[november]

So it seems that Person 2 would be more successful with his manifestation, right?

I don't think I've been going far enough to ensure that the feeling is strong enough.

This is where I originally got the impression that you're looking for definitions, guarantees, and facts.

This:

1. Figure out what you want.
2. Become a vibrational match for it.
3. Allow it.

and, This:

The way I see it is that you have a desire, any desire, first. Then, you'll have to do some work with your mind and emotions to become a match for that desire.

Don't line up.

Figuring out what you want is not equal to desire. I might argue that step 2 is the desire step, if I believed in the importance of becoming a vibrational match for something. (I've read about the LOA. I understand it, but I certainly don't agree with the way everyone who believes in it explains it.)

I might also argue that step 3 is the desire step. So, we could say that a modified version of the LOA would go like this:
1. Figure out what you want.
2. Desire it.

It seems (although I'd never assume) that you are suggesting step 2 comes first, as if you have to be a perfect vibrational match for anything by the time you have the desire for it.

This is interesting to me. I actually believe that we are already "vibrational matches" for everything (altho, I would not have used that term prior to this thread) and this is just a fact. We are naturally in alignment with the universe and what throws us off are our own issues, beliefs, actions, etc. So, I would suggest that this isn't something we have to do, but something that already is and we just have to not screw ourselves over. Thanks for giving me language for that belief!

Desire is not enough if you're not aligned with what you want.

Exactly. That's why I said, "So, it all comes down to what you truly believe." , "If you're in alignment with your core self, you'll be fine no matter what you do or don't do.", and "The important thing is that one's approach is in line with one's core self."

If your desire is not in alignment with what you want, then there are mental/emotional issues (blockages) that need to be worked out. That has nothing to do with your overall happiness.

You're not suggesting only having desires that you're already aligned with, are you?

If you understood what I wrote above, you'd realize that I don't think this is even necessary.

However, to answer your question in the context in which it was asked, I'll say: You should be aligned with your desires if you hope to manifest them. The LOA will tell you that whatever you focus your energy on is what you will get, whether it's what you tell yourself you actually want or not. You can certainly manifest things you don't cognitively desire.

You can alter your alignment at any time. I would suggest that if you truly desire something, you will align yourself with it and it will manifest. If you feel that you are not aligned with what you have told yourself you desire, I would ask how in the world you would expect it to manifest?

Hopefully I actually answered your question. And, I don't mind a good argument.