Vision Board Basics: How to Get Started

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been thinking about what’s next for you. Maybe you know exactly what that is, maybe you just know it’s time for a change. Either way – you’re wondering if a vision board could help!

The short answer — absolutely yes!

A vision board is a powerful tool to help you get crystal clear on what it is you actually want so you can map out your vision, take action on it and bring those big, beautiful dreams of yours to life.

Think of your vision board as a visual roadmap. First you pick your destination, then you map it out so you can actually see the steps it’ll take to make your vision a reality. The images you use to map out your journey are ones that help you to connect with your vision so that you can truly see, and feel, what you’re working towards.  

Your vision board is a source of inspiration and guidance, and it provides you with checkpoints as you go. The more you surround yourself with visual cues of what you’re creating, the more naturally you’ll be drawn to do the things you need to in order to get the experience you want.

Your brain works well with pictures. Not only do images evoke powerful emotions but they also help to get your subconscious seeking information that confirms/ supports/ validates what you’re working towards. You’ll naturally be drawn towards things that will help you make your dreams come true!

The other really cool aspect of a vision board is that it shows you how to bring your vision to life starting right now. That means you get to experience a version of what you want, today. That’s powerful because it boosts your confidence and hope while also leveraging the Law of Attraction – like attracts like – you get more of who you are and what you have.

Bringing your vision to life in the present acts like a giant magnet pulling the larger scale vision towards you.

If that’s a little too ‘woo’ for you, just focus on the idea that your vision board is a visual roadmap – showing you how to get to where you want to be.

Creating a vision board is an intentional, strategic process.

First, look back on the year that’s passed and close the books on what’s gone. Acknowledge your accomplishments, learn your lessons, and decide what you want to stop and start doing. It’s important to move into this next phase free and clear of anything that might hold you back or weigh you down. So look back, learn and let go!

Before you start to map out your vision, get clear on the core of your board. Journaling is always a great way to sift through all of those thoughts and ideas. Get everything out of your head and onto paper, it’ll feel much more tangible to work with.

Here are 3 questions to help you get started:

  1. Who am I/who do I want to be?
  2. How do I want to feel?
  3. What do I want to create/do/have/experience?

Your answers to these three questions are at the core of your vision board. Maybe you put the actual answers, maybe you put visual representations of the answers (i.e. you feeling peaceful, grounded, alive last year hiking in Sedona). Put them at the center of your board.

Once you’re clear on the core, painting out the rest of your picture will feel easy.  Think about what the core of your vision looks like in your day to day life, and think about how your mind, body, spirit and life will look and feel differently than they do now. This is what inspires the rest of your board.

You are not limited to what you put on your board – a photograph of you laughing or having fun with your family, an image of the ocean that inspires you, words that connect you, phrases that remind you of why you’re doing what you’re doing, a ticket stub from a concert you loved, a leaf that grounds you in nature — whatever connects you to your vision is fair game. Just make sure that it feels good! Because if doesn’t your board will end up having the opposite impact!

Remember – a vision board is your visual roadmap. It helps you to get clear on what you want and visually paint out that picture. This doesn’t mean you just imagine what you want every day and your dream life will magically appear. No, it means you use your vision to inspire your action! To help you set goals, to do the things you need to do, and to stay focused, motivated and on course when things feel hard.