As we close out 2023 and anticipate what the New Year will bring, some of us may be hoping to accomplish a variety of goals: A fresh start. Change. Growth. And the list goes on and on. In my personal and professional life, I have found that planning and preparation is key to help alleviate stress and anxiety that often comes with the pursuit of achievement. How? Two words: Vision board.

In this post, we will explore the benefits of a vision board and how you can start making one that will better set you up for success.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board is a visual representation of the “big picture” that you want for your life. This may include material items, physical or mental experiences, lifestyle goals and more! The process includes gathering images, quotations, meaningful objects/items etc., each of which are a single representation of the overall vision that you want to achieve for yourself, and then adding it to a board.

I have been using vision boards for quite some time now and usually start the creative process for each one at the beginning of every January to set the tone for the rest of that particular year. But vision boards can be made any time or day of the year.

Do vision boards actually work?

Many successful individuals have spoken of the power of vision boards and how it helped them to achieve success. Two such examples are popular celebs Steve Harvey and Oprah Winfrey, who both have attained fame and fortune through their astonishing careers while setting the bars very high for people in their respective communities.

Benefits of using a Vision Board

1. Keeps you focused

In a world of distraction, you need to stay laser focused on your goals. As the saying goes, where your focus goes your energy flows. Having a visual representation of your life will help remain focused on your ambitions.

2. Provides motivation

We all need a little motivation especially when life puts us in a rut. Vision boards provide the must-needed inspiration that we all need to keep us going.

3. Holds you accountable

Since a vision board is your very own particular idea or dream for your overall life, it is personal to you. Creating a vision board means making an overt commitment to yourself, which places the accountability on you to complete the promises you made to yourself. It is the driving force behind attaining and achieving what you deem to be success based on the goals you have visually outlined on your vision board.

Getting Started

There are no hard and fast rules to making a vision board. A vision board is specific to you and should clearly articulate the vision that YOU have for yourself. In order to create a vision board that is meaningful, follow these guidelines:  

Determine Your Vision

The first step is to clearly identify the vision you want for your life. Be specific. This part probably requires the most time. Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you brainstorm:

• What do I want to achieve in life?
• What kind of person do I want to be?
• What is important to me?
• What is my priority?
• How do I want to feel?

Choose Your Format

I have always used vision boards that I can actually touch and feel. However, digital vision boards also serve the same purpose. There are benefits to using both options.

Select Your Images

Choose images that align with your vision. If one of your vision items is to become the best mother you can be, find images that support that. It is important to have quality images.

Get supplies

Putting together a vision board is more of an investment of your time than your pocket. It cost me under $20 to put mine together.

Here are recommended supplies to create a vision board; some of which are optional:

• Board: pin board, cork board or any board will do. I bought a board at the dollar store.
• Images: old magazines, photos, printed images. I typically print impactful quotes that I have found online.
• Glue/ tape: I used glue stick
• Scissors
• Markers, colourful pens (optional)
• Stickers (optional): I bought some nifty, inspirational stickers at the dollar store as well

Include inspirational quotes and words

I am big on anything motivational and believe that words have immense power. So, go ahead, add some affirmations, quotes or anything that will give you an extra boost when you need it. 

Begin crafting

Once you have your vision, pictures and supplies, you are ready to create your masterpiece. 

Display in a visible area

Your vision board should be kept in an area that will be visible to you. I keep mine on the front wall parallel to my bed. It is the first thing I see when I awake and the last thing I see before I turn in for the night.

And that’s it! Remember the more time and effort you put into achieving your dreams, the higher the probability that you will accomplish them.

Written by Lorraine D., creator of Jewmei.com.

Edited by Regina Ashna Singh, a resident blogger with Jewmei.com.