I have never been one of the directions. In fact, I’ve always joked that—when I’m following a trail—it’s my instinct to go the exact opposite way. Physically, without an inner compass, it’s easy to find myself lost. In a philosophical sense, I used to feel the same way about my life. Were my daily habits a meaningful life? And while questions of purpose, our methods, and general progress, it can be helpful to have a framework to guide our way. That’s why, when I first learned about the idea board concept, I knew I had found something that would change the game.
Yes, I’m not the only one. As visualization has gained momentum in recent years, the practice of planning our goals visually and creating a roadmap for our dream life has become widespread. And while skeptics may call this a lazy way of just sitting back to desire our dreams will come true, putting together an idea board and hard work can be one of the most powerful ways to move our lives from point A to B.
What is an opinion board?
I spent most of my teenage years staying home on Saturday nights, minimizing problems Seventeen and my previous stories of my mother Martha Stewart Living putting together a collection of images and words that correspond to where life has found me—where I wanted to be. Although I didn’t have the words yet, I was literally releasing energy from the universe to make these virtual dreams come true. And ten years and more since then, I can say with confidence: much of what I cut and pasted has become a real and tangible part of my life.
A vision board is part of our visualization toolbox to help us move from purpose to reality. Whatever our goals, a vision board is a combination of pictures and words that represent what we want to achieve.
It is important to note that a vision board is not the same as a mood board. The difference comes from aesthetic planning versus goal planning. While a mood board can help you plan everything from the look and feel of a photo shoot to the design of a living room, a vision board serves as a reminder of the goal or goals you’ve set for yourself.
Besides, when it comes to creating an idea board, there are no rules! Identify what you want to bring into your life, and let that guide the way.
How to Make a Vision Board
All vision boards—whether you’re making one from a piece of poster board or choosing a digital vision board to serve as your phone’s background—start from the same place: with a purpose. Think about the goal of your vision board and what you hope it will help you achieve. I find it helpful to write about what is most important to me at this stage of my life. Ask yourself the following questions to reach a clear place:
- What area of your life could benefit from change or change?
- What three words would you use to describe your life now? What three words would you use to describe where you would like your life to be?
- What do you want your career, relationships, or personal life to look like five years from now?
- Write on your due date. What are your habits? Where do you live? Who do you live with? What do you do for work?
By dividing your life into specific areas of work, relationships, and personal time, it can be easier to not only see how you would like to grow, but to gain a clear understanding of the steps you will take to get there. .
When creating your vision board, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. However, a vision board works best when it represents a single goal or what you would like your life to look like at some point in time. With your answers to the questions above, determine what area of growth is most important to you right now and commit to building your own vision board to move toward that goal.
Creating a Physical or Digital Vision Board
Often thought of as an ‘old school’ way of riding with a vision, I still find creating visual versions to be a very useful tool for me. However, I also have a separate digital vision board as a background for my phone and desktop.
Follow these steps to create the idea board of your dreams:
- Gather inspiration. Cut out old magazines or hop on Pinterest to put together images, words, and quotes that resonate with you. Don’t think too much about it! Choose what appeals to you at the moment. I find it’s easier to edit the photos later as I start building my vision board. Be sure to prioritize clear images and easy-to-understand words that directly support and relate to your goal.
- Curate and collage. Once your images are cut out, use glue, tape, or Mod Podge to adhere them to the paper or poster board. Or, if you’re creating a digital version, you can use a program like Canva to design your vision board. The basic version is free and supports you with everything you need to get started.
- Place your idea board where you will see it. This is important. In order for your vision board to work in its metaphysical ways, make sure you put it in order. Because I spend most of my weekdays at my desk, I keep mine posted behind my laptop, which gives me the opportunity to look at it as often as possible. While you can place your vision board anywhere, some common places include the refrigerator, next to your bed, or on a frame in your living room. The more often you see it, the stronger your vision board will be.
Is the vision board working?
Visualization can be a powerful tool in helping us improve everything from confidence to performance and motivation. Here, the cliché applies: “Seeing is believing.” When we look at this visual representation of dreams and goals, we are reminded of where we want to be—and the path it takes to get there.
Get the Camille Styles Vision Workbook
One of the easiest ways to get started? Download our free Vision Workbook. At Camille Styles, we’re aligned with the values behind riding with a vision—we believe we need to set strategic goals to be intentional about our dreams. We’ve designed a workbook to help you do just that. Each page is purpose-built to help you in the process of identifying your vision—your career, your relationships, and your life.
In the workbook, you will find support for the following:
- Writing a mantra that includes your values and how you would like to grow.
- A systematic program to achieve alignment in all areas of your life, including Work & Creativity, Health & Wellness, and Personal Development.
- Monthly check-in to show your progress and make changes if necessary.
- A Daily Workout Plan to make sure you’re always working toward your goals.
Ready to get started? You don’t have to wait until the New Year to make your dreams come true. The best time to start is now.