There is no fiction. Every imagined act, if persisted in, will harden into fact. That is to say: Imagination Creates Reality .
These are not the words of a dreamer, but the declaration of Neville Goddard-a teacher whose understanding of imagination transcends mere fantasy. To him, imagination was not a daydreaming escape, but the very creative force of life.
When Neville said Imagination Creates Reality, he meant it literally. The world you experience is shaped not by fate, chance, or even effort alone, but by the images you entertain and accept within your imagination.
What Is Imagination?
To most, imagination is child’s play-a space for stories, fantasies, and fiction. But Neville taught that imagination is the doorway to divine creation. It is through imagination that we form mental scenes, and it is through sustained inner vision that these scenes become our lived experience.
“Man is all imagination, and God is man, and exists in us and we in Him,” Neville declared. “The eternal body of man is the imagination, and that is God Himself.”
Imagination is not a tool you use occasionally. It is your very being. Every thought you persist in, every inner conversation you rehearse, every vision you feel to be true-these are the seeds from which reality grows.
The World Is Your Mirror
Neville’s teachings rest on the idea that the external world is simply a reflection of your internal state. What you imagine and emotionally accept on the inside must manifest in some form on the outside.
If you constantly dwell on problems, you’ll see more problems. If you imagine peace, abundance, and love-and persist in that vision-your world begins to reflect it. The mirror cannot reflect what the eye does not first see.
He said, “Change your conception of yourself and you will automatically change the world in which you live.”
Imagination as a Creative Act
Creation, according to Neville, is not something that happens “out there.” It begins within. Everything you see began as an image in someone’s mind. Imagination is first cause; the physical world is the shadow it casts.
You do not need to struggle to make things happen. You need only to imagine the end and live from it.
This is not wishful thinking. It is deliberate, intentional use of imagination. It means selecting a desired outcome and entering into that reality mentally-not as a distant hope, but as a present truth.
Feel It Real
The bridge between imagination and reality is feeling. Neville constantly reminded us: “It is not what you want that you attract. You attract what you believe to be true.”
Feeling is the secret. When you imagine, you must feel the scene as though it were real now. The subconscious mind does not distinguish between imagined and actual experience when feeling is involved. What you accept emotionally becomes your truth.
To imagine effectively:
- Enter a relaxed, drowsy state
- Create a scene that implies your wish is fulfilled
- See it, hear it, feel it
- Repeat until it feels natural
This is how you impress the subconscious. And what is impressed must be expressed.
Every Act of Imagination Matters
We are always imagining. Whether consciously or unconsciously, you are shaping your world with every inner conversation, every mental picture, every assumption you carry.
This is why Neville urged mindfulness in imagination. Do not leave it to chance. Take control of your inner world. Assume the best. Imagine lovingly. Create deliberately.
He once said, “Dare to believe in the reality of your assumption and watch the world play its part relative to its fulfillment.”
Examples from Neville and His Students
Neville often shared stories of people who used imagination to transform their lives:
- A man imagined owning a successful business, saw himself in that role each night-and within months, the opportunity appeared effortlessly.
- A woman imagined reconciling with her estranged sister, seeing them laugh together-and out of the blue, her sister called.
- Neville himself imagined leaving the army when there seemed no way out. He felt it as done, and it unfolded exactly as he envisioned.
These were not lucky breaks. They were the fulfillment of imagined truths.
You Are Always Imagining-But Are You Choosing What You Imagine?
You don’t need permission to imagine. You already do it all day, every day. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you are constantly picturing outcomes, rehearsing inner conversations, and emotionally reacting to scenes within.
The real question isn’t “Are you imagining?” but “Are you imagining consciously?”
Neville taught that the difference between deliberate creation and unconscious living lies in this awareness. When you take hold of your imagination and direct it purposefully, you begin to reshape your world. You stop being a passive reactor and become a conscious creator.
Daydreaming vs. Controlled Imagination
It is important to understand that not all imagination is created equal. Neville made a clear distinction between daydreaming and controlled imagination.
Daydreaming is passive. It drifts, wanders, and often reflects wishful thinking without direction or emotional conviction. It may feel pleasant, but it lacks the power to shape reality because it is not sustained, focused, or accepted as true.
