If you have heard the words vision board before, but you don’t exactly know what it means, then you are depriving yourself of a very enjoyable activity. It is a powerful tool for visualization of your goals and can be incredibly inspirational and useful. Over the last few years, vision boards have gained huge popularity all over the world, and even celebrities like Katy Perry, Lilly Singh, and Beyoncé swear by them.
In fact, people even organize vision board parties around the world. Let’s find out what exactly is a vision board, what are the benefits of making one, and how to make it.
What is a Vision Board?
SUMMARY
A vision board is a tool for visualizing your goals and dreams.
A vision board is, in short, a tool for visualizing your goals, dreams, and desires. By using these visualization tools and placing all of your goals in just one place, you will be able to imagine them easily. When you remember to look at your vision board daily and imagine that the goals on the board have already come true, you will also be able to activate the law of attraction quite easily.
A vision board is made by using words and pictures, and you can easily buy a blank board made with a cork board or poster board from a professional shop. But you can make one on your own too, and it is highly recommended to do that. Before we take a deep dive and look at how to do that, let’s take a brief look at the benefits of making a vision board.
Benefits of Creating A Vision Board
SUMMARY
Vision boards can help you give your vision shape. They make it easy for you to reach your goals and also remind you of what you want from the future.
Every vision board has numerous benefits, and each of them is significant in their own way. Above everything else though, vision boards are about having fun. It is a great arts and crafts project that will take away all your worries for an afternoon, and allows you to spend some time just enjoying yourself.
Here are a few more ways that such a board can help create your own vision and implement it:
1. The power of visualization
First and foremost, a vision board enables you to give physical shape and form the vision you have only held in your mind for so long. This not only allows you to form a realistic connection with your goals, but they also help you manifest your dreams.
This, in turn, ensures that you always work towards your goals with dedication and hard work. In fact, some studies and researchers have found that visualization of goals for athletes is almost as effective as physical practice.
2. Provides clarity
Of course, creating a vision board requires planning. And, more often than not, the planning allows you to get clear about your actual goals. When you reflect on your dream boards every day, you tend to differentiate the more important goals than the ones you can do without.
3. Intention setting
By being a clear visual reminder of your future plans and goals, a vision board enables you to set a strong, positive intention towards the areas of your life that need your focus. They also free you from any limiting beliefs, as they give you the confidence to believe in yourself and encourage you to do what you want.
4. Freedom from negative thinking
One of the biggest advantages of having a vision board is that it frees you from limiting beliefs. It gives you the confidence that you require to believe in yourself. It unchains you from negative and restrictive thinking and helps you unleash your inner awesomeness.
5. Vision Boards and goal setting
As humans, we can have very big goals and plans. But we also get distracted quite easily, so you need something that keeps your goals and dreams at the top of mind. That’s where your vision board comes in.
It will activate the creative powers of the subconscious mind and will direct your brain towards the resources available to you to make your dreams come true. It will also magnetize and push you towards the people, opportunities, and resources that you need to achieve your goals.
In other words, there is no dearth of the benefits of making a vision board. What matters is that you make it right. A well-planned, well-executed board brings positivity towards your goals every time you look at it. They act as visual reminders that bring you the motivation and morale boost you need to work passionately towards your aim.
Vision Board Ideas
Vision boards can be created for any area of your life. Whether you want to manage your finances, your physical health, or relationships. You can also use them to determine your career path, get a better idea of your mental health, or if you want to learn something new.
Some of the most popular ideas for a vision board include financial planning, physical health, mental wellness, career path, life planning, personal life, family life, learning and self-improvement, reading, learning a new language, learning a new instrument, travel plans, yoga and meditation goals, self-confidence, etc.
For more vision board ideas, check out our this article.
What to do before creating your vision board?
So far, we have talked about what a vision board is and how critical it is in helping us achieve our goals and dreams. We have also discussed that a vision board can be created for any type of personal or professional goal.
However, before we start with creating a vision board, there are a few things that we must keep in mind. Taking care of these factors not only help us make a perfect vision board but they also ensure that our vision board is efficient and effective.
1. Reflect on the past
Before you start making new goals, it is important that you go back and reflect on what you have already accomplished. Your accomplishments can include anything from your achievements to the new things you have learned. Make a note of all of them – what you achieved, what you feel proud of, what you learnt new, and even the things you could have done differently.
