How To Create A Vision Board For Your Life (That Feels Realistic)

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Hey there, lovely! Let's talk about crafting a vision for your life that’s not just inspiring but also totally achievable.

Vision boards are not just pretty collages; they’re rooted in psychological principles that support goal setting and achievement. By visualizing your goals daily, you engage in a process that reinforces your motivation, clarifies your aspirations, and keeps you focused on what truly matters. Here’s how to create your own vision board and the science behind why it works.

What’s a Vision Board, Anyway?

Here is an example of a vision board created using Canva.

Imagine a vision board as your personal Pinterest but in real life (or digital, if that’s your jam). It’s a collection of images, quotes, and symbols that represent your dreams and goals. By putting it together, you’re setting a clear intention for what you want to achieve. Plus, it’s a fun excuse to break out the scissors and glue—or flex those digital design skills!

I’ve created my own vision board and set it as my computer wallpaper. Every time I sit down to work (or procrastinate), it’s right there, reminding me to stay on track. Sneaky, right?

The Psychology Behind Vision Boards: Why They Work

Vision boards are backed by science, and here’s why they’re so effective:

1. They Activate the Brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS): The RAS is like a mental filter that directs your attention to what’s important. By visualizing your goals daily, the RAS helps you notice opportunities that align with your aspirations (Santos et al., 2021). For instance, if your board features your dream job, your brain becomes more attuned to networking opportunities or job postings that support that vision.

   
   

2. They Enhance Motivation and Self-Efficacy: Visualization builds confidence, known as self-efficacy, which is the belief in your ability to succeed (Bandura, 1997). When you repeatedly see your goals represented visually, you’re reinforcing your belief in your potential to achieve them.

   
   

3. They Reduce Psychological Barriers: Visualization shifts your mindset from "I can’t" to "I will." Studies show that mentally simulating success reduces stress and builds resilience, helping you overcome challenges with optimism (Taylor & Pham, 1996).

   
   
   
   

How to Create a Vision Board That’s Both Realistic and Inspiring

1. Reflect on Your Goals: Grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea (or wine, no judgment here), and think about what you truly want. Write down both short-term goals (like saving for a weekend getaway) and long-term aspirations (like starting your dream business).

   
   

2. Gather Your Supplies: For a physical board, you’ll need a poster board, magazines, scissors, glue, and maybe some glitter if you’re feeling fancy. Prefer digital? Platforms like Canva or Pinterest are perfect for curating your dreams.

   
   

3. Curate Meaningful Visuals: Choose images, quotes, or affirmations that resonate with your goals. For example, if you’re aiming for better health, include pictures of vibrant veggies, a serene yoga pose, or the words “strong” and “balanced.”

   
   

4. Assemble with Intention: Arrange your selections in a way that inspires you. There’s no wrong way to do this—just focus on what makes you feel excited and motivated.

   
   

5. Place It Where You’ll See It Daily: The key to a successful vision board is visibility. Hang it in your room, your office, or set it as your computer or phone or computer wallpaper (my personal favorite).

   
   
   
   

Where to Find Inspiration for Your Vision Board

Need some ideas to get started? Inspiration is everywhere!

• Pinterest: A treasure trove of vision board templates, affirmations, and aesthetic ideas. Search for themes like “career success” or “wellness goals.”

  
  

• Instagram: Check out hashtags like #VisionBoardGoals or #ManifestationJourney for creative ideas.

  
  

• Books: Dive into self-help classics like Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans or Choose Your Life Purposes: A Step by Step Guide to Self Awareness, Empowerment, and Success by Eric Maisel PhD.

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• Magazines: Flip through lifestyle, health, or fashion magazines for visuals that resonate with your dreams.

  
  

• Workshops: Many community groups or online platforms host vision board parties where you can share ideas and connect with others.

Top 6 Vision Board Products to Kickstart Your Journey

Ready to dive in? Here are some fab products to help you create a vision board that’s as unique as you are:

1. Clip Art Books: These books are filled with pre-designed images, words, and symbols that you can cut out and use to make your vision board visually appealing and inspiring. They save time and ensure a polished look!

(Scroll with arrow, Click image to shop)

2. Positive Affirmation Cards: These are powerful little reminders of your worth, potential, and goals. Adding them to your vision board keeps you motivated and reinforces positive thinking.

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3. Boards: The foundation of your vision board! A sturdy board provides a dedicated space to showcase your dreams, whether you prefer a traditional pinboard, a poster board, or even a framed background.

Quartet Cork Bulletin Board (35" x 23)

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Large Bulletin Board (48" x 36")

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4. Pins: If you're using a corkboard, push pins are a must! They allow you to easily move things around as your goals evolve and keep everything securely in place.

‎AC Design Wooden Clips/Push Pins

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YQ Kangzhu Flower Push Pins (60 Pieces)

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KINBOM Pink Heart Push Pins (100 Pieces)

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Amazon Basics Push Pins (Clear)

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5. Washi Tape: A colorful and stylish way to create sections, highlight key goals, or just add an extra creative touch. Washi tape is easy to remove and reposition, making it great for adjusting your vision board as your goals shift.

   
   

   

   VIVIQUEN Washi Tape Set (20 Rolls)

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6. Sticky Notes: Perfect for jotting down evolving goals, action steps, or reminders! Since they’re easy to move around, you can use sticky notes to track progress, update deadlines, or even add spontaneous inspiration as new ideas come to you.

Post-it Super Sticky Notes

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Your vision board is more than an art project; it’s a powerful tool for shaping your future. Whether you find inspiration from Pinterest, affirmations in books, or images in magazines, your board reflects your unique journey. Celebrate your small wins, adjust your goals as you grow, and watch as your dreams become reality. You’ve got this!

References

1. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

2. Santos, H. C., Varnum, M. E., & Grossmann, I. (2021). Global changes in subjective goal-setting: Evidence from historical and contemporary perspectives. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 120(2), 368-387.

3. Taylor, S. E., & Pham, L. B. (1996). Why thinking about goals and strategies enhances motivation. Psychological Review, 103(3), 411-421.