Use the Past to Shape the Future
In this lesson, we are going to learn how to create a vision board that can help guide us to the future we want to pursue for ourselves and others around us. Vision Boards are a powerful tool to help you see what it is you want most from your life. They inspire motivation because the visual content is a constant reminder of how to take your life to the next level. I’ve been making them since college. I always had a bulletin board with a collage of things that motivated and grounded me in my vision for my life. Although you have the freedom to create your board as you dream, I recommend dedicating sections for personal growth, relational goals (teams, friendships, family etc.), and ripple effect. In essence how will the best version of you enhance your relationship with others and make the world a better place? They are all related and we are each so capable of creating community and connection as we raise our vibration and sense of self-awareness.
Physical
The Old Fashion Way. Here are some simple steps to help you create a vision board that visually inspires your higher self. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, so be creative and enjoy it!
- Start by reviewing and reflecting on your journal, then ask yourself some questions like, “What do I want my days to look like? What goals do I have for myself?”
- Find words, images, personal photos, quotes, or reminders of the things you discovered while reflecting and asking yourself those questions.
- What type of vision board are you going to use and how do you want to structure it? Some examples are posters, portable vision boards, cork or bulletin boards, inspiration walls, and small vision boards in your planner. You can structure your vision board using separate sections like personal growth, relational goals, and ripple effect, or you can just randomize it!
- Organize the layout of your vision board by placing items in an order you like. Once you are content with the layout, glue, tape, or pin everything together. You can add creativity using art supplies such as markers, glitter, stickers, etc.
- Proudly display your vision board where (bathroom mirror, bedroom door, next to your wall calendar) it will be a consistent reminder of what you want your life to look and feel like.
- Use your vision board as a guide for short-term goal setting, daily task lists, journaling, etc.
Virtual Version
With as often as we are consulting our phones and computers these days, an online vision board is not a bad idea. If you don’t receive joy from crafting projects like creating a physical board, try a virtual version, it can be just as clarifying and inspiring.
- Search Short & Simple Terms that describe your goals, values, and interests and help you visualize the path to your greatest potential.
- Make sure you are focused on your vision, not anyone else’s.
- If you notice yourself feeling stuck or overthinking, revisit your VIA Character Assessment and Values Audit exercises for inspiration and clarity.
- Create your board using a program or app that works best for you. Pinterest, PicMonkey, Picstitch. Canva etc. are a few examples.
- Put your vision board everywhere on your phone or computer. You want to see this ALL THE TIME so put it on your desktop, your phone’s home screen, social media, etc.
Whichever way you choose, physical or virtual, have fun with it. I hope it gives you an optimistic lens on who you are today, inspires your growth and helps you see how your vision connects to the bigger world to make it better.
TASK: Create A Physical or Virtual Vision Board as Large or Small as You Choose - Cover it with things that inspire you and point you in the direction you are headed!
Here is a high-resolution version of this document that you can print and use as a reference to complete this task: How to Create a Vision Board.
