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Vision Boards - Why You Should Use Them to Manifest Your Goals

Writer's picture: Dena BDena B

Updated: Jan 9


Vision Board New Years

Creating a vision board can be one of the most empowering practices I’ve adopted in my life. As the New Year approaches, I find myself reflecting on my passions, dreams, and the goals I want to make happen.


Vision boards aren’t just for the start of a new year; they can be powerful tools for any new project or chapter in your life.


Whether you want to kickstart a fitness journey, launch a creative venture, or improve your relationships, visualizing your dreams can set you on a clear path to success.


 

In this post, I’ll share insights into the psychology behind vision boards, their role in motivation, and tips for using them all year long. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and let’s get into it...


The Psychology Behind Vision Boards


At its core, a vision board is a collection of images, quotes, and affirmations representing our goals and aspirations. Psychology supports the idea that visualization can enhance performance and boost motivation. When we visualize our dreams, our brain treats those images as real experiences, triggering emotions associated with our success.


This phenomenon is known as mental imagery. Research indicates that mental imagery can improve performance in athletic activities by up to 45%. This is why vision boards can be effective—they create a tangible representation of our dreams, bridging the gap between wishing and achieving.


Vision Board Planning
Dena's 2025 Vision Board

As I work on my vision board this year, I find that the process itself is incredibly rewarding. I'm returning to school for a second graduate program, I still work full-time as a healthcare executive, and -- oh hey--- I'm still a mom to younger kids and a wife to an ER physician.


I need this to help me focus without feeling overwhelmed. Can you relate?


I sift through my aspirations, clarify what I genuinely want, and turn abstract goals into concrete plans. This isn’t just about cutting out pretty pictures; it’s about crafting a visual roadmap to my future.


 

Setting Intentions and Goals


While vision boards are often linked to lofty dreams, they are equally valuable for setting specific, actionable goals. For instance, if I aim to improve my fitness, including images of healthy meals and workout routines keeps my focus aligned with my goals.


Research shows that setting specific goals can increase performance by 20-25% compared to vague aspirations.


I like to keep my vision board simple, and limit my goals to about 10-12 things for a year. I encourage you to do the same. That way, you don't get bogged down in overwhelm -- trying to juggle too many things.


Clear intentions encourage us to focus on what truly matters. Instead of wandering through life scatterbrained, you become more balanced by designating areas you want to enhance. By including these elements on my board, you remind yourself daily to head in that direction.


As you consider crafting your own vision board, I encourage you to reflect on your objectives. What areas in your life do you wish to amplify? How would you like to improve? Write down your thoughts—getting them out of your head and onto paper ignites action.


 

How to Vision Board

Crafting Your Vision Board


Now, let's get into the essential steps for creating an effective vision board. Here’s how I approach the process:


Step 1: Gather Inspiration


Start by collecting inspiration from various sources such as magazines, books, Pinterest, and meaningful quotes. This part is a joyful exploration, scouting for visuals that capture my aspirations.


Step 2: Create a Dedicated Space


Once I’ve compiled my collection, I select a space for my vision board. This could be an actual board, a large sheet of paper, or a digital format. Make it a location you’ll see often; increased visibility means greater inspiration!


Step 3: Layout Design


Next, I arrange the collected images and quotes into a layout that feels right. Some prefer a collage style, while others lean toward a more organized approach. I find that a mix of chaos and order works best for me; it keeps things lively yet understandable.


Step 4: Affirmations


Don’t forget to add affirmations—words that encourage and uplift. Affirmations reinforce positivity and help counteract any self-doubt that may arise as I pursue my goals.


Step 5: Display and Review


Finally, I display the finished product in a prominent spot. It serves as a constant reminder of my aspirations. I commit to reviewing and updating my board several times a year to ensure it evolves as my goals do.


 

Not Just for New Years


Creating vision boards isn’t just a New Year’s activity; it’s vital throughout all life’s changes. Whether you're starting a new hobby, relationship, or career shift, visualizing your goals helps keep your vision focused.


By making new boards as life progresses, we capture fresh aspirations, adapt to changes, and continually inspire ourselves. Think about it: the excitement of a new project can also be daunting. A vision board at the outset serves as reassurance that you not only have dreams but also a clear vision for making them happen.


  1. Situations that Call for Vision Boards


    1. Personal Development: If you want to develop new habits or improve self-care practices, a vision board can outline your commitments to yourself.


    2. Fitness Goals: Planning for a marathon or wanting to feel healthier? A visual representation of your fitness journey can keep you motivated.


    3. Travel Plans: Dreaming about adventures? A board filled with destinations and experiences can fuel your wanderlust.


    4. Career Changes: If you're shifting fields, a vision board can motivate you to acquire the necessary skills.


    5. Creative Projects: Whether it’s writing a book or starting a new craft, images that inspire can jumpstart your creativity.


VISION BOARD
Dena's 2025 Vision Board

What’s Your Dream?


As I wrap up this post, I want to challenge you to think about what you want to manifest this year. What goals are you pursuing? What changes or accomplishments are calling to you?


I encourage you to harness this powerful tool to bring your dreams to life. If you find yourself needing support, reach out. As a coach, I’d love to partner with you to clarify your vision, set meaningful goals, and provide encouragement every step of the way.



 



Dena Bradford OKC


I hope you found this exploration of vision boards both informative and inspiring! Remember that the power to create your dream life lies within you—let's set it in motion!

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