2. Find your reason
Essentially, when you start crafting your vision board, you would be thinking of matters such as relationship goals, financial goals, personal goals, and health goals, etc. But, before you define your goals, ask yourself ‘why?’. Find out your purpose of doing things that you wish to do so they mean more to you.
3. Commit to a time, date, and place
Once you have weighed your past and defined your purpose, the next step is to make a commitment. Pick a date and time and mark it on your calendar. Be present at the set date and time, with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and honor the commitment you made towards your future.
That being said, let us now discuss the different ways you can make yourself a Rockstar vision board.
How To Make A Vision Board
SUMMARY
To create a great vision board, first you have to prioritize your goals. Then, each type of goal needs to be color coordinated. The next part is to create a demo plan, and then gather all the supplies you need. After that, make sections for your goals, and then keep the board where you can see it.
Creating a vision board should be a fun experience, but it should also take into factor all the essentials that you require for the vision board to work. Here is a step-by-step process of creating a perfect vision board:
1. List the goals
For this, the first thing you need to do is consider what is most important to you. Before you start, you must ask yourself, “Why do I want to create my vision board in the first place?” Take some time to do some self-reflection and figure out why you want to make a vision board.
Think about the one or two parts of your life, personal or professional, where you think you need to focus the most. Create an action plan that works for you and find a way to transfer it to your vision board. Also, create specific categories for the kind of goals you wish to achieve. Example – personal, career, fitness, etc.
2. Decide the time frame
The next step, after listing down the goals you would like to achieve, is to prioritize them. To differentiate short-term and long-term goals can be very useful. The best way to progress and track your journey is to make sure that your goals are represented in a way that is easy to achieve and is in digestible chunks.
3. Color coordination
If you cannot create separate boards for each type of goal, color-coordinate them so that you can tell the difference easily by following the colors set for each type of goal. It is also advised to use bold and bright colors for your vision board, so that they catch your eyes easily across the room.
4. Find the inspiration
Now is the time to start looking for the inspiration for the goals that you identified in step 1. Depending on what exactly the goals are, you can find words and images that represent your goals and dreams in cutouts from magazines, catalogs, stickers, postcards, newspapers, and wrapping papers, etc.
Take a look through them and find out which images and words resonate with you. Maybe you will find some colors and patterns that will speak to you. Whatever it is, cut those words and images out and keep them aside for demo planning.
5. Demo planning
Next, create a demo plan for your inspiration board that is representing your goals in a clear and concise manner. You can do so by creating a mock up on a sheet of paper by using the specific colors, images, and words that you picked out in the last stage. During this stage, it is also advisable to plan the visual elements you would be using for each section and where exactly they will go too.
For example – you can separate out the specific photos for your travel plans, or write down some notes for your fitness routine, etc. Just remember, you are only planning at this stage, do not glue anything on the board just yet.
6. Gathering supplies
Gather the necessary supplies and materials you require to create your dream board. This will include scissors, glue sticks, color pens, and whatever else you think you might need. Also, find a quiet, distraction-free environment or space where you can work, so that you do not get distracted when you are in the middle of making the board.
7. Creating the sections
To make a vision board that works, It is essential that you have clear, precise sections on your vision board for your goals. Start by writing the goals. And, then start pasting photos, stickers, or other elements that resonate with each goal. If you can’t find something you wish to paste, get creative and draw or paint them.
8. Adding affirmation words and motivational quotes
Take some time to sit down and explore the feelings you want to feel when you look at the board. Add motivational words and affirmations that represent these feelings. For instance, if you want to feel strong and powerful, find quotes that make you feel that way. Add positive words from magazine cutouts, like “healthy”, “strong”, “loving”, “abundant”, etc.
9. Making it fun
Add glitter to your vision board to make it more fun. Or if that is not your thing, maybe take a trip to the local thrift store for some cool supplies for your vision board. If you want to experiment, you can also add some ribbons, textures, and fabrics to your board. The important thing is that while you should be focused on representing your goals and dreams on the board, you should also not forget to have fun while doing it.
10. Adding a date
When you are done making the board, make sure that you add the date you finished it on the back of the board. Once you get in the habit of making vision boards every year, it will be an amazing experience to see the progression of your goals and dreams throughout the years. And most of the time, you will also remember the emotions you felt at the time. It will be a great way of comparing where you are now, vs where you were back then.
11. Placement of the board
Once it is ready, the most important part is putting a vision board somewhere that is easily visible to the person who made it. It can be your bedroom, living room, home office, or anywhere else where you happen to look at it on a daily basis. Remember, the idea of a vision board is to have a constant reminder of goals that one wishes to achieve so that they can always feel motivated to work towards them.
