations, visualize, and you will succeed. However, is this really the case?

Does a wish map really work?

On the internet, you can find a huge number of reviews of this method. Among them, many are positive. Some netizens firmly believe in the power of wish maps.

“I didn«t really believe in wish maps until one day I tried to make one myself. As I remember now, I came across a video about this method on a social network. Before the New Year, I printed out pictures from the internet and got to work. I really liked it, but I was still skeptical. After three years, I found that wish map in the closet and, to my surprise, realized that almost everything had come true! I went on vacation to Egypt, as I wanted, built my own house, and started a business. It was all on my wish map!” shared one of our readers.

However, is there any magic in wish maps? Is it necessary to send «requests to the universe»?

From a psychological point of view, a wish map is not some magical tool, but merely one way of visualizing goals. It can work as a kind of kick, a push to action. Looking at a poster with photos of the car and house of your dreams, a person more clearly understands what they want to achieve. This can encourage them not to sit still, but to step by step change their life for the better.

“A wish map can work as a way to motivate yourself or keep your goals in focus. However, in this regard, it is not a specific tool. You will get the same result if you draw a balance wheel or simply write down your dreams and values on a piece of paper. And setting goals using SMART can be even more useful,” commented Anastasia Kornilova.

SMART is a management methodology, the essence of which is to make abstract goals understandable, concrete, and achievable. According to this approach, a goal should meet five criteria: be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

At the same time, as the psychologist notes, there is nothing surprising in the fact that people continue to expect a miracle. It«s all about our nature.

“People always want simple solutions for complex questions. This is a normal human desire that has been and will be at all times. However, it is important not to lose critical thinking, especially in matters of health.

If speaking personally about me, I do not believe that you can attract anything into your life with just the power of thought. With clients, I discuss their needs, values, aspirations, and life satisfaction, conduct motivational interviews, and then we together create a plan for changes. A «magic pill» does not exist. Any goal requires effort.

And strictly speaking, the same Dispenza is not a researcher in the classical, academic sense of the word. Similar ideas can be found in a large amount of literature of a near-esoteric nature.”

Can a wish map harm a person?

Like any motivational methods, wish maps have their downside. It turns out that this format is not suitable for everyone. In some cases, creating a wish map can even lead to a person trying with all their might to avoid implementing the planned plans. According to Anastasia Kornilova, individual characteristics of our character and psyche play a big role here:

“For people with increased anxiety and perfectionism, the map can turn from a source of motivation into a source of stress. A rigid attachment to a specific ideal picture of the future creates internal pressure. Instead of inspiration, a person begins to experience anxiety because they are falling behind their own plan.

Paradoxically, but a big goal sometimes triggers an avoidance mechanism. This is familiar to many from work or study: when a project is too important and large-scale, it«s easier to wash the floors throughout the house or sort out the closet, just to avoid starting the task. This is how the psyche protects itself from the fear of not coping and not meeting the high expectations that we ourselves have invented.

You don«t need to give up on a big dream, but remember: planning small steps that you can take right now to become closer to the desired may be more effective.”

For whom is the method of creating a wish map suitable?

“The answer is simple — for everyone who wants to create a wish map for themselves. Just don«t forget that it»s important to make real efforts to achieve the result. And any motivation is good if it doesn«t carry ideas of self-flagellation and hyper-control,” commented the expert.

However, is it necessary to spend money on books and consultations on creating wish maps? Specialists dealing with this topic (numerologists, tarot readers, astrologers, coaches, and gurus of «successful success») say that certain rules must be followed, otherwise nothing will work out. This applies not only to the formulation of affirmations but also to other subtleties, including the mindset with which you approach the task. Some even hold special meetings where they tell how to correctly compose such motivational posters.

In reality, it«s not that complicated. You have the right to decide for yourself how to glue pictures on your wish map and what additional decorative elements to use. You can divide the sheet into sectors, as advised on the internet, or do it as your creative soul requires. After all, a wish map has no special magical properties. It is just another way to get a boost of motivation on the path to fulfilling a dream. And you can spend money on an English language class, a trip to the gym, or a session with a psychologist — on things that will at least take a step closer to achieving the goal and global changes in your life.