There is a way to again be in real time with the universe, but it is not through force, imagination or manipulation. It is by finding your true Self. When you do, you will not need to manipulate life, it will simply flow.
When I'm not doing something that comes deeply from me, I get bored. When I get bored I get distracted and when I get distracted, I become depressed. It's a natural resistance, and it insures your integrity.