Have you ever wondered how to create an vision board? You’ve probably heard a friend, family member or your favorite influencer rave about their vision board. There’s a reason for that. Vision boards are a tool that can radically change the way you chase down your big dreams and goals.
Ready to get started?
What a vision board is
First things first, let’s define what a vision board is. A vision board is a collection of images, phrases, and words that symbolize your dreams and goals. The images and phrases you select for your board are meant to inspire you to pursue your dreams and goals.
The beauty of making a vision board is that there aren’t any hard and fast rules. You can mix media, textures, colors and more. Source images, quotes and inspirational words from magazines, Pinterest, your favorite book, or your phone.
Why they work
Now you know what a vision board is but you might be wondering how they work. Vision boards serve as a visual representation of our dreams and goals. Many of us abandon our goals because we can’t see the end result. Somewhere between setting a goal and striving to achieve it we lack a strong enough motivator to keep going. Your vision board can help you endure when motivation or enthusiasm for your goals runs dry.
Vision boards also work because of the time and attention required to curate it. While creating your board you must pause, reflect and intentionally select images, words, and phrases that embody your goals. Taking the time to pause, reflect on your goals and curate images accordingly is a much more intentional process than deciding on a goal at whim.
How to create yours
Try it for yourself. Follow the steps below to learn how to create a vision board for your dreams and goals.
Step 1. Set a goal or two
A great vision board starts with a goal (or two). Your goals will guide the content of your vision board. Identify a goal or two that you want to achieve.
Your vision board will help you stay inspired and on track with your goals. As you move on to choosing your keywords and assembling supplies keep your goals in mind.
Read How to Set Effective Goals for help with the goal setting process.
Pro tip: It’s common to use a vision board for New Year’s goals. You can create a vision board any time of the year but it’s helpful to have a timeline in mind. Are you setting a goal for a few months down the road, the year ahead, or five years down the line. Keep your timeline in mind when setting goals and creating your board.
Step 2. Choose a few keywords
In addition to a goal or two, you will want a few keywords to guide your vision board content. Your keywords should describe moods, colors, emotions or achievements. For example, if your goal is to get a promotion at your job your keywords could be qualified, confident, valuable, powerful, level-up.
Choose a few words of your own. Keep your words top of mind as you gather supplies and select images.
Step 3. Gather supplies
Your vision board can be virtual or physical.
For a virtual board, simply decide where you will host your board and start adding images, words, and phrases. You will likely host your virtual board on a platform like Pinterest or Canva. Source images for your virtual board from Pinterest, Unsplash, or your own personal photo library.
A physical vision board requires more supplies than a virtual board but it’s totally worth it! A physical board can be especially beneficial for kinesthetic learners and craft enthusiasts. To start, you’ll need a physical board. You can use a corkboard, magnetic whiteboard, a canvas, or a foam board. Depending on the kind of board you use, you will need tacks, tape, magnets, or glue.
Next, gather magazines, photos, quotes, and any other kind of media you’d like to use for your board. You can add some extra pizazz to your board with fun washi tape, colorful markers, or 3D stickers.
Pro tip: Craft supplies can be expensive. If your budget is tight opt for a virtual board. Creating a virtual vision board is budget friendly and still very effective!
Suggested supplies
- Corkboard or foam board
- Tape
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pins
- Clips
- Tacks
- Photos
- Magazines
- Inspirational quotes
- Washi tape
- Markers
Once your supplies are ready to roll it’s time to assemble your board!
Step 4. Assemble your board
Put all of your images, words, and additional media together! Play around with the various items you’ve gathered for your board. Arrange your photos, quotes, etcetera in a manner that excites and inspires you.
Remember, the vision you are casting on your board is a representation of your goals. If at any point in the assembly process you aren’t feeling inspired, feel free to source more media for your board. Select additional photos and hunt for inspiring quotes or phrases. Keep at it until your board visually reflects your dreams and goals.
Pro tip: Only glue, tape, or fasten an item to your board after you’ve placed everything exactly where you want it. Play around with different arrangements until you get it right.
Step 5. Display your board somewhere obvious
You’ve put so much time, attention and care into curating your vision board. Make sure to display it somewhere obvious. Placing your vision board somewhere obvious not only honors the hard work you put into creating it but also increases the chances of its effectiveness. Afterall, your vision board won’t do you much good if it’s sitting in a spare closet.
You can frame your board and hang it in your office or make your board magnetic and display it on the fridge. Place your vision board next to your nightstand or by the bathroom mirror. Make your virtual board the lockscreen on your phone or the wallpaper of your desktop. No matter where you place your board be sure to display it in a location where you will see it often.
How to use your vision board
The reason you display your vision board in an obvious location is so you see it often. But you don’t just want to casually glance at your board from time to time. Get the most out of your board by intentionally reviewing it. Set a weekly or monthly reminder to look at your board.
Routinely reflecting on the content of your board will increase your chances of staying on track and committed to your goals.
You can, of course, look at your board more often than once a week or once a month. In fact, it’s a good idea to look at your board any time you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or anxious. Use your board as a reminder of what the goal is and a motivator to get back on track.
Create your board
There you have it, a step-by-step process for creating an epic vision board. Create a vision board of your own and prepare to be amazed at the difference it makes! Remember to look at your board often, especially when you’re feeling stuck or stagnant in your goals.
Need some help assembling your board?
Hi, I’m Bailey, and I love helping my clients craft vision for your dreams and goals. I offer one-on-one coaching and group goal workshops. Inquire here for more information.
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