New year, fresh start! Now you know I love a good list of resolutions… but in my opinion, nothing is more powerful or transformative than a vision board. However, many people aren’t sure where to start or how to create a vision board that works for them. Last year, I talked about why I create a vision board. This year, I wanted to take you step-by-step through how to create a vision board that will make your dreams a reality.
How to Make Your Dreams a Reality With a Vision Board:
1. Brainstorm What You Want: Before you start, sit down and think about what you really want for the year ahead. Write down whatever comes to your mind. Be honest with yourself. This is your first pass, so write down whatever the goal or dream… no matter how huge or ridiculous. Sometimes people feel compelled to write goals they THINK they should go for. Have you dreamed of owning a expensive designer purse, but are embarrassed to admit that is among your goals? Stop it. This is YOUR vision board. Want to go on a big trip this year? Have dreams of quitting your job and selling art on Etsy? It may be a goal that seems impossible or incredibly far fetched, but we are ignoring reason right now. If there is a voice in your heart telling you, “We want this” then write it down. You don’t have to know HOW you are going to make these dreams a reality… you just have to know that you want to.
2. Narrow It Down: Now it is time to look at your first brain dump of dreams and narrow it down. What do you really want to focus on this year. I am not going to limit what you can put on your vision board… but if one of your life long dreams is to backpack through Europe alone with your husband and you just had a baby… well you may need to put that one on the back burner for awhile. (hey, but you can start saving for that trip this year!) Pick the things you want the most, cross off the things you wrote down since you felt like you should and let’s get to the fun part.
3. Create Your Vision: There are so many ways to make a vision board, and they are all equally fabulous. Last year, I created mine on a cork board over my desk, so I could look at it all the time. I loved where it was, so I plan to use them again this year, but start with a clean slate. You want to LOVE your vision board. Grab some magazines and whatever else inspires you and make a collage. Use a poster board, cork board or whatever else you like. Print out inspirational quotes, use pictures of your family, cut out images of the pricey purse. ๐ Every time you look at your vision board, you should be reminded of exactly what you hope to accomplish.
4. Visualize: Now it wouldn’t be a VISION board if you didn’t actually use it for visualization! If you are embarrassed by your vision board (which is totally normal.. maybe you don’t want your roommate knowing the deepest desires of your heart or perhaps your loved ones think a vision board is silly) then it is okay to put it someplace a little more hidden. I used to create mine on poster board and hang it in my closet. You just want it to be someplace where *you* can see it often. Look at it everyday. Think about what it on there and how amazing it will be when those dreams become reality. Take a minute to visualize your vision board goals coming true.
5. Repeat and Revise: Continue to look at your vision board daily, if possible. If you accomplish a goal, or realize you are not inspired by something on your board, feel free to change it. You can revise your board to make it work for you. You aren’t making a permanent shrine. This is a vision board to help motivate and manifest… you can change it however you wish.
This is going to be YOUR year, you just have to visualize all the amazing-ness coming your way! If a vision board sounds a little crazy or crunchy granola to you, just try it. Seriously. What have you got to lose? As always, if you have any questions you can always email me: workingmommagic@gmail.com. If you post your vision board process on social media please tag me, I would love to see it! ๐
Prachi says
Love this post-time to work on my vision board for 2017 too! ๐
PS- This tickled me – ‘if you’ve wanted to backpack all around Europe with your husband, but just had a baby, well put that plan on hold for a bit’- lol! I laughed, because thats exactly what happened with me last year.. ๐ My plan’s not cancelled (and instead of with my husband, I plan to go with my sister and girl friends, but it’ll just have to be postponed) ๐
Tiffany Cardenas says
I haven’t made a new vision board since I had kids…time to make a new one! I used to keep mine in my closet so nobody else would see, but I would see it daily :).
Bev says
I made a vision board for a long-term goal (though I *still* have to hang it up, but I haven’t thought about doing one for the year. I totally want to try to do one for 2017 and hang it up in my studio/office. Thanks for the idea, Lauren!