Controlled imagination, on the other hand, is deliberate. It is the conscious act of selecting a desired outcome, entering into that scene with feeling, and returning to it again and again until it becomes natural. It is imagination harnessed by belief, backed by emotion, and aligned with purpose.
Neville wrote, “Learn to become aware of what you are imagining, and you will recognize that you are always forecasting your future.”
In other words, daydreaming lets the mind float-but controlled imagination gives it direction.
So many drift through life imagining worst-case scenarios, worrying, doubting, and repeating old emotional loops. And the world obliges by reflecting them. But if you pause, center yourself, and choose the images you hold-if you feel them real-the world must conform.
Claim that power. Not with effort, but with quiet confidence.
Q&A: Understanding “Imagination Creates Reality”
Q1. What does Neville Goddard mean by “Imagination Creates Reality”?
Neville meant it quite literally – that your imagination is not just fantasy, but the creative power of the universe expressing through you. What you imagine and emotionally accept as true will harden into fact in your physical world. The outer world mirrors your inner vision.
Q2. How is imagination different from wishful thinking or daydreaming?
Daydreaming is passive – it feels nice but carries no conviction. Imagination, when consciously directed with belief and feeling, becomes creation. The key difference lies in persistence and emotional acceptance – you must feel it real until it feels natural.
Q3. How do I “feel it real”?
Start by entering a relaxed, drowsy state – Neville called it the “state akin to sleep.” Then imagine a short, vivid scene that implies your wish is already fulfilled. Feel the joy, peace, or satisfaction of having it now. The more real it feels inside, the faster it takes form outside.
Q4. How long does it take for imagination to become reality?
There’s no fixed timeline. It depends on your faith, emotional consistency, and whether you keep doubting or shifting states. Neville often said: “All transformation begins with an intense burning desire to be transformed.” Persist in your assumption, and it will manifest in perfect timing.
Q5. What if I imagine something negative by mistake?
Don’t worry. The creative power responds most to what you persistently and emotionally dwell on. One fleeting negative thought won’t undo your progress. Simply redirect your focus to the desired end, and feel grateful that you have the power to choose again.
Q6. Can imagination really change other people or external events?
Yes – but not by manipulating others. When you change your inner conception of a person or situation, the outer reflection must shift accordingly. Neville said, “Change your conception of yourself, and you will automatically change the world in which you live.”
Q7. How can I practice imagination daily?
Use small, consistent moments – while waking, before sleep, or during breaks – to visualize your desired reality. Keep a manifestation journal or practice sheet to record what you imagine and how it feels. Over time, you’ll see a clear link between inner vision and outer results.
Final Thoughts: Assume the Best, Imagine the Best
The world responds not to what you want, but to who you are within. When you choose to imagine with purpose, to feel your desired reality as already true, the outer world must mirror that inner change.
So imagine wisely. Imagine with love. Imagine with faith.
Because imagination creates reality.
“All things exist in the human imagination, and everything you can imagine is real.” – Neville Goddard
✨ Take Imagination from Concept to Practice
Neville didn’t just want you to read about imagination – he wanted you to use it. If you’re ready to apply what you’ve learned, here are resources created to help you activate your inner power:
📝 Free Download: Imagination Creates Reality – Practice Sheet
Turn Neville’s teaching into daily action. This printable worksheet helps you:
- Script your end scene
- Record your daily inner conversations
- Stay aligned with your chosen reality
➡️ Click here to download the worksheet
📓 Manifestation Journals Designed for Daily Use
Beautifully crafted journals inspired by Neville’s method. Perfect for scripting, assumption tracking, and reflecting on your imagined states.
➡️ Shop manifestation journals on Amazon (Available soon)
📚 Recommended Neville Goddard Books
Deepen your understanding of imagination and consciousness with these timeless works:
- The Complete Reader – Includes all of Neville’s major lectures and books
➡️ Buy on Amazon
- Feeling Is the Secret – A compact, powerful guide to impressing the subconscious
➡️ Buy on Amazon
(These are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!)
Keep Exploring the Power of Imagination
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love these other deep dives into Neville Goddard’s timeless wisdom:
📖 The Law of Assumption Made Simple – Learn from Neville Goddard
Or Curious how it all fits together? Read The Game of Life and How to Play It
You may also want to listen or watch this post on Youtube :
