I used to never truly understood the deal with creating what I thought was a new craze – a vision board. It sounded somewhat like the collages I would make in art class circa 5th grade.
Then I went to a Vision Board Workshop put on by my networking group, and I am a changed woman.
(I’ve updated this article since it was initially published, adding some of my favorite tools to use!)
The Power of the Vision Board
What is a Vision Board?
Vision boards are created to help you focus on your life goals, visually. The boards help to bring your dreams to life. By creating one and placing it somewhere you will look at it throughout the day, you are subconsciously partaking in short visualization exercises.
A (Very) Brief History of Visualization
Visualization has been used for decades by Olympian athletes to aid them in attaining the gold medal. They are now used in a similar format but on a smaller scale.
Brought to light by the book Creative Visualization, then The Secret, then Oprah, visualization and then taking action on what you visualize is a recipe for success!
How To Make a Vision Board
Determine Your Categories
You can choose as many or as little categories when it comes to yours. Below are some ideas:
- Family
- Career
- Health
- Relationship
- Home
- Travel
- Financial
- School
Vision Board Supplies
You really don’t need much to create a vision board. Here are some ideas – choose what’s best for you!
For the board itself, you can use posterboard, a pinboard, or even a journal or notebook. I personally like to use something with a foam back to it, making it a bit more sturdy.
Gather magazines, printouts from websites, photos – anything that inspires you.
Of course, you will need glue to adhere the images to your board. I prefer glue sticks as opposed to Elmer’s glue, partly because I have like 5 million of them from the boys and partly because they allow the image to stick on smooth (no bumps). If you’re using a pinboard, find some cute thumbtacks!
Scissors! You cannot forget scissors!
A lot of people like to draw or write on their board, so if you’re one of them grab some markers. Don’t be afraid of color!
Some people make them annually, some as frequently as monthly. It’s, once again, entirely up to you.
That one Wednesday night hanging out with the ladies at my networking group opened my eyes to the fun and power of a vision board.
If you’re not into the cutting words and images from magazines and such, Etsy offers a lot of other options. I personally like searching for the perfect things to add, but you can also create digital versions, really organize beforehand, or even purchase words that are already cut out for you!
It’s not too late to create your own! Maybe make it a girl’s night in with a boatload of magazines, a bottle (or three) or wine, some snacks, and music.
Comment below if you are a vision board maker and have any tips and tricks to share!
Mom Life Optimized says
My husband and I did this for our family last year and its been really nice to have this to go back to and match up our new dreams and thoughts to it to be sure it doesn’t impact what we agreed upon. Vision boards are so great!
Joanna says
I used to make vision boards when I was younger, following the same principle: working hard on what was on them, so that I can accomplish my dreams. I haven’t done one in years however. Maybe I should start again. 🙂
Kristen Frolich says
I love vision boards. My office actually took an afternoon off so we could take some time to bind together and create our own vision boards. It was a lot of fun!
Dana says
I love that your office offered that team building project!!
Candace says
This is a great idea. I used to do this type of board on school. I need to bring it back, cause it helps to keep me organized and focused. Need to create one for 2019 goals!
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Dana says
Good luck with your vision board, Candace!! 🙂
Rosey says
My daughter has a vision board and it’s everything to her. I haven’t tried one yet, but I may someday.
Dana says
You should make one with your daughter, Rosey!
Heather says
It’s been a number of years since I made a vision board. I need to make one again soon.
Cristina Petrini says
I’ve always loved Vision Boards, but I’ve never been able to make one. Yet I find it extremely stimulating!
Dana says
Agreed, Cristina! I’m glad I made my first one and see many more in my future 🙂
Latte Lindsay says
I’ve just made a huge vision board for the new year but I love my online board on Pinterest. That way I can pin stuff and have helpful articles to go back and help me move forward too.
Dana says
Lindsay, I never thought of a Pinterest Vision Board, but now that you mention it – it’s genius! I am definitely going to create one now.
StylishGeek says
Your vision board is fantastic! I actually use my Happy Planner for this. I fill it up with cutouts of what I need to achieve and motivational stickers.
Dana says
Thank you! I have a Happy Planner and never thought to make it a mini vision board – I’m going to start! Thank you for the great idea!!!
Kayla says
I have never done a vision board, but I have always wanted to. I think it would be such a fun way to vision your goals. I actually want to do something with my class, once I become a teacher.
Dana says
Creating a vision board as part of a class activity would be a great idea, Kayla!
Neha says
I love vision boards so much, but it’s been very long since I created one. I think it’s about time!
Dani says
What a great idea! This would be a great little activity for the kids too! A visual reminder of what we are all working towards.
Dana says
I think you’re on to something, Dani! Kids creating a vision board is an AMAZING idea!
Eloise says
I’m starting one this week ; )
I actually began reading an Etsy sellers book (because I opened up a new shop and need tips), anyway, in this book she has a section on creating a vision board… it’s such great idea to keep motivated.
Dana says
How cool Eloise! Good luck with your Etsy shop and vision board!
Waren Jean Go says
Vision board is really encouraging specially now that we get easily distracted by short term pleasures and achievements. It would allow us to see the big picture.
Dana says
I agree that we totally get distracted by the short term!
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
This is like the art of manifestation! Great post and thank you for sharing! You visualize and you manifest it!
Heather says
Vision boards are great for keeping you focused. I definitely see the value in making them but haven’t lately simply because of time.