At the top of every New Year, there’s a lot of fuss about creating a vision board so that we can set ourselves up for smashing our goals in the upcoming year. But the question is, do vision boards really work? And if so, how?
I began creating vision boards nearly nine years ago, and I can attest to the remarkable power they have—when used properly—in bringing our visions to pass. When my vision boards aren’t working, I know it’s because I’m not spending sufficient time focusing on my visions and imprinting them into my mind. But when they do ...
Just a few of the miraculous experiences I’ve encountered that began as mere images on my vision board include learning to speak Italian, living in Italy, moving to paradise (Bermuda) and meditating by the sea, writing a book, starting a business, vacationing in exotic locations, delving deeper into yoga and meditation, and harnessing greater freedom, power and self-awareness (illustrated by words on my vision board).
So, what is a vision board? A vision board is a creative, visual tool that helps us clarify and concentrate on a specific goal or desire.
Vision boards give us clearer direction in where we want to go; and with direction, we have greater clarity regarding the actionable steps we need to take in reaching our goals. We know the things we need to say yes to, which will bring us closer to our goals, as well as the things to say no to, which pull us further away from the things we desire.
How do vision boards work? According to a 2009 article in Psychology Today:
Brain studies [now] reveal that thoughts produce the same mental instructions as actions. Mental imagery impacts many cognitive processes in the brain: motor control, attention, perception, planning and memory. So the brain is getting trained for actual performance during visualization. It’s been found that mental practices can enhance motivation, increase confidence and self-efficacy.
Visualization is a powerful exercise for the mind. As we think and create an image in our minds, we emit its frequency into the universe, which then magnetizes our vision to reality. This is the law of attraction. Our subconscious mind works to achieve the information that’s stored in it. So be careful what you focus on—good or bad—because you may just bring it to life.
Creating a vision board can be quite entertaining. Grab a group of friends and have a vision-board soiree. Have everyone bring poster board, glue, scissors and magazines. Provide simple snacks and refreshments, candles, and some fun or calming relaxing music. Or have an intimate solo date with yourself! Let’s get started:
- Before cutting out images for your vision board, get crystal clear on your intentions and desires for your life in 2018. Consider a quiet meditation before starting to imagine in your mind not just the things you want to experience but, most important, the feelings you want to experience from the manifestation. The efficacy of vision boards comes from our ability to bring feeling and enthusiasm to what we want as if we have already achieved it.
- Paste images and words that reflect your intentions. Be as crafty and imaginative as you’d like.
- Place your vision board in a prominent place where you’ll visit with it often. Pause and glance over your visions daily. As you do, emote the feelings your visions engender within you.
- Meditate and visualize. With eyes closed, bring your visions to the forefront of your mind. Hold your visions clearly in your mind, while harnessing feelings of joy and fulfillment. Consider adding a related mantra or affirmation to your visualization, e.g., “I am a New York Times best-selling author,” or “I live in a beautiful home with mountain views.” Repeat your affirmations over and over while simultaneously visualizing.
I hope this excites you to solidify your dreams for 2018! Building dreams requires our intentional direction, vision and focus.
Happy vision boarding!