How to Create a Vision Board {and Why They’re Awesome}
I remember creating my first vision board as a Psychology major at Sonoma State. As a child, I always enjoyed crafting with my Mom, so this class assignment spoke to me. I thumbed through countless magazines, seeking out images and words that felt important or inspiring. I specifically remember pasting an advertisement of a beautiful house among the travel photos and word cut outs. I hung this vision board on the back of my closet door for years. Then one day, I saw a house that was the spitting image of the one I’d glued to that poster years ago. It felt like a beautiful déjà vu. The fact that the house from my vision board had manifested itself in my real life seemed proof that things were on the right track.
Why Vision Boards
Some may read this and think vision boards are too ‘fluffy,’ and not a valid form of goal setting. Others may think I’m crazy for saying that things from my vision boards actually appear in real life. But those who do create these spaces will probably disagree. A vision board can inspire and uplift you throughout the year (or longer).
I recently read a great article I found on Pinterest where the author shared her love of a purposeful vision board. She has used them to set goals for herself for years, and every single thing she puts on that board is accomplished. Now if that doesn’t fire you up to get crafting, I don’t know what will! Not only is a vision board a fabulous way to lay out your goals, focus words, and favorite quotes, but the act of creating it is also incredibly therapeutic. It gives you a chance to slow down and think about what you want from the year ahead. It only takes a little planning, forethought, and a bit of imagination.
It’s About How You Want to Feel
I’m sure we’re all tempted to paste a picture of that Michael Kors bag or Apple Watch on our vision boards. However, these spaces are more about how we want to feel and what we want to achieve. I’ve been choosing a focus word each year, and this is a big part of my vision board for 2019. I like to have this word written down in multiple places so I can be reminded of it easily. Last year I chose “Grace.” This had to do with many aspects of my life, but primarily in my role as a Mother. I’ve heard myself repeat my focus word on many occasions over the last 11 months. On days when I feel like I’m failing as a Mom, or when the kids have watched too much TV, I remember that not every day is like this and I give myself a little grace. This is a state of mind, and it often takes some effort to offer that grace to myself and others. I want to feel that grace surround me and my family, much more than I want the purse or watch.
How to Create a Vision Board
You can find a plethora of great resources to help you create your own vision board (I suggest browsing Pinterest before you get started). Some people like to take several days to think through their goals before putting them down on paper. I personally jot a few notes and choose my focus word, but don’t spend too much time pre-planning. I enjoy the spontaneity of letting things from the magazines jump out at me unexpectedly. You do want to be intentional with this project though, so take at least a few minutes before you bust out the glue sticks. Here are a few tips to help you create your own vision board:
1. Choose two or three goals you want to achieve.
And have a printed representation of them. I’m using my 2019 vision board to set goals for my direct sales business. We have milestones we work towards throughout the year, so I found a printable in our consultant database and pasted that to my board.
2. Choose a focus word.
Like many parents, I often find myself running a million miles per minute, rather than being fully present. I spend too much time on my phone, am easily distracted, and I’m constantly trying to multitask. So my focus word for 2019 is “Present.” Not brown paper packages tied up with strings, but living in the moment and being all there.
3. Nothing is off limits.
While I would encourage you to focus on goals and things that inspire you, there’s no reason you shouldn’t cut out that wish list item and glue it on, too. I passed over a dreamy kitchen with navy blue cabinets and gold finishes about four times before finally deciding to just go for it. Will we remodel our kitchen in 2019? Unlikely. But the picture makes me happy, and that’s what this exercise is all about.
4. Collect the needed supplies and get going.
You can choose any paper size, but I used an 8.5 x 11 colored poster board for mine. Grab your scissors, glue sticks, and any magazines laying around. You can get even more crafty with washi tape, colored markers, and stickers. The sky’s the limit here, so let your creative self soar and enjoy the process.
Vision boards can be a great chance to gather friends, teammates, or even your children and think about the year ahead. You can also take this opportunity to reflect upon the previous year, and what you want to change moving forward. In this age of technology overload, creative outlets are so valuable. Let this be a chance for you to disconnect, and focus on intentional living with those around you.