Think of a vision board/dream board as a map. A tool that can guide you toward your goals, spark creativity, and align your life with your deepest aspirations. Maybe you tried one before and didn't get what expected out of it or you've dismissed the idea of vision boards entirely, thinking, It’s not for me. But what if this simple practice could change everything?
Here’s the thing: there’s no downside to trying. Take 18 minutes, just about 1.25% of your day to reflect, dream, and intentionally visualize the life you want.
Maybe you’re hesitant because you’ve set goals in the past and didn’t meet them. That’s okay. This isn’t about perfection or pressure; it’s about planting seeds for the life you desire and nurturing them with clarity and intention.
Vision boards are different. If you’ve never thought about them this way, let me paint a new picture. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand why vision boards are more than just collages they’re powerful tools for transformation. You’ll learn about their history, how to create your own (digitally or physically), and how to make them work for you.
The Story of Vision Boards
The concept of vision boards stems from a universal truth: humans have always been visual beings. Since ancient times, people have used imagery to manifest their goals. Think of early cave paintings, where symbols and drawings reflected hopes for successful hunts or bountiful harvests.
Credit: Lisette Harzing on Unsplash
Fast-forward to the 20th century, and vision boards as we know them began to gain popularity alongside the rise of motivational psychology. Thinkers like Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, emphasized the importance of visualization in achieving success. Athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders across industries began to create visual reminders of their goals to keep themselves motivated and focused.
Today, vision boards have evolved. They’re no longer confined to poster boards and magazine clippings (though these remain popular). Digital tools have expanded the possibilities, allowing people to create vision boards on apps or platforms like Canva and Pinterest.
Why Vision Boards Feel So Powerful
Creating a vision board isn’t just about cutting out pretty pictures. It’s about connecting with your dreams on a deeper level. The process itself can be transformative, offering a chance to:
- Clarify your goals: You may think you know what you want, but translating those desires into visual representations forces you to get specific.
- Feel empowered: Seeing your dreams displayed in a tangible way reminds you that they’re possible.
- Stay motivated: A vision board serves as a daily visual reminder to take small, consistent steps toward your goals.
How to Create a Vision Board
Step 1: Brain Dump Your Dreams
Start by giving yourself the freedom to dream without limits. Write down everything you want big or small. Think about your career, health, relationships, personal growth, and even your hobbies. Don’t filter or overthink it. This is your space to let your imagination run wild.
Step 2: Organize Your Ideas
Once you’ve emptied your mind, group your goals into categories. For example:
- Career: Landing a promotion, starting a business, or mastering a skill.
- Finances: Learning about investments or Building generational wealth
Step 3: Gather Your Materials
For a physical vision board, you’ll need:
- A sturdy board (like corkboard or poster board).
- Scissors, glue, and tape.
- Magazines, newspapers, or printed images from the internet.
- Markers, stickers, or other decorative items.
For a digital vision board, explore tools like:
- Canva: Create polished, customizable boards with templates.
- Pinterest: Build boards with pinned images that inspire you.
Step 4: Get in the Zone
Set the mood for creativity. Wear something that makes you feel confident and relaxed like a vibrant Besida headwrap or comfy afrobe. Light a candle, play some soothing music, or brew a cup of tea. This is your time to connect with yourself.
Step 5: Create Your Vision Board
Credit: Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Start arranging your images, quotes, and affirmations on your board. Make it personal, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. The goal is to create a visual representation of your ideal life that resonates with you.
Digital vs. Practical Vision Boards
Physical Vision Boards- Advantages: Hands-on and tactile, creating a sense of accomplishment.
- Drawbacks: Less portable and harder to update.
- Advantages: Easy to create, edit, and access on the go. Great for tech-savvy creators.
- Drawbacks: May lack the emotional connection of physically crafting something.
What to Include on Your Vision Board
- Career Goals: Dream job, promotion, or side hustle success.
- Health & Wellness: Fitness milestones, nutritious meals, or self-care rituals.
- Financial Goals: Savings milestones, investments, or debt repayment.
- Travel Destinations: Places you dream of visiting.
- Relationships: Visuals that represent love, friendship, or family.
- Personal Growth: Books, affirmations, or hobbies to explore.
Do Vision Boards Work?
Yes, but only if you make them practical. A vision board isn’t magic, it’s a tool to help you stay focused and intentional. To make it work:
- Set realistic action steps: Break your goals into small, manageable tasks.
- Review your board regularly: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing your goals.
- Stay flexible: Your dreams may evolve, and that’s okay. Update your vision board to reflect your growth.
The Vision Board Challenge: 0.01% Every Day
Your vision board isn’t just about what you want to achieve; it’s about who you want to become. Start committing to daily actions, even tiny ones (0.01%!), you can create a ripple effect that transforms your life.
Grab your materials, set the mood, and create a vision board that reflects the life you deserve. You might just surprise yourself.
And remember: the only thing standing between you and your dreams is the courage to begin.