Vision Board Basics: 3 Simple steps to make one (+how to use it)
Hello there! If you have been following me here on my blog or social media, then you know I love to dream big, set goals and reflect. So it’s probably no surprise I LOVE and use vision boards.
For years, I have used vision boards to help me stay focused to achieve my goals. After all the first step to achieving your goals is writing them down. I first started creating my own vision boards as a way to channel my creativity when doing my goal planning for the year. Then as our children grew older, I realized it was important to start including them in the process of creating vision boards too.
Creating a vision board and using one is quite easy. You don’t have to be creative, organized, have pretty handwriting or even be crafty. IF you can dream, then you can create a vision board.
So, what’s a vision board anyway?
A vision board is a visual representation to help you clarify, see, and plan your goals for the year. Don’t worry! There is not a one size fits all approach to making your board. Whatever size, however, you choose to decorate, the goal the vision board gives you focus on for the year.
You can create and use your own vision board today in three simple steps—be selective, be seen, and be self-reflective.
Vision Board tip #1: Be Selective
There are all sorts of sections you could include on your vision board. You could include:
- Your identity | What words would you use to describe yourself. Who does God say you are?
- Your faith | Do you need to spend more time in the Word? How can you walk out your faith in your home, community, or business? How will you be more rooted in your local church?
- Your dreams | What are those hidden dreams deep within your heart?
- Your relationships | What relationships to do you want to improve? What relationships could use additional care? Marriage? Children? Parents?
- Your health | How can you be the best version of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally? Think BEYOND the scale. What does healing look like for you?
- Your mindset | How do you feel? How do you want to feel? What quotes encourage you or what statements keep you grounded?
- Your ideal business/blog/book| What does success look like for your business? Who are the influencers in your industry? What next step would you like to take in your business? Who can you connect/collaborate within your industry? Why do you want this? What impact will this make?
When creating your vision board, it is tempting to want to tackle all of these areas. DON’T. Instead be selective about what you want to accomplish and why. Your vision board should be filled with the BIG. The BIG dreams, not just the practical ones. So don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. But remember, you are not just dreaming. You will need to DO the work to create the life you envision.
To help you plan your vision board, download my free Vision board Basics printable. This printable will help you develop a clear vision of the goals you want to accomplish before you start creating your vision board.
Tips: Creating your vision board is the best part.
Some supplies I recommend: poster board, magazines, markers, pen, glue, washi tape, newspaper, pictures, and any other creative elements you might have lingering around. You can section off your board any way you like. Remember, there is not a right or wrong way. Don’t be afraid to get your kids involved either. Take a peek at the vision boards my fellas created this year.
Vision Board tip #3: Be seen
Yay!!! You’ve created your vision board. Okay so now what?
Creating a vision board is just the first step. Next, you have to decide how you are going to use it.
The first step in USING your vision board is deciding where you are going to place your board. The number one rule of thumb put your board where you will see it. Your vision board is a way to help you remember your goals and stay motivated on the hard days. So don’t tuck your board away behind your bed. Place it somewhere you will be able to see it every day–whether it is in your bedroom, your office or on the wall beside your shoes in your closet.
Vision Board tip #3: Be self-reflective
What should you do with your vision board throughout the year?
Look at your board regularly to remember what you are working toward and why.
Once a month, pick one section of your board and journal about your progress toward your goals. What steps have you made? What do you need to change? Who can you reach your goal? Be as descriptive as possible, identifying strategies you could do to make your goal a reality.
Order your Do Less, Live More:A Gratitude Journal to focus on gratitude this year.
Use your board to help you celebrate your steps. What have you accomplished? For every step forward, take time to rejoice. Acknowledge your moment and celebrate. All steps, even small ones, move you closer toward reaching your goal.
I hope you learn to love vision boards the way I do. Just remember, be patient with yourself. Your goals may evolve and change as you do. So don’t be afraid to change something just because you put it on your board. You are allowed to change your mind. Above all, pray. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you before you start and throughout the year. “The heart of the man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Phillippians 4: 6
Now I want to see those boards. Feel free to tag me @mlp_media on Instagram. I want to celebrate with you!
Cheering you on,
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Faith Ladson
I am thrilled to have this information. I shared with a friend who said this is exactly what she was looking for! Thank you Mamie for allowing God to use you to bless so many others. A great way to begin 2019!
Mamie L. Pack
Faith LadsonYay!!! We love hearing others are able grow and use our practical steps to live their best lives in faith. This is great! Thank YOU!
