Vision boards are great tools you can use to visualize and achieve your goals. When you express your goals with images, you are reinforcing the connection to your goal.
However, vision boards are not magic. Your goals will not magically be achieved by it alone. There are important things to consider and follow through on if you want your vision board to work for you.
Your success will depend on your efforts and how often you are using your board. You can’t visualize without it being visible.
Keep reading if you want to learn more about vision boards and what you can do to help realize your goals using this amazing tool.
What's a vision board?
A vision board is a collage or collection of inspirational images that help you visualize your goals.
You can create a vision board using magazine clippings, quotes, and a poster board (or any background). You can also create a digital one using Pinterest but you run the risk of being distracted and therefore not be able to focus. Start with a physical board first until you are consistent with using it.
Vision boards allow you to visualize your dreams and goals in an accessible way. No need to invest in expensive tools and devices to motivate you to achieve your goals.
It’s easy to create, it’s affordable and it’s a positive reminder of your potential to help you realize your dreams.
Does it work?
It works only if you want it to, really. It’s a visualization tool so it relies on you to practice visualization regularly.
You will need to keep it in a place you can see every day because it will be out of mind if out of sight.
A vision board is like any other routine. If you want to get results you need to be consistent. Keeping up with your visualization practice is like maintaining a good routine, stay consistent and make changes when needed.
They are great at reinforcing your dreams and goals, but you still need a plan of action. Combine a vision board and a plan with steps to achieve your goal(s).
What you think, you become. What you feel you, attract. What you image, you create.
How to create a vision board that empowers you
1.Make a list of your goals
Make a list of what you want to change in your life. Get clear on exactly what it is that you want to change and get specific about your goals.
2.Discover your WHY
Why do you want to make a change in your life? Why do you want to achieve the goal? Understanding your WHY will help you identify what is truly valuable to you.
3.Gather your supplies
Old magazines, photos, inspirational quotes, or anything that inspires you and aligns with your goals.
4.Connect with the imagery
As you go through the clippings, choose the ones that represent the goals you’ve set and those that resonate with you.
Avoid only picking images that just look nice. They should resonate with you and when you look at them you should want what you see. They need to trigger a positive vibe and immediately connect with what you want in your life.
Relax and enjoy the process. Take a short break if you need to and keep the number of clippings to only what you need so you don’t overwhelm yourself or lose focus.
5.Build your collage
Make a collage out of the images you’ve gathered. Start attaching the images to your poster board and arrange them how you see fit. Make it visually appealing but most importantly make it resonate with you.
Include motivational quotes or affirmations that express how you feel now and what you envision for the future.
6.Make your vision board visible
Make sure it’s available to you whenever you need to visualize. The steps to create your own vision board is easy. It’s being consistent and practicing visualization daily that can be challenging.
There are some mistakes you can make that will make it harder to achieve your goals with a vision board. Keep reading to avoid the top five vision board mistakes.
"You only have control over three things in your life - The thoughts you think, the images you visualize, and the actions you take." Jack Canfield
Top vision board mistakes and tips
1.Using your vision board as a distraction
Vision boards are a lot of fun to make but it’s not the same activity as scrapbooking or crafting. Avoid creating a vision board only for fun if you really want to achieve your goals.
2.Chasing someone else’s goals
It important to choose images and affirmations that reflect YOUR goals and inspiration. Be careful not to be influenced by someone else’s dreams. It has to align with you. Be mindful when creating your collage.
3.Relying on imagery alone and not taking action
No matter how hard you stare at your vision board it won’t work if you don’t have a plan of action.
The images on your vision board are meant to support your goal but doesn’t work entirely on its own. You still need a plan to go with it.
Your thrilled about your vision board and want to share your dreams with friends and/or family. Be careful with this one.
It’s great to share but only if you know you can trust the person whom you are sharing your dreams with. It’s a good reminder to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and who will support you.
5.Going overboard
It’s possible to have too many things going on. Avoid overwhelming yourself by creating a cluttered board. It will make it difficult to envision and work with your goal plan. Choose your images and text mindfully.
"Your thoughts have consequences so great that they create your reality." Joe Dispenza
Final thoughts
Congrats, you’ve created your first vision board! You are now closer to achieving your goals.
Enjoy the process and let your vision board inspire you. If your board no longer inspires you or you no longer desire to achieve the things on your board, change it!
It might take you a while to create a vision board that resonates with you. Take the time necessary until you are motivated and happy with your board.
It’s an excellent companion to your goal plan, but you need to believe that it will work for you. If you don’t believe that it will then it won’t.
It might feel a bit odd at the beginning, keep visualizing and focusing on your goals.
Progress is progress, doesn’t really matter how you get there.
Need help with goal setting? I have a free S.M.A.R.T goals worksheet that you can use to establish your goals before you create your board. Get it here.
Hi, I’m Melanie. I’m the woman behind Mommy Life Strategies. Here you will discover ways to manage your time more efficiently, how to create positive daily habits that stick, mindset exercises that energize, and health & wellness tips that work even for the busiest moms.