My Mahjong Manifestation Experiment: Did Changing My Thoughts Change the Outcome?

I experimented with manifestation during a family mahjong game by changing my inner dialogue. The results surprised me and made me rethink the power of mindset. 

A Small Mahjong Experiment with Manifestation

Last Sunday, I played mahjong with my father, my brother, and my daughter. It was one of those relaxed family games where everyone was simply enjoying each other's company. Winning was nice, but it wasn't the main point.

Lately, I've been studying manifestation and experimenting with it in everyday situations. Rather than waiting for a big life event, I thought, "Why not try it during a mahjong game?"

At one point, I needed just one tile to complete a winning hand.

My first instinct was to think, "Come on... give me the tile. Give me the tile. Please let me get the tile."

Then I caught myself.

I remembered something I've been learning: instead of focusing on what I don't have, focus on the outcome as if it is already unfolding.

So I changed my inner dialogue.

Instead of saying, "Give me the tile," I quietly told myself,

"The winning tile will naturally appear in front of me."

I didn't repeat it with desperation. I simply held that expectation while continuing to enjoy the game.

To my surprise, the winning tile appeared.

Then it happened again.

And again.

I won three games in a row.

After the third win, my daughter laughed and said, "I'm going to stop you from winning the next game. I'm going to win this one."

And she did.

Did manifestation stop working? Or was it simply another reminder that life doesn't always go according to our expectations?

Honestly, I don't know.

I'm not writing this as proof that manifestation works. It was just an interesting personal experience that made me curious.

What stood out to me wasn't the three wins. It was the difference between the two ways of thinking.

There is a subtle but important difference between saying:

"I want..."

and saying:

"It will naturally happen."

The first feels like I'm focusing on what I lack.

The second feels like I'm expecting the outcome without forcing it.

Maybe that's what manifestation is.

Or maybe that shift simply helps me stay calmer, more relaxed, and more present, allowing me to make better decisions.

Either way, it's a mindset I want to continue exploring—not just in games, but in my work, my relationships, and my life.

This is only one small experiment.

I'm sure there will be many more.

Have you ever experienced something that felt like manifestation—or perhaps just a powerful shift in mindset? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

~ Adrian Lee @adrianvideoimage