It all starts with a dream. Or a thought. Yet another addition to our mental to do list. Everything that we really want out of life starts out small. But it’s so easy to let these goals and instincts disappear into the ether when we are busy with the task at hand, which is often the monotony and madness of daily life.
So why not try something visual to get what you really want out of life out into the open, into the world, one step closer to becoming a reality? Whether it’s a new career goal, a trip abroad or a new fashion venture – add it to your vision board.
The concept is part of a method of “manifestation” that is a favourite of the queen herself, Oprah. It's also rooted in Law of Attraction philosophy, according to Psychology Today: “the idea that your mode of thinking directly affects what the universe gives you”.
It’s basically a mood board, but instead of for interiors or aesthetics it’s for you to dream up your life direction in a visual way. Think pictures and visual aids for the things you want most, all arranged together on one beautiful poster or board.
Disclaimer: It’s been argued that encouraging people to apply these thought processes to things like our finances would not be helpful, as much more specific, tailored advice is needed for these areas that are harder to control through visualising alone.
However, when it comes to making sense of your life goals, putting those desires out into the world as tangible thoughts and then pursuing them, we are totally here for it.
Here’s a guide to using a vision board the right way, to begin your journey towards the things you want most in life.
How do I make a vision board?
You can create your vision board either digitally on paper, but above all think of it as a visual representation of the things you want.
If you’re doing it digitally, you can use Pinterest or graphic design platform Canva, or just a good old piece of A3 paper (or larger) if you’re going analogue. Next, find your resources. Scour the internet, books, magazines, anywhere that sparks inspiration.
If you’re thinking about a career change, find images and information that you feel represents that dream, and whack it on the board. If you can’t stop thinking about visiting a certain country, search out the best pictures that encapsulate your travel goals.
It’s important to also remember that you don’t need to focus on “things” you want out of life, it might be how you want to feel. Find images and visual representations of those feelings and put them on the board.
Once you’re done, display it somewhere where you will look at it often. This will help you to internalise where you’d like to be headed, and motivate you to make that happen, instead of it feeling really far off because it’s just a little thought sapling in your brain.
Most importantly, your vision board can very much be a work in progress, meaning you can update it as your goals and plans for the future change.
Who uses vision boards?
As we mentioned, the lady herself Oprah is a big advocate of vision boards. While she now feels that she is so adept at manifesting that she doesn’t need to make them anymore, she broke down her top tips on how to make one during an interview about her 2018 film A Wrinkle In Time.
Once you’ve put a goal/affirmation or dream on your vision board, it’s important to “let it go, and not think about it every day,” she says, because “it doesn’t come to you that way”.
Acknowledging what you want and putting it in the universe is important, but so is giving yourself space from the pressure. “You can’t want it so much that you fear you won’t get it,” she adds.
And above all, it’s all about being ready for the opportunity: “Prepare yourself to be there and ready when it shows up.”
An increasing number of women are taking to the Internet to sing the praises of vision boards, for helping them anchor themselves and putting them on the right path towards the things they want. Haley Fountain, a nutrition coach, recently took to Instagram to explain how vision boards have changed things for her.
“I have already manifested so many amazing things in my life, and this vision board gives me the imagery to visualize and embody the thoughts, feelings, emotions & actions that I need to create my dream life,” she says.
“If you want to be healthier, happier, more productive, a better partner, a better friend… if you want to travel more, find or create your dream occupation, find love – it all starts with a thought.
“Thoughts create words which become actions. Actions create habits which create your character/personality. Your character and personality create your personal reality. Basically, your thoughts produce your destiny.”