12. Remove limitations
The next step is to see if you feel any blocks or limitations to any of your visions. These are not physical blocks, but rather mental blocks. As you start noticing the goals every day, you may come across certain resistances (especially, if it is a personal or an emotional goal). If you see any such blocks, find ways to work around them, because that is the only way to make sure your vision board works the way you intend it to.
13. Contemplate your vision board every day
Just making a board and placing it in your field of vision will not be enough. You also have to cultivate the habit of looking at it every day. I recommend noting down the date on which you created the board and then making it a part of your routine to spend some time looking at it every day.
It is also recommended to do this just before you go to sleep. This will help your subconscious mind retain those thoughts throughout the night as you sleep and when you wake up the next morning, you will slowly start noticing a shift in your energy. With time, you will see that your dreams have started manifesting as well.
14. Celebrate when you succeed
To. make sure that your vision boards work, remember to celebrate when your dreams do start manifesting. A great vision board tip is to not just focus on achieving your goals, but also not to forget to celebrate every time you succeed in achieving one or more of your visions. Reward yourself for the hard work and dedication. And, most importantly, keep moving and repeating the same acts.
15. Don’t forget to update
As time goes by, your dreams and goals will keep on changing. You will achieve some of them, while others will become irrelevant with passage of time. When that happens, know that it is time to create a new vision board. In fact, it is recommended to update your vision board at least once every year. You can either start from scratch, or just make some changes in the existing one.
WARNING
While it is important to keep your vision board within your reach, keep it away from the grasp of children or pets. Creating a vision board is almost a spiritual and emotional process of giving a physical shape to your goals. Seeing them destroyed can have a negative impact on your confidence and morale.
Vision Board Supplies
To create a board, you essentially require a few items. These items are easily found and extremely affordable. Here is a sample vision board checklist of all the supplies you will need:
- Poster boards or display boards – this is the foundation of your vision board. This is where all the cutting and pasting will happen. The poster paper can come in different shapes and sizes, materials, colors, etc.
- Color pens, sharpies, permanent markers and pencils – these materials will be useful for adding words in a colorful and impactful manner on your board.
- Magazine cutouts – finding the pictures and cut out from magazines that best fit your board is essential to visualizing your dreams and goals on the board.
- Old books, computer printouts, other cutouts (depending on your vision)
- Scissors and cutting tools – cutting tools will include cutters and craft knives. You will need them if you want to make decorative designs on your board.
- Glue sticks – for short term goals, tape is enough, but for long-term goals, tape is recommended. You can also use magnets and pushpins if you don’t want anything permanent on the board.
- Stickers – you can add them to add a personal touch to your board.
- Inspirational images and quotes – these will help keep you on track towards your dreams and goals.
Vision Board Party
Although making a board can be quite fun, the truth is that it also sounds like a lot of work. As a result, you might end up procrastinating and pushing this project a little further over and over again. The best way to prevent that from happening is to throw a vision board party. It will motivate you to set aside some time for creating your board and for drawing positive influences from your friends at the same time.
Find out more about how to throw such a party and how it can positively influence your life here.
Vision Board for Kids
Vision boards can be a great way to teach kids how to visualize their goals and work towards them. Here are the basic tips you can use to create a board for your children:
- Make sure all the family members are involved, so that the kids feel motivated to participate.
- Collect all their favorite magazines and cutouts in the house. You can also print out pictures of their favorite cartoons.
- Get the supplies – poster boards, scissors, glue sticks.
- Take a moment to discuss the purpose of the board with your kids. It can be a toy, a video game, or more screen time.
- Spark their creativity by asking questions like – why do they want what they want? What impact will it have on their life?
- Let the kids have fun making their board! You can also join them or help, if you want.
Digital Vision Board
Digital vision boards refer to visualization tools that you only use in a digital format. They are not very different from regular vision boards, it’s just that they are made on a website and not on paper. They are also quite easier to make and you can even use various templates to make them.
A digital board is usually made for a website or blog, but you can also make one just for your phone or laptop wallpaper. Websites like Canva have some great tools for making digital vision boards.
Vision Board Checklist
So, that was long. And probably a bit overwhelming. But do not worry. Here is a board checklist that covers all the aspects of making a vision board, and you can come back to this list every time you want to make a board.
