Whats On Your Vision Board?

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Karen

Last week I wrote about how important it was to capture all of your ideas into an ideas book. Continuing on with the theme of capturing information, this week I want to talk to you about creating a vision board (or book) for your life.

Many people may already be familiar with this concept, but there’s a lot of people who are not aware how powerful having a vision board can be for your life.

We all have goals for our lives and hopefully we are taking action each day towards obtaining those goals.

In addition to writing these goals down, we can also use the power of visualization to super-charge our motivation to achieve anything we want in life.

The power of visualization lies in its ability to program our RAS (reticular achieving system) to tune into the external stimuli that moves us towards what we want in life.

We become more aware of our environment and notice those things that we want in life. Ever notice how after buying a product, that everyone seems to have the same product? Nothing’s changed except your awareness of that product. This happened to me recently when I bought my MacBook Pro laptop. I started noticing them more and more, particularly when I went into a Starbucks. I’ve always been a PC woman, so I never really noticed MacBooks before I bought one.

What is a vision board? It’s basically a collage of pictures that you take from magazines, brochures, your own photo albums or even ones you’ve printed from the net. You will be cutting out pictures and gluing them onto your scrap book or poster board. I prefer to use a 16 x 20 inch poster board for my vision board. But, if it makes it more meaningful for you, you can fill an entire scrapbook full of inspirational and motivational pictures.

What you will need to create your vision board:

- scissors, glue, poster board or scrap book, magazines, pictures, brochures (really anything that inspires you)

Not just any pictures should go on your vision board though. You should be cutting out pictures and words found in the magazines or brochures that really inspire you. Think of things that you really, really want to have, to, or be for your life. Don’t cut out any old wish-washy picture – find the one picture that really captures exactly what you visualize for your ideal goal.

If you’ve always wanted a Porsche 911, then find a picture of the exact one (colour, model) you want and cut out and glue on your vision board.

Want a $100,00,00? Then find the numbers and cut them out to glue on your vision board.

If travel is something that you want to do in your future, then find some inspirational travel places – not just anyplace – but the place that if you went to you would be able to die happy.

Notice how certain words in magazines jump out at you. Cut those words out and glue them to your vision board. Words are very powerful and just seeing them together with all your other pictures can be very motivational.

Keep filling out your vision board until it’s completely full of all the things that if you had in your life, you would be happy.

Next, hang your vision board up somewhere prominent so that you can look at it daily. Mine is taped to the wall beside my computer desk.

It’s amazing how just by having a vision board and idea of what you want that you can attract that very thing into your life.

Another reason to go through this exercise and create your own vision board is that it can be used as a motivational tool. I know that when I’m feeling unmotivated, I can just glance over at mine and use the power of visualization to re-motivate me. It becomes the reason why I can sit at the computer for hours on end and continue with my writing projects. My vision board provides me the ‘why’ I need to continue. Having a strong enough ‘why’ is all you need to figure out the ‘how’.

What’s going on your vision board?

Karen writes at A Meaningful Existence, a blog devoted to helping others put meaning into their existence through practical personal development strategies. You can subscribe to her RSS Feed and also find her on Twitter at @kruby.

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43 Responses to “Whats On Your Vision Board?”

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  1. Phil Raby says:
    May 17, 2010 at 09:37

    Hi Karen

    Good idea! I’ve long had ambition lists but putting them into pictures would make it more real, somehow.
    Thanks for the link, too. Much appreciated. :)

    Phil

    Reply
  2. Mick Morris says:
    May 17, 2010 at 10:50

    Karen, vision boards are a great tool. Somewhere where you have to look at it EVERY day. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words!
    .-= Mick Morris´s last blog ..Connecting with their hearts not their heads! =-.

    Reply
  3. Mo "Mad Dog" Stoneskin says:
    May 17, 2010 at 13:10

    I don’t have a vision board as such, but I like the idea. One thing I do though is snap countless photos on my phone when scenes or environment stir me – so I end up with a little archive of things that I want to use, either explicitly or just to trigger creative thoughts and so on.
    .-= Mo “Mad Dog” Stoneskin´s last undefined ..Response cached until Mon 17 @ 14:06 GMT (Refreshes in 57 Minutes) =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 17, 2010 at 17:19

      Hi Mo,

      That’s great that you are already collecting the images, but how about printing some of the most motivational ones, along with other words, pictures and things that you want to do with your life and put them all in one spot where you can see it daily? Having the photos on the phone is okay, but what about those things that you want in your life but don’t see in your real life? Find those in magazines and then cut them out to put up on your vision board.

      Thanks,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  4. Jean Sarauer says:
    May 17, 2010 at 13:13

    This has been recommended in the coaching programs I’ve participated in, but I’ve never gotten around to making one up. I’m redoing my office soon, so that would be a good time to put one together and put it right in front of me. I really do believe it’s a good idea but good ideas don’t help me unless I implement them!
    .-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..Empire Building 101: Designing a Custom Content Strategy =-.