Bellissimamma
I am excited to work on my vision board for 2019! Love this!
Mamie L. Pack
BellissimammaYay!!! I would love to see your finished product.
Heather
Awesome! Love it.
Mamie L. Pack
HeatherYay!
Kesi's Korner
I was just talking to my friends of having a vision board party next New Year’s Eve (planning way ahead, lol) but this was a great post! Makes me excited for to make mine.
Mamie L. Pack
Kesi’s KornerYay!!! The great thing about vision boards, you don’t have to wait until the new year. You can do one at the beginning of a new season, new change, anytime.
Laura le Roux
Vision boards are so powerful! I haven’t done one in ages though, I think it is time!
Mamie L. Pack
Laura le RouxOh, yes!!!! Time to revisit it.
101foodtravel
I am gonna give this a try. My husband and I have goals we want to reach this year. So what we have been doing is writing down each of them and just create a vision of our dream. Great post here thank you for sharing.
Mamie L. Pack
101foodtravelYay!!! Definitely get the hubby involved. I would love to see how it turns out.
Nicole Hood
I love your positive outlook on everything! Dream boards are such a fantastic idea!
Mamie L. Pack
Nicole HoodOh, thank you!
Shannon
Hi! I’m a brand new blogger, and I had never heard of a vision board before I started blogging lol. I was going to throw one up, but you have given me so much more to think about! So…thank you😀
BTW..what is washi tape?
Mamie L. Pack
ShannonOh, Shannon! First, yay to being a new blogger. Washi tape is one of my favorites. It is basically decorative tape. The thickness can vary. When you go to Michael’s or Hobby Lobby you will see tons of options.
Hectic Mom Jamie
This is a fabulous idea! I believe when we can see our visions it helps to make them a reality. I love the idea of having kids do this! This is something I will have to have my kids do this year and make it a new tradition each year! Love this! 🙂
Mamie L. Pack
Hectic Mom JamieThat is awesome!!! It’s important to include our kids as early as possible. We want dreaming big and setting goals to be a way of life.
oxfordmomma
I’ve wanted to create a vision board for a while but not known where to start. I love that you’ve included what to do throughout the year to stay on track, too.
Summer Mitch Ryan
Nice! Having this helps a lot in visualizing your goals. And I believe in the power of visualization.
Flossie
I admit, I haven’t done vision boards per se in years. I used to do them when I was in school, but since becoming a mama, that has gone out the window. BUT, even though it doesn’t work the same way, I accomplish similar things in my Bullet Journal now #bujoaddict . I am still super-glad to see this post, though, because i know lots of other ppl who would benefit from it, so am going to share it on my FB feed! 🙂
aleesa
Vision boards are fun. Never created one, but I know people who have. Im more of a writer. I like to jot words down, I’ve always been creative. I believe that if it works to achieve your goal, then go for it.
Mamie L. Pack
aleesaOh, being someone creative you might love doing visions boards. Try it out.
Brittany
Oh my! I did a vision board in high school as a project assignment and I completely forgot about it! I am so glad I found this article to remind myself! I definitely want to create a new one for myself and I love the idea of having one for kids as well! We have a playroom that I would love to have these hanging in!
Mamie L. Pack
BrittanyYay!!! You should totally do it. You don’t have to wait until the a new year. You can make one today and definitely get the kiddies involved.
Chrissie Murphy Designs
Such comprehensive information here Mamie, bless you for sharing so generously xx
Mamie L. Pack
Chrissie Murphy DesignsAwww thanks Chrissie!
Samantha Smart
I’ve never heard of a vision board before reading this!! I believe I have some crafting to do now! I have some major blogging goals for this coming year and it would be nice to have a place to see it all and manage my progress throughout the year!
Ariana
Quick and easy I love it! I made one a couple months ago but I’ve been feeling in my heart that it wasn’t done, it might be time to reevaluate what went wrong!
Mamie L. Pack
ArianaOooo, yes. The beauty of doing a board is that you can make it fit your season. Do one you love.
Heather Lehsten
I just recently created my first vision board ever and I love having it to refer to in order to remind myself of my goals for the year. Something about visually seeing what I want makes me all that much more motivated. It is especially helpful to look at when I am feeling in a funk. Thanks for sharing!
Mamie L. Pack
Heather LehstenYay! I am so excited for you creating your first board.
Julie
This is great, shared it with my women’s circle. We’re doing vision boards next week.
Mamie L. Pack
JulieAwww thanks Julie!