5 No Nonsense Steps To Make Your First Vision Board

I've been making vision boards since I was in high school and have created successful outcomes by using this visual reminder of my aspirations and goals. In the post, I'm guiding you through a simple but effective process for creating your own vision board.

What Is a Vision Board?

Vision boards are typically collages of pictures, images, textiles, and sentimental accessories that inspire you to work toward a specific set of results.

However, vision boards also represent a mindset shift. The shift in your willingness to embrace the possibilities of going after your dreams and not giving up because you hit a roadblock (or two).

Dream boards, as they’re often called, can be your ultimate reminder of what can become real and tangible from all the dreaming, planning, executing, sacrificing, and reflecting you do.

Vision Board and Your Subconscious Mind

Vision boards also act as a bridge between your inner self (the subconscious mind) and your conscious self (the objective mind).

In fact, a research study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin explores a technique involving both positive thinking and visualization, and its influence on goal commitment.

The results show a connection between having high expectations of success and committing to a goal that is on the same high level as that expectation. In other words, you rise to the level of your expectations and match it with the focus and energy required to make it a reality.

Think of a goals board as bridging the gap through daily, visual reminders of the life and reality you're striving to create. Now let’s dive into making a vision

Step 1: Setting Your Intentions

Setting intentions usually gets ignored when people are making a vision board. It’s an important step because you need to know your why so you know which way to go in creating your board. Intentions are the foundation from which dreams and goals will unfold. To tap into your genuine desires and craft a dream board that mirrors the awesome future you're planning, answer these self-discovery questions.

To make this process even easier, I've created a Vision Board Checklist that includes these self-discovery prompts plus a complete step-by-step framework. Get the Vision Board Checklist here →

10 Self-Discovery Questions To Reveal Inner Desires

1. What makes me happy?
2. Where do I see myself in one year in terms of my relationships, work, education, finances and location?
3. What aspects of my life do I want to  improve?
4. What new experiences do I want to invite into my life?
5. How can I help be of service to others?
6. What habits or patterns do I want to release or embrace?
7. In what ways do I want to expand my lifestyle?
8. What skills or talents do I want to develop or strengthen?
9. What does balance look like in my life?
10. What should I be letting go of because it no longer serves the person I'm becoming?
    
    

    
    

Step 2: Gathering Supplies

In order to make a traditional vision board, here are the supplies you'll need:

• Vision Board Checklist (digital PDF) – your complete planning guide to keep you organized
• Poster board, shadow box or notebook
• Photos, pictures, magazines
• Scissors, glue or glue stick
• Markers, stickers, decorative tapes (like washi tapes), and patterned papers
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters

Power of Personal Photos and Mementos

Discovering amazing items for your vision board is easier than you think – just look around your own space. Your phone, computer, or even that old scrapbook hiding on the shelf are gold mines of inspiration.

Dive into your personal collection of photographs and mementos, and bring those special moments, achievements, and experiences to life on your vision board.

Don't forget to explore textiles, fabrics, and accessories – they can add that extra touch of inspiration to make your board truly unique.

Here are some specific ways to find images for your board.

5 Ideas To Find The Best Images For Your Vision Board

Idea #1 : Flip through magazines and cut out images and words that resonate with your answers from the self-discovery questions above. This process not only solidifies your intentions but also adds a personalized touch to your vision board.

Idea #2: Search on Pinterest, and print images that represent your goals.

Idea #3: Use search engines to discover high-quality images like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

Idea #4: Explore free stock photo websites that offer a wide range of visuals. A few to try are Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay, which provide free, high-resolution images that you can download and print for personal use.

Idea #5: Visit a local bookstore or library for inspiration in photos, from magazines to photography or art books, you can find something that will align to your interests. 

Selecting the Perfect Images for Your Vision Board: Practical Tips

When picking pictures or images for your vision board, be sure to pick ones that resonate with the vision you have for your lifestyle.

Do the photos evoke positive emotions or feelings of alignment with your aspirations?

Do these photos or materials represent the future “you”?

Don't be afraid to mix and match sources to create a vision board that is uniquely yours and tells the story of who you are becoming.

Now that you have supplies, identified your true intentions, and chosen images it's time to bring them to life visually.

Step 3: Arranging Inspirational Materials

Creating your vision board should be an enjoyable experience. Play your favorite music, or light an aromatherapy candle to set the mood.

I find sipping herbal tea while I work on mine helps me to focus on what inspires me the most. Let your intuition guide you as you place each element on the board. There’s no need for perfection; the goal is to create a story that resonates with your aspirations.  

Step 4: Where Should You Place Your Vision Board?

Your vision board is a practical tool, but its impact is maximized when it's incorporated into your daily routine. Find a prominent place for it in your home. As I mentioned above, take a picture of it and save it as a screensaver on your phone or laptop. Every time you look at or unlock your device, you’ll reinforce your life goal aspirations on a subconscious level.

Step 5: Why Regular Reflection on Your Vision Board is Essential

The twist is reflecting on your board is often an overlooked aspect of using boards because they isn't a useful if all you do is build it and forget about it.

These boards can be successful tools because you create it... and reflect on the inspiring words and images. When you open your mind to achieving the goals laid out on your board, you're turning on your reticular activating system to be on the lookout for those solutions, resources and relationships that can help you make those goals a reality.

4 Easy Ways to Reflect On Your Vision Board

#1 Reflection:

Reflect on the images, words, as well as the intentions represented on the board. Remember how they make you feel and why you chose them in the first place. Consider whether your goals and aspirations have evolved or if any adjustments are needed.

#2 Adjustments:

If your vision or goals change, don't hesitate to adjust your vision board accordingly. Adding new elements or removing outdated ones keeps it relevant and in the present.

#3 Celebrating:

Acknowledge your accomplishments by celebrating any goals you've achieved. Not only does this boost your morale but also reinforces the idea that your vision board is a dynamic tool that engages your senses, making your dreams and goals a tangible experience.

#4 Visualize:

Take a moment during reflection to visualize yourself achieving your dream board goals. This helps reinforce the connection between your aspirations and your actions. For a step-by-step guide to visualization read my blog post, “19 Best Visualization Tips To Help You Achieve Your Goals”

Remember that your vision board is exactly that, a visual reflection of your desires, dreams and goals. Trust this creation process and be committed to your intentions by taking action on making your dreams and goals a reality.

Vision Board FAQs

Should my vision board reflect my goals or someone else's?

Your vision board should be a reflection of your intentions and goals. Make sure it represents what truly matters to you, not what other people say matters in life.

Where should I put my vision board?

Place your vision board in a location where you'll see it daily. This will help keep your goals a top priority.

Will achieving my goals be a smooth process after I make the vision board?

No, achieving results is often hard with ups and downs. Expect setbacks and problem solving as a normal part of the vision manifestation process.

Can I just create a vision board and forget about it?

I do not recommend this method. Don't ignore your vision board. It's a tool to keep you focused and motivated, so engage with it every day.

Should I only include realistic or practical items on my vision board?

Always dream big, don't play small by only adding things that seem practical or within your immediate reach. Believe in the possibilities and let your vision board reflect your grandest aspirations. Shoot for the stars and the worst that happens is you land on the moon.

Can I update my vision board?

Yes, you can update your vision board. Add new items and remove anything that doesn't reflect your current goals and priorities.

Sources

"Mental Contrasting and Goal Commitment: The Mediating Role of Energization”, Gabriele Oettingen, Doris Mayer, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (2002)

Maisel, E. Ph.D. Using Creativity to Create Your Future. Psychology Today website. March 22, 2021. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rethinking-mental-health/202103/using-creativity-create-your-future