Vision boards: what are they and how to create one

People around the world have been using various visualization techniques to reach their goals. For instance, some people prefer listening to a guided visualization meditation while others (including myself) are into vision boards. So today I want to tell you a little bit more about this creative visualization technique and how you can create your own vision board.

A few words about visualization

When you visualize something that you want to achieve in the future, you imagine it as if it were already true today. By doing this on a regular (daily) basis you direct your brain to focus on what really matters to you and to take the necessary steps to make it happen.

Using all your senses

A successful visualization practice requires using all of your senses. And the “less is more” principle definitely doesn’t apply here! So don’t just imagine where you are and what you’re doing but also imagine who’s around you and how you feel. Imagine what smells are in the air and what tastes are on your tongue. Imagine which sounds you hear and what your thoughts are at that particular moment. Make it as detailed as possible and envision what you see, hear, feel, taste and smell but also what you think and feel and which emotions are going through your mind and body.

A visual anchor to keep you on track

Learning visualization can be tricky but luckily there are a few tools and techniques that make it a bit easier. For instance, some people like listening to a guided visualization meditation because it helps them focus on their goals (if you would like to try this kind of guided imagery: YouTube is full of free guided meditation videos) while other people (including myself) prefer working with vision boards.

A vision board is a collection of images, symbols, words, quotes and affirmations that inspires you and represents the changes you would like to see in your life. It motivates you and triggers positive emotions, excitement and enthusiasm. And last but not least: it’s a visual anchor that keeps you on track and helps you prioritize your time, energy and resources toward the actions that align with your vision.

For example, if you’re hoping to be more comfortable with your body, you might put pictures of happy, healthy women coupled with empowering words like “confidence” on your vision board.

When you’ve finished putting together your vision board, you place it somewhere in your house where you see it every day (like on your nightstand, in your home office, on the fridge or on the mirror you use to get ready in the morning). That way you’ll be constantly reminded of your priorities and what you’re working towards.

How to make your own vision board

Creating your own vision board starts with taking a moment of self-reflection to figure out what’s most important to you:

• What are your desires and aspirations?

• Where do you want to go in several areas of your life?

• Are there any segments of your life that you really want to change?

• Which words come to mind when you think about what you truly want to achieve?

• Which thoughts and/or feelings do you want to bring into your life?

PS. You can choose to focus on short-term or long-term changes but I would recommend creating a yearly vision board because that’s the easiest way to track your progress.

Once you’ve decided on what you want to achieve, it’s time to get your magazines out and start hunting through them for visual representations of your goal(s). Just make sure any words or quotes you use are short and the images you choose are vivid, attractive and glossy. That way your vision board will regularly catch your eye and that’s exactly what you want because the key is to look at it as often as possible. And whenever you need to make a decision in your life, your vision board is there to remind you of what matters to you and to point you in the right direction.

You can also print images you see in Pinterest and Instagram and glue them on your vision board or you can go digital all the way and create your vision board on Pinterest or in a graphic design program such as Canva and set it as your laptop’s backdrop or your phone’s home screen.

Don’t just visualize: take action!

Some people seem to forget that there’s more to visualization than simply writing down your wishes and waiting for the Universe to make it happen: you also have to take action yourself. For instance, if your vision board is all about your career aspirations but you currently lack some essential skills to get your dream job then you can visualize as long and as hard as you want but you won’t get the job: you need to take action yourself and start developing the skills you need to get your dream job.

Do you have any experience with creating and working with vision boards? I would love to hear your story!

©HolisticHappiness2023