Krystal Miller says
I really want to do this for 2017! I think it will help me be more focused on my goals!
Babyspun says
That’s a very good idea to make vision boards so your dreams become reality. I will definitely give it a try but hide it until my dreams actually become reality.
Shann Soiney says
I love this! I made a vision board a few years ago, and it really worked for me. I’m not sure why I haven’t done it since, but your tips are great. I’m definitely doing one for this year.
Julie @ Girl on the Move says
I need to do this for 2017! I have so many thoughts and ideas swirling through my head and I need to organize them and put them on paper…love these tips!
Latasha| Arts and Budgets says
Love this post! ๐ Writing down my visions really help me throughout the year to stay on task. ๐ I I will definitely be working on a vision board for 2017! soon ๐
Tisha says
Aww thank you for this! I have been always planning to create a vision board to inspire me in achieving my goals but I was just a bit confused where to start! This helped me a lot!
candy says
Leave it to Helen Keller to say it like it is. Never done a vision board before but after reading how it actually works changing my mind.
Alicia says
A vision board is such an amazing idea! I’ll often brainstorm and I love putting pen to paper but I imagine the board is so much more effective. Thanks for the inspiration gal!
Kaitlyn says
I really like this post. I have always wanted to do a vision board but have never actually put the time into it. I may just need to use these tips you have given!
Kaitlyn
http://www.mypostpartumlife.com
Jessica Bradshaw (@loveyoumoretoo) says
I love the idea of creating a vision board!! Such a great way to kick off the year!
Rachel says
What a fun idea! I don’t think I’ve ever made a vision board!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
I’ve always wanted to make a vision board. They sound like a lot of fun and could be a great motivational tool for kids.
Jessica says
Great activity to do to kick start the year. May make it more fun by inviting a few girlfriends to do it together.
Chelsea says
I love vision boards! I think they are essential to planning your future and establishing a belief in yourself.
Sam @ The Haunted Housewife says
I’ve never made a vision board but I’ve always wanted to. This was the push I needed! I have a ton of magazines laying around too, perfect!
Mary says
I’ve been thinking of doing a vision board for some time now. You have just given me the push I needed to finally get to it! Thanks.
Debbie Savage says
Thank you! I still need to create mine for 2017! Thanks for the reminder and inspo!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
Rosemary says
This is great and the timing is perfect, as I am working on my vision board. I do love this exercise..I do it every year and I find that it helps in keeping myself focused!! Best wishes to you for 2017.
Anan says
Oh i loved your words…๐๐๐ thanks a lot.
Julie says
I love this! I tried to make a vision board last year, but things got so overwhelming that I think it got lost in the shuffle and I completely forgot about finishing it! I love the idea of sitting down and thinking about the year ahead with intention, though.
Jamie Stauffer says
I love this! Perhaps it’s time to dust off my printer and print some of the pins I’ve been dreaming of adding to my goal list. I’ve never done an actual vision board. I love this idea!
Jenny says
I always find vision boards so cool. I’ve never made one myself but I might consider it. Thanks for sharing.
Joan Cajic says
I love this, I’ve been putting off creating one and I now think I would be a bit embarrassed on what I would put there, not that it’s all bad but I guess I would put it in a place only I would see it. Thank you for this.
Denay DeGuzman says
January is the perfect month for creating a vision board! On mine I will be pasting photo clippings from magazines representing all of the things I hope to attract through hard work and focused intention. Thank you so much for the reminder to get going on this wonderful project that can help us make our visions a reality!
Willow says
I’ve had a vision board up for several years. I need to revise and update it. It is mainly centered around travel. Eight months after having it up I won a trip to Milan, Italy. Three weeks later I won a trip to New York City. I am a huge believer in them!
Brittany says
These are great tips! I made a vision board last year for the New Year but didn’t really put much thought in to it before making it. Now I’ve got some inspiration to do it again this year, but even better! Thanks for sharing! xo, Brittany | http://www.theblistblog.com