How to Create an Effective Vision Board

Before anything, I highly encourage you to read part 1 about "how to set goals effectively".

What is a vision board?

A vision board is often a collage of image and words (or phrases) designed to inspire and motivate. It peaked in popularity when the concept of "law of attraction" was first introduced. In essence, the law of attraction aids us in achieving our goals through visualization and a vision board is an excellent visualization tool. Here is a sample I took from a quick Google search.

To me, however, a vision board is more than just a visualization tool. While it is more common to see a poster board filled with abstract images and phrases that represent a person's dreams, I want mine to be specific and purposeful. Aside from having images and phrases, I also like to have an action plan. Below is an example of an effective vision board I've created for this post. Later, we will dissect what makes it effective!

Have you considered creating an online vision board? Check out Design Wizard’s steps in creating an inspiring online vision board here.

Disclaimer:

I am not an expert on this matter! What I am sharing with you is what worked for me consistently before. Ultimately, a vision board is something personal to you so don't be afraid to tweak it to your own liking! I've created all kinds of vision boards in the past and have made changes until I found something that worked for me! It is also important to note that this vision board we're creating is goal-specific and not a general life vision board. It has an action plan and a deadline in achieving 1 or 2 very specific goals.

Tips Before Starting

• Before making your vision board, I highly encourage you to find clarity in your life vision and goals. Block off a few hours of a set date and dig deep! In my previous post, I've written about how to set goals effectively! Read through that post and do the exercises. Here are the steps:

• Once you have written down 1 or 2 effective goals, created a roadmap for your micro goals, listed all potential actions you can take to achieve them and write a goal statement - you are ready to start creating your vision board.

• The next step I took is a trip to our local library and bought used magazines for $0.25 each. I also went to the dollar store to buy the supplies I need such as poster board, markers, glue and stickers.

What makes a vision board effective?

1. Visual. It is, after all, a vision board! Include as many pictures as possible that create a picture of what it is like when your goals are achieved.

2. It conveys positive emotions! For a vision board to be effective, it has to make you feel inspired!

3. It has an action plan and a deadline! A dream is nothing but a wishful thinking unless you create an action plan in achieving them and a set deadline to when you want the dream achieved.

4. It has clarity! Very early in my entrepreneurship journey, I've learned that clarity is power! Your vision board becomes more effective when you are clear about your life vision and your goals are specific.

5. It gives room for spontaneity! While it is important to be clear and have your action plan laid out, it is also important to allow room for improvement! The law of attraction has a way to surprise us in both negative and positive way! Be flexible with your means but stubborn with your goal!

6. It is set somewhere you can see every day! A vision board is meant to inspire and motivate us daily, so set it in a place where you spend a lot of time in.

Online vision boards are on the rise. Companies like Design Wizard makes it easy and convenient to design. Check out the steps in creating an inspiring online vision board here.

8 Steps in Creating an Effective Vision Board

As already mentioned before, I highly encourage you to go through part 1 of this blog series by clicking here.

1. Create 1 or 2 goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based) and generally serves your life purpose. You won't go anywhere close to achieving your goals if it's not something in line with what you believe in.

2. Break the goal into micro-goals and set a deadline for each micro-goal. When a goal is broken down into smaller, easily-achievable goals - it becomes possible mentally! Also, achieving any major goal means getting in the habit of achieving small ones first.

3. Create a roadmap to success by listing down all possible actions you can take to achieve these micro-goals. I like my vision board in a linear timeline by first writing down the main goal and its deadline. Then, I set deadlines and set of actions for all micro-goals.

4. Write a goal statement. I have my goal statement written and saved on my phone and recite it to myself daily as a reminder of what it is that I am aiming for. Remember, clarity is power and memorizing your goal statement means you are being clear with what your goal is.

5. Draft a layout for your vision board. I scribble my layout plan before pasting the pictures and other essential items in my poster.

6. Get supplies. As mentioned in my previous tips, I took a trip to our library and bought $0.25 past-issue magazines. I also went to the Dollar Store to buy supplies such as glue, poster board, colored paper and stickers.

7. Cut-out pictures and print-out key phrases as well as details of your micro-goals, its deadline and action plan.

8. Arrange and put together!

I hope that found some ideas in creating your very own vision board! Let's get social and tag me on Instagram @sweetsavorygrace or Twitter @sweetsavrygrace . Cheers!