    Reply
  5. Jorgen Sundberg says:
    May 17, 2010 at 14:20

    I’ve recently started a proper list as well, should have done that months ago like you say but we live and learn I suppose!

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 17, 2010 at 17:23

      Hi Jorgen,

      Having a list is wonderful, but how about adding some pictures along with the list so that you can use the power of visualization and attraction to bring those items into your life? Plus, it will provide you with extra motivation seeing the items visually.

      Thanks,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  6. BrandonBurgh says:
    May 17, 2010 at 15:13

    Well, to answer your question Karen, what’s on my vision board?
    Nothing.
    What’s in my head…lots, however I do see the value in putting it into images with the vision board as you suggested.
    Ahhh…another project I should undertake. But one that will help keep the end in sight.

    Thanks for the info,
    Brandon
    .-= BrandonBurgh´s last blog ..Instant WordPress Training is LIVE! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 17, 2010 at 17:25

      Hi Brandon,

      Please do get those images out of your head and down on paper! :-)

      The exercise can take some time, but it doesn’t have to be done all in one day. Start collecting the images that you need and the materials and glue the images as you find them. It can be a work-in-progress project, but as continue you will find it to be a very motivational tool for your life.

      Thanks,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  7. Shirley Osei-Mensah says:
    May 17, 2010 at 16:22

    Very well said, Karen. I’ve also heard about the power that a visionary board has in bringing what you want into your life. I’ve heard of some success stories and to be honest I believe in it.

    I think it’s power of bringing what you want into your life is related to the law of attraction and the law of attraction is about thinking positive.

    So to make your visionary board to work for you, you need to think positive.

    Great article, Karen, keep up the good work :) .
    .-= Shirley Osei-Mensah´s last blog ..10 Tips For Marketing With Contests =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 17, 2010 at 17:28

      Welcome Shirley,

      You’ve got the first step done – your belief that a vision board actually works. Now, how about creating one for your life and bringing those items that you want into your life?

      While I don’t 100% endorse the LoA, this tool is one that I can endorse as it really works. I’ve seen it work in my own life and have heard it work in lots of other people’s lives. I know that it can work in yours, too.

      Thanks for stopping by,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  8. Joshua Black | Underdog Millionaire says:
    May 17, 2010 at 19:22

    Vision boards are so critical towards keeping your subconscious mind on task. When you can see what you really want with your own eyes it will help cement those ideas into reality much faster.

    -Joshua Black
    The Underdog Millionaire
    .-= Joshua Black | Underdog Millionaire´s last blog ..Ronnie James Dio’s Small Business Success Lesson =-.

    Reply
  9. Adrian Swinscoe says:
    May 17, 2010 at 19:33

    Hi Karen,
    I know that vision boards can work, particularly for visual people.

    It worked for me when I made one and is still working :)

    Adrian
    .-= Adrian Swinscoe´s last blog ..Looking for Value? =-.

    Reply
  10. Phil Raby says:
    May 17, 2010 at 19:57

    Vegas? You’ll end up losing all the money you’ve made. Or making lots more… ;)

    Reply
  11. Moon Hussain says:
    May 17, 2010 at 20:23

    A vision board sounds sexy, Karen! On a more serious note, I completely agree.
    .-= Moon Hussain´s last blog ..Check-Off Friday (4): Where I Am With My Goals (And Where The Hell Are You With Yours?!) =-.

    Reply
  12. Tom says:
    May 17, 2010 at 20:48

    This concept is interesting, because I’ve been doing it subconsciously. While I don’t have a vision board, I have moments when it is hard to pull through, when it is hard to be motivated. I just go give the kid a hug, well, not to the kids for the last two weeks, and I’m good to go, things are all in perspective.
    .-= Tom´s last blog ..Can Blind People See? =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 17, 2010 at 21:39

      Hi Tom,

      I know what you mean. Putting up pictures of your kids can be very motivating and provide you with a reason to continue your tasks.

      A vision board is different in that it houses things that you don’t already have but want to have in your life. It has to do with attracting that which you are focusing on into your life, plus provide you with the motivation to obtain those things, too. How about creating one and seeing if it motivates you, too?

      Thanks,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  13. theinfopreneur says:
    May 17, 2010 at 22:26

    Hey Karen,

    I use a vision board my wife calls it our dream board, It has a picture of the farm we want and my child’s school, cakes, stuff like that.

    Things that give us the feel of free.

    I have one in my head too and often go about the day as though I have achieved those exact things.

    Awesome advice and content here Karen
    .-= theinfopreneur´s last blog ..Are You a Digital Vagabond or Strategist ? =-.

