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.
• Invite your family to be a part of the process too. 

Vision Board tip #2: 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.

Journal prompts to review your vision board:

• What steps have you made toward accomplishing what you put on your vision board?
• What do you need to change?
• Who can you collaborate with to help you reach your goal?

When you are journaling, be as descriptive as possible, identifying strategies you could do to make your goal a reality.

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.

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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,