1. Explore the categories and decide what kind of vision board you want to make.
2. Find cutouts from magazines and quotes that align with your vision board.
3. Set aside time for making your board.
4. Gather all the supplies you need.
5. Make sure you start the project at a place where you can focus.
6. Get creative!
Honestly, there is no right or wrong way to make a board. This checklist is just a guide for you to use when you are feeling overwhelmed. The ideas and their execution might change from time to time, but the basic steps mentioned above will remain the same.
Vision Board Templates
Vision board templates are preformatted layouts available on the internet which you can either use as it is for creating your vision board, or you can take them as an inspiration and design your own template.
Here are some of the best board templates available online:
This type of board splits your goals into different categories like self-improvement, career, and spirituality, to make sure that everything looks clean and manageable.
Vision board templates are also available as printable versions if you don’t want to go through the hassle of making your own.
This template usually features a variety of boxes where you can fill in your goals for a particular area of your life.
In this type of template, there are circles where you can fill what you want to do this year.
This template is meant to be posted online. If you have a blog, social media page, or a website, or if you don’t want a physical vision board, this is the perfect template for you.
Vision Board Images
Here are some amazing board images that will inspire you:
1. Mother Daughter Board
This vision board for mothers and daughters features positive words like ‘live’ and ‘love’ – while also focusing on adventures, forgiveness, and paying off debts.
2. A Board for the Future
This board is keyword based. It features powerful words that evoke emotion and imagery, like life, nature, faith, wonder and feel. It emphasizes the qualities that are important to the board maker.
3. The Teachers’ Board
This board directly shows you what values you need to inculcate in your student. Strong words like building trust, motivation to learn, and unstoppable learning will help you inculcate these values in your everyday actions.
4. New Years’ Vision Board
This board is a collection of cutouts that ask the important questions – like what inspires you, making it happen, and what is happiness for you.
5. Go Big Vision Board
This board features all the big goals that the creator wants to explore, from writing a bestselling book, to being focused and adventures, and buying a car.
Vision Board Examples
Here are some examples of the best vision boards:
1. Craft your own vision board
For those of you who struggle with making plans and bringing it to life, this type of vision board will be perfect. It allows you to translate all that is in your head onto the board and visualize it in a much better way.
2. Word Power vision board
Instead of making detailed plans, sometimes all you need is a little nudge. The Word Power vision board allows you to use minimalist language to push you in the right direction and remind you of your goals.
3. I am vision board
This board is perfect for those of you who are struggling with self-esteem. The sprinkling of adjectives and positive words will remind you that you are, indeed, more than the sum of your parts.
4. 2020 Vision Board
What is better than new year resolutions? New year vision board! Yes, you can achieve all your goals in a much more streamlined way if you make a vision board out of your annual dreams and desires.
5. Pink Sky Vision Board
This vision board is for the woman who is a multi-tasker and overachiever. Sometimes you let things go a little over your head and this board is perfect for reminding yourself that you are enough.
6. Travel vision board
For the avid traveler, this board will remind you of all the places you have been and all that you’ve experienced there. It can also work as your future travel goals board.
7. Affirmations vision board
Research has indicated that affirmations can be immensely life-changing. For self-improvement goals and for improving your self-esteem, this affirmation board will work wonders.
8. Career vision board
This is one of the most common uses of a vision board. Whether you are a high schooler or a college student, a career vision board can clear out all the cobwebs and help you see clearly, the path you need to take to move forward.
9. Annual vision board
The annual vision board is ideal for lining up all your goals for the year and seeing them in one place. This will help you achieve them in a much quicker fashion.
10. Goals and dreams vision board
This is a very generalized idea and you can mold it to fit your own definition. It basically refers to visualizing your dreams and goals for a better chance at achieving them.
You can check out more ideas for your vision board here.
Vision Board Quotes
Here are some motivational quotes and law of attraction quotes you can add to your vision board:
1. “If we all did the things that we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.”
– Thomas Edison
2. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
3. “People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be.”
– Harvey Mackay
4. “Don’t worry about letting the fear of striking out hold you back.”
– Babe Ruth
5. “When it’s time to die, let us not discover that we have never lived.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Closing Thoughts
Also known as goal boards or dream boards, vision boards are essentially an image of the future that you keep in close to remind yourself that you need to move forward. You can even organize vision board parties with your friends from time to time so that you all hold each other accountable.Plus, it is a great way to get some family and friends time and do some bonding!
