The Vision Board: what it is, why you need one and how to create it

What is a vision board?

A vision board can be many things but one thing it isn’t is a collection of items to be willed into being. A vision board is a venue for the images, words and ideas you’re drawn to. It lets you collect all those images that catch your eye or stir an emotional response and keep them visible and at the front of your mind, where they can then work their magic.

A vision board makes use of the Law of Attraction. The concept has been around for a long time but was brought to popular attention by Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich had previously discussed the concept at length and said, “What the mind can conceive, it can achieve.” Your vision board can help you conceive and visualise that which you’d like to achieve.

Visualisation is a powerful technique used by many successful people in various fields, from athletes to Hollywood movie stars. Visualisation is not wishful thinking. Wishful thinking wont get you where you want to be. You need to put energy and emotion into your desire.

“If you wish to understand the Universe, think of energy, frequency and vibration.” Nikola Tesla

When you visualise, you are living the moment in your mind. When athletes visualise their performance in an event, their bodies respond to what their mind is seeing. Each rehearsal in their mind, cements the process in their body. They still have to do the physical training but when it comes to race day, they have already won their event in their head.

Visualisation increases their chances of making success a reality.

Visualisation can also ensure failure if you’re focused on what you don’t want to happen rather than what you do want to happen.

A vision board is a tool to help you focus on what you want. And, creating the board is itself a step toward clarity.

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“It’s a universal that you get more of what you think about, talk about and feel strongly about.” Jack Canfield

Are you ready to make your own vision board? Here’s a Q & A to help get you started. Today!

  • What can I put on my vision board?
  • How do I use my vision board?
  • How often do I need to update my vision board?
  • Can I have multiple vision boards?

What can I put on my vision board?

This is a deceptively complex question. You might think you have a very clear idea of what you want but when it comes down to finding an image that encapsulates that desire, the execution can be a challenge. That’s generally because you’re thinking about the outward stuff. The What. You also need to be clear on the Why. Why do you want that mansion on a sprawling estate? Is it because that’s what success is supposed to look like or what you think success looks like? Is it even about success?

So, take some time to think about what your goals, why you want to achieve them and how you’ll feel when you do. Consider each of these areas when you’re creating your vision board:

  • Relationships
  • Career
  • Finances
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Personal growth (including spirituality, social life, education) and
  • Health.

Now, look for images that represent a specific life goal, how do they make you feel? The image can’t just look nice. It needs to make you feel something, too.

Not sure where to start or what you want? That’s easy, just spend some time collecting images and quotes that appeal to you. Don’t think about it too hard, or question your choices, just collect anything that catches your eye (or your imagination). Once you’re done, go back through your collection of images and see if you can determine a ‘why’ if you can’t, but still feel a connection, put it on your board. You might find out later why you were attracted to that image. A vision board helps provide clarity as a process of its creation. Don’t expect to start with all the answers.

Remember your board can contain:

  • Anything that motivates you
  • Images that make you smile
  • Inspiring quotes
  • Daily affirmations.
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Places I’d like to visit again: Durham Cathedral (and visit family nearby), London (sightseeing and shopping) and the Sheraton Mirage on The Gold Coast (Aus). Plus, I’d love to visit Denmark and Scandinavia in general.

How do I use my vision board?

Using your vision board is simple. The most important step is to make sure it’s somewhere you can easily see it: above your desk on on your bedroom wall. You can also go digital and make it your computer wallpaper.

Look at your vision board as often as you can. Read any affirmations or quotes aloud. Repeat them often. Look at the images and visualise how it will feel to realise those dreams. Will you be happy? Content? Full of love and joy? Make sure you connect with the emotion because it’s that vibration which will connect your dream to the law of attraction, not your will.

Pay attention to your progress and celebrate your successes. Practice gratitude, too. Even if you haven’t achieved your goal yet. Believe that you can and be grateful in advance.

“Whatever you hold in your mind on a consistent basis, is exactly what you’ll experience in your life.” Tony Robbins

How often do I need to update my vision board?

Your vision board is a process not a product. That means it will evolve and redefine itself as you do. What might seem to be the most import goal of all in the beginning might become the least important as you continue to clarify your dreams and goals.

When an image, quote or affirmation no longer serves you, remove it from your board. Whenever you find something that speaks to you, even if you don’t know what it’s saying or understand its meaning, put it on your board.

Ideas, dreams and goals will come and go. Let them.

Can I have multiple vision boards?

The number of vision boards you create is entirely up to you. Having said that, there’s a potential for confusion if you have too many boards. So, initially, stick to one overall vision and when you’re comfortable with that, then you can consider creating additional boards for specific goals. The key here is to give you a focus for visualisation. Too much of a good thing can be a distraction.

Remember, you don’t need to be a visual person like me, to benefit from creating a vision board. Keeping your goals and desires in the forefront of your mind works no matter what your learning style is. However, you might find you prefer lots of words, instead of images. That’s OK. Your vision board is yours. Create it in the way that works best for you.

My vision board story

My board is newly created so no stories to tell, yet. I’ll definitely post updates along the way if anything exiting happens. Meanwhile, I plan to post a 12 month update on the success (or otherwise) of my own vision board.

Do you have a vision board story to share? Tell us about it in the comments.

Images: smartmoneysimplelife.com

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