Life has a funny way of changing the path that you are on without any notice. 

If you remember, every year in elementary school, the teacher would always ask, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” You would give a generic answer like a doctor, lawyer, president, or ballerina in your younger years. For the lucky few, those dreams became a reality, but for the rest of us, we are on a completely different journey that we never could imagine our 8-year-old selves ever imagine in a million years. 

Growing up, we knew about the concepts of cars, jobs, and money but didn’t fully comprehend how it all worked in the real world. The idea of bills was a completely foreign concept, one which I would like to forget now and go back to the good old days when I felt rich when someone gave me $20 in my birthday card. 

Unfortunately, we are grown now, and we have gotten more specific with our requests out of life. Our visions have changed, and we have set our standards to the max. Instead of saying “I want a car,” we now say, “I want a Porsche.” Instead of saying “I want a house,” it’s now “I want a house with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a pool.”

This entire thing started in college when a professor assigned a semester-long project to create a vision board for the class. She called in manifesting our destiny. I didn’t appreciate it then, but now, I make a list of things I want to accomplish every year instead of a complete vision board. I look at it every few weeks to keep me motivated and on track.

So here is my challenge to you. I want everyone to create a vision board or a list. You might think it is pointless, and you know your life will change eventually, but trust me, it works.

How to create a vision board

Method 1: Magazines and Poster Board 

Go to any grocery store, Target, Walmart, or dollar tree and get a poster board. Collect a bunch of magazines and cut out pictures that represent your goals for the year. You can write out the meanings of each picture or leave it blank. Decorate it however you want. After all, it is your vision board. 

Method 2: Pictures & Photo Frame 

My Type-A personality does not allow for disorganized or uneven photos. When I do create a physical vision board, I find and get pictures printed. Then add stickers, a background, jewels, and whatever else I want. I put everything on a thick poster board and frame it. 

Method 3: Online  

Websites like picmonkey allow you to create an enhanced vision board online. You can create text overlays, custom photo filters, layers, and graphics. Disclaimer: The basic package is $7.99 a month.

Reasons to create a vision board

Reason 1: Clarity

• As you start to create your board, you will better understand your likes, dislikes, and passions. It will help you organize your thoughts, goals, and dreams by clearing your head and allowing you to focus on the things you find essential. 

Reason 2: Organization 

• If you are one of those people who have big ideas and big goals but never have any follow-through, your vision board permits you to look at every aspect of your life and create a game plan. 

Reason 3: Emotions

• Choosing images, words, phrases, and articles that bring out your emotions inclines you to achieve your goals. 

Reason 4 Visual Affirmation

• Having something to look at every day keeps you focused and energized. 

Reason 5: Achievement 

• When you start becoming complacent within your everyday life, your vision board is there to remind you to never settle for anything less in life. 

Reason 6: Self-Doubt

• When everyone around you tells you that you can’t, your vision board is there to remind you that you can, and you have to figure out how to make it happen.

Here is the thing about a vision board/list, they’re not magic. You can’t sit back, be lazy, and expect everything to come to you effortlessly. You have to put in the work to accomplish your goals. You are also allowed to change your mind. Be open to change and think actively about your vision board. As you grow and change, take things off, add items, or completely start over. Don’t beat yourself up if something doesn’t work or doesn’t get accomplished. It’s ok, life happens.

Send me your visions boards, and I’ll share them on my social media!