5 No Nonsense Steps To Make Your First Vision Board

If you've ever made a vision board and wondered why nothing actually changed — this post is for you.

I've been making vision boards since high school, and the difference between the ones that worked and the ones that didn't came down to one thing: intention. When I got that part right, the results followed. I'm sharing the exact step-by-step process I use so you can stop guessing and start building a board that moves your life forward.

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 vision board as bridging that gap — through daily, visual reminders of the life and reality you're striving to create.

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 future you're building, answer these self-discovery questions.

10 Self-Discovery Questions To Reveal Your 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 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 Your Supplies

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Before diving into the fun part, you’ll want to gather your base materials. Whether you're starting from scratch or just need a few missing pieces, you can find all my tried-and-true recommendations—including non-bleed markers, poster boards, and collage kits—over on my curated Amazon Vision Board Essentials list. 

• Vision Board Reset (digital download) — your complete planning guide to stay organized and intentional
• Poster board, shadow box, or notebook
• Photos, pictures, and magazines
• Scissors, glue or glue stick
• Markers, stickers, washi tapes, and patterned papers
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters

The 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 board.

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

5 Ideas To Find the Best Images for Your Vision Board

• Magazines: Flip through and cut out images and words that resonate with your self-discovery answers. This process solidifies your intentions and adds a personal touch.
• Pinterest: Search for images that represent your goals and print the ones that stop you mid-scroll.
• Search engines: Google, Bing, and Yahoo are great for finding high-quality images that match your vision.
• Free stock photo sites: Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer free, high-resolution images you can download and print for personal use.
• Bookstores and libraries: Browse photography books, art books, and magazines for imagery that aligns with your lifestyle vision.

Selecting the Perfect Images: Practical Tips

When picking images for your vision board, choose ones that resonate with the vision you have for your lifestyle.

Ask yourself: Do these photos evoke positive emotions or a feeling of alignment with your aspirations?

Do they represent the future version of you?

Don't be afraid to mix and match sources. Your vision board should tell the story of who you are becoming — and only you can tell that story.

Step 3: Arranging Your Inspirational Materials

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

I find sipping herbal tea while I work on mine helps me stay focused on what inspires me most. Let your intuition guide you as you place each element. 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, and its impact is maximized when it's part of your daily routine.

Find a prominent place for it in your home. Take a photo of it and save it as your phone or laptop screensaver. Every time you unlock your device, you'll reinforce your life goals on a subconscious level.

Step 5: Why Regular Reflection Is Essential

This is the step most people skip — and it's the reason most vision boards stop working.

A vision board isn't useful if you build it and forget about it. These boards become powerful tools when you create them and return to them consistently. When you open your mind to achieving the goals on your board, you activate your reticular activating system — putting your brain on alert for the solutions, resources, and relationships that will help make those goals real.

4 Easy Ways to Reflect On Your Vision Board

#1 Reflection:
Revisit the images, words, and intentions on your board. Remember how they make you feel and why you chose them. Consider whether your goals have evolved or if any adjustments are needed.

#2 Adjustments:
If your vision changes, update your board. Adding new elements or removing outdated ones keeps it relevant and alive.

#3 Celebrating:
Acknowledge every goal you achieve. This reinforces that your vision board is a dynamic tool — one that turns your dreams into tangible, lived experience.

#4 Visualize:
Take a moment to visualize yourself achieving your goals. This deepens the connection between your aspirations and your daily actions.

Remember: your vision board is a living reflection of your desires, dreams, and goals. Trust the process and stay committed to your intentions by taking action every single day.

Vision Board FAQs

Should my vision board reflect my goals or someone else's?
Your vision board should reflect your intentions and goals — what truly matters to you, not what others say should matter.

Where should I put my vision board?
Place it somewhere you'll see it every day. Visibility keeps your goals front of mind.

Will achieving my goals be a smooth process after I make the vision board?
No — and that's okay. Expect setbacks and problem-solving as a normal part of the process. The board keeps you anchored when things get hard.

Can I just create a vision board and forget about it?
I don't recommend it. Your vision board is a tool to keep you focused and motivated — it only works when you engage with it regularly.

Should I only include realistic or practical items on my vision board?
Never. Dream big. Let your vision board reflect your grandest aspirations. Shoot for the stars — the worst that happens is you land on the moon.

Can I update my vision board?
Absolutely. Add new items and remove anything that no longer reflects who you're becoming.