    Reply
  14. Maria says:
    May 17, 2010 at 22:40

    I always had a vision board until I moved to another house four years ago. It was always prominent in my kitchen as thats where I spend most time. Think its time to pull it out, or start a new one. I always add inspirational quotes to my board and the pocket sized sentiment cards.

    Thanks Karen.
    .-= Maria´s last blog ..My Secret Mentor – Johnny Bravo =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 18, 2010 at 02:05

      Hi Maria,

      Oh, it’s definitely time to pull out your old vision board. Aren’t you interested to see what you have attracted into your life by now? Maybe it’s all complete and you’ll be able to create a new one based on your current life.

      Pocket sized inspirational quotes are also a great motivational tool.

      Thanks,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  15. Schmidty - Man Vs. Style says:
    May 18, 2010 at 04:25

    I think this is a great way to get realy inspiration as you are looking through for pictures etc. as well. Its like “wow…I could actually have this” We learn more through visual, so there is no reason why this wouldnt out do just thinking and dreaming about it.

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 18, 2010 at 04:54

      You’re right, Schmidty

      Not only is having a vision board motivational, but it’s also inspiring as you are going through your pictures and brochures to obtain the visuals that you want to attract into your life. Of course, it’s not all about consumerism but about visualizing and creating the life you’ve always wanted.

      Thanks for adding to the discussion,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  16. Alex says:
    May 18, 2010 at 06:09

    Fantastic follow up to the ideas post – you ideas woman you.
    I think the vision board is an integral part of the process of ‘dreaming big’ Like the power of writing things down, I can only imagine how much more empowering it would feel once your goals and dreams are ‘up in lights’ so to speak.
    NB: I love that even James’ vision board has CAKE on it. Does he realise cake is attainable now? or is there some sort of anti-gateaux movement happening in the British Isles at the moment?
    .-= Alex´s last blog ..How does your Blog Stackup? =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says:
      May 18, 2010 at 21:53

      Hi Alex,

      Thanks for the kind words. I try :-)

      Yes, it’s very empowering activity to search out for those things that you want to attain for your life and then have them up on the wall so that you have a constant reminder.

      I don’t know about that. Maybe there’s a shortage of cake in the UK ? :-)

      Thanks,
      Karen
      .-= Karen´s last blog ..The Next Step In Finding Meaning For Your Life =-.

      Reply
  17. Alex says:
    May 18, 2010 at 06:11

    My auntie took this concept one step further. She wanted to write a book so she created pics of her book with the ‘Oprah book club stamp on it’ as well as photoshopping herself into scenes portraying her future accolades (eg pic with Oprah holding her book etc)
    Granted she has not finished the book yet, but the idea is there and I love how she has taken her vision to new levels
    .-= Alex´s last blog ..How does your Blog Stackup? =-.

    Reply
  18. FitJerk - No BS Fitness says:
    May 18, 2010 at 06:44

    I don’t have a vision board, but I have an idea board. It’s a huge ass white board and near the top is a substantial, wide area reserved for one particular sentence. In big, red bold letters it reads:

    “DO I WANT A LAME LIFE?”

    This shit faces my bed… so guess what I see when I wake up every morning?

    Reply
  19. Julius says:
    May 18, 2010 at 20:45

    Other things we can include in our vision board are quotations we would find in our favorite sites and blogs. I don’t have a vision board yet, but I do have a handful of quotations I got from reading my favorite blogs.
    .-= Julius´s last blog ..Can Blind People See? =-.

    Reply
  20. Dev | Technshare says:
    May 25, 2010 at 09:51

    Hey Karen,
    Awesome..idea..!! Vision boards are a great tool.
    Btw.. Thanks for sharing this great post ;)

    Have a great day.

    Reply
  21. Create My Mind Movie says:
    November 11, 2010 at 02:00

    I love the idea of Vision Boards, because when else do we actually sit down and dream about what we want? Most of the time we don’t even go there, because we are scared that we may not achieve it or whatever.

    I think its really important to sit down and dream a little. How would you really like your life to be? In the way that you want it and not the way how other people think it should be!

    My vision board was so much fun to create and really set in stone for me, what was important. I have a big affirmation in the middle of it, stating my purpose in life and my mission in order to accomplish this along with all the wonderful things that I want to see in the world, the people that I want to meet, the successes I want to achieve and the type of lifestyle I will be living. It was seriously so much fun! I also pair this up with my digital vision board also known as a Mind Movie. This is like my vision board but much more comprehensive (I think I have included around 200 pictures) and also very powerful because the music and the whole movie gets me into the zone and into the feeling like I have already accomplished all the things in my mind movie.

    Regardless of any of the tools that you use, I think its important to sit down and think about what is important and spend time each day visualizing and getting into the feeling of it all =)

    Thank you for your amazing post! Vision boards rock on! haha

    Reply

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