The start of a new year. That magical time when we tell ourselves, “This is it! This year, I’m going to wake up at 5 AM, drink green smoothies, write in a journal every day, and run a marathon.”
Spoiler alert: By February, the journal’s gathering
dust, the green smoothie blender is shoved to the back of the cupboard, and the
only marathon you’re running is a Netflix one. Sound familiar? Don’t worry;
we’ve all been there.
But what if I told you there’s a way to keep that
excitement alive and actually achieve those goals? Enter the vision board – the
superhero of motivation tools. Let’s dive into what it is, why it’s important,
and how it can help you turn those “new year, new me” dreams into reality.
This blog is all about creating a vision board that
actually works! The following are addressed in this blog,
·
What’s a Vision Board? (It’s like Pinterest, but real!)
·
Why You Need One (Goals = focus = win.)
·
Do They Work? (Yes, if
you do!)
·
How to Make One (Crafty and easy steps.)
·
Tips & Mistakes (Avoid the chaos!)
·
Sample Board (Get
inspired!)
·
Tools to Create (Apps & sites to help.)
·
Final Cheer (This
year is YOUR year!)
What Is a Vision Board?
A vision board is basically a visual version of your goals. Think of it as a collage of dreams.
You take a board (corkboard, poster board, or even a digital one) and fill it
with pictures, words, and quotes that represent what you want to achieve. It’s
like Pinterest but in real life and way more personal.
Why Is a Vision Board
Important?
Here’s the thing: our brains love pictures. Seeing
your goals laid out visually helps you focus on them. It’s like giving your
brain a daily pep talk without saying a word. Here are a few reasons why vision
boards are so powerful:
Clarity: They help you figure out what you really want (no, eating an entire
pizza alone is not a life goal).
Motivation: Seeing your dreams every day keeps you pumped to work toward them.
Manifestation: Okay, this might sound a bit woo-woo, but focusing on what you want
helps you notice opportunities to get there. It’s like when you buy a red car,
and suddenly, you see red cars everywhere.
Does a Vision Board
Actually Work?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It works if you
work.
A vision board isn’t a magic wand that’ll make money rain from the sky or help you grow abs overnight. But it does help you stay focused, motivated, and intentional. Think of it as your cheerleader, not your genie.
How to Create a Vision
Board That Works
Get Clear on Your
Goals: Sit down
and think about what you want to achieve this year. Break it down into
categories like health, career, relationships, and personal growth. Be specific
– “get fit” is too vague; “run a 5K” is better.
Gather Your
Supplies:
You’ll need:
o A board (poster board, corkboard,
or even a notebook).
o Magazines, scissors, glue, and
markers.
o Printed pictures or quotes that
resonate with you.
Find Your Inspiration: Cut out images and words that represent your goals. Want to travel to Paris? Find a picture of the Eiffel Tower. Dreaming of starting a business? Add a photo of someone doing what you aspire to.
Assemble Your
Vision Board: Arrange
your images and words on the board. Group similar goals together or create
sections for different areas of your life. Make it pretty; this is your dream
board, after all!
Place It Where
You’ll See It: Put your
vision board somewhere you’ll see it every day – next to your bed, on your
desk, or as your phone wallpaper if it’s digital. Out of sight, out of mind
doesn’t work here.
Or, you can create a collage of pictures online,
print it out, and stick it in your favourite spot—or simply save it as your
wallpaper!
Tips and Mistakes to
Avoid:
Tips:
Be Specific: Include details. Instead of
“get rich,” try “earn ₹30,000 by July.”
Dream Big but Realistic: Aim high, but don’t overwhelm
yourself. Balance long-term dreams with short-term wins, and if you feel
overwhelmed (check out my post on understanding and managing overwhelm for a
fun take on tackling it).
Review It Often: Take a few minutes each day to
look at your board and visualize achieving your goals.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Being Vague: “Be happy” is nice, but what
does that look like for you? Add specifics.
Clutter Overload: Don’t turn your board into a
chaotic mess. Keep it focused and intentional.
Ignoring It: Your vision board isn’t decor;
it’s a tool. Use it!
Sample Vision Board:
Here’s a simple example to inspire you:
- Health
Goal: A
picture of someone doing yoga and a quote like “Strong body, strong mind.”
- Career
Goal: A
photo of an office setup with the words “CEO of my life.”
- Travel
Goal: A
dreamy beach photo with “Maldives 2025” written underneath.
- Personal
Growth: A
book with “Read 12 books this year” written on it.
- Financial Goal: An image of money with a note that says “Save ₹50,000 by December.”
Resources to Create Vision
Boards:
- Online
Vision Boards:
Check out platforms like Canva and PicMonkey
to create free, digital vision boards. Both offer customizable templates
to get you started.
- Image
Resources:
Need high-quality images? Use websites like Unsplash and Pexels
for free stock photos.
- Mobile
Apps:
Apps like Vision
Board (iOS) or Hay House Vision Board (Android) let you
create boards on the go.
Final Thoughts:
A vision board won’t magically solve all your
problems, but it’s a fantastic tool to keep you motivated and focused. Think of
it as a visual reminder of what you’re working toward. So, grab some magazines,
some scissors, and that big dream of yours, and get started. Because this year?
You’re not just writing resolutions. You’re making them happen.
