What is a vision board?
A vision board is a physical or digital is a digital representation of your biggest dreams, goals, and audacious visions—the kind that feels almost impossible from where you stand today. Imagine someone stepping into the future, capturing your dream life in a snapshot, and bringing it back to inspire you.
It’s a collage of images, quotes, words, drawings, and anything else that represents the future you’re striving to create.
You might be thinking, "How can a collage of pictures change my life?" It might sound a little “woo-woo,” but let me tell you—there’s real science backing this magic.
I discovered this concept in 2010 when I read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. That book changed my life and has since become a favorite gift for friends, family, and even strangers. (Yes, I once gifted it to a young man who worked at the UPS store who I felt needed it!) If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy. It might just unlock the life you were meant to live along with creating a vision board.
Now, let’s dive in.
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Why Are Vision Boards So Effective?
Vision boards are guided visualization tools at their core, and visualization is a powerful technique proven by science. Studies show that imagining your goals as if they’ve already happened can shift your mindset and motivate your actions.
Even elite athletes use visualization to achieve success. They mentally rehearse every move and strategy before the big game. Visualization primes your brain, helping it align your actions with the future you envision.
One of my favorite quotes sums it up perfectly:
“Where the mind goes, the man will follow.” – Joyce Meyer
When you visualize your dreams and feel the emotions as if they’ve already come true, you attract the right people, opportunities, and circumstances needed to bring those dreams to life.
Before Moving Forward Reflect on the Past Year
Before you dive into your vision for your Dream Life & 2025 goals, take a moment to reflect on 2024. You need to celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and focus on what you’re grateful for.
Life will always have its ups and downs, but gratitude opens doors for new opportunities and growth.
Here are a few reflection prompts to get started:
- What am I most proud of this year?
- What challenges did I overcome?
- What lessons did I learn?
(Click here for more reflection prompts!)
Truly, feeling the “positive” from the prompts above VS focusing on what went wrong per se or what you didn’t accomplish. Getting into a positive/gratitude mindset for what you currently have gets you into a state to manifest your DREAM LIFE!!
How Vision Boards and Goal Setting Work Together
When you consistently visualize an outcome, your subconscious mind encourages you to act in alignment with that vision. It’s like your brain is working to match your internal reality with your external life. It is also putting energy into the universe to attract what you desire. Imagine you are a human transmitter putting thoughts ( energy) into the universe ( Like A TV station). You are projecting your own movie (life) you desire, that is in your heart.
Here’s the key: it’s not just about the pictures you choose; it’s about the feelings they evoke. Close your eyes and imagine your dream life:
- What does it feel like?
- What does your day-to-day look like?
- Who are you in that life?
Let’s say your dream is to become a business owner. Ask yourself:
- How does “business owner you” start the day?
- What does she wear?
- What skills does she have?
- What activities fill her calendar?
Now, set small, actionable personal goals that support this vision that you can control.
- Wake up at 7 AM daily.
- Spend 15 minutes each morning reading or listening to a podcast.
- Get ready each day as if you’re stepping into that business owner role.
Pro tip: Dress for the part you’re working toward, even if it feels out of place now. Years ago, I dressed like a corporate leader even though my job didn’t require it. People laughed, but I wasn’t dressing for them—I was dressing for my dream. And guess what? That dream came true. Just to paint it clear for you I could have worn jeans every day, but instead, I wore pantsuits, dresses, and heels. You can apply the same intention to manifest YOUR dreams even if you work from home. Get up and “dress the part.” It’s about putting the energy out into the universe.
How to Make a Vision Board for Manifesting Your Goals & Dream Life
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Reflect on Your Goals
Start by thinking about what you want to achieve in different areas of your life: - Career
- Relationships
- Health
- Finances
- Write down your biggest dreams and get clear on what really matters to you.
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Gather Your Materials for a physical vision board
You’ll need a foam board, magazines, scissors, glue, tape and maybe some printed images. Don’t stress about perfection—this is about what inspires you! -
Visualize and Feel
Choose images, quotes, and words that align with your goals. Focus on how they make you feel. If you want to own a business, find images of entrepreneurs, products, or even your dream workspace for an example. If its money in the bank to purchase a home, car, etc) write a check for the amount. I used The Secret blank check and printed it out. -
Assemble Your Board
Arrange your pieces in a way that feels right to you. Remember, there’s no “right way” to create a vision board—it’s all about what resonates with you. -
Keep It Visible
Place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it regularly, like near your desk or in your bedroom.
. Now remember, if you would prefer to do one digitally that works too!! There is NO right or wrong!!
If you’re good with anyone seeing your board you can even create one on Pinterest or of course, make it private if you would like.
Once you’ve finished show it to people you trust. They may see something missing or they may see something they can help you accomplish. Above all, they can cheer you on!
Finally, How to Manifest Using Your Vision Board
You might be wondering, “What’s next? How do I actually use it to make my dreams a reality?”
Let’s break it down into a simple, effective, and consistent practice that you can enjoy every day.
How to Visualize Using Your Vision Board
The approach I take is little different from the traditional “look at everything daily” method. Instead, I like to get specific. Here’s how:
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Pause and Observe
Take a moment to really look at your vision board at least weekly. Notice which image, word, or quote is calling your attention.. Trust your intuition—it’s often a clue about what’s resonating most with you at that moment. -
Focus and Reflect
Choose the image or element that stands out. Spend a minute observing it closely. Let’s say it’s an image of a home on the water. Picture every detail—the smell, breeze, colors, perhaps hearing the water. Or Let’s say it’s a certain car - the color, your hands on the steering wheel. You get the idea. -
Create Your Story
Close your eyes and place yourself in the scene. Imagine that goal is now your reality. What does your life feel like? What are you doing? Who is with you? Engage all your senses. Smell the air, hear the sounds, feel the textures around you. The more vivid the story, the stronger the impact on your brain. -
Breathe and Anchor the Feeling
Take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, and exhale slowly. Open your eyes, letting that feeling of accomplishment and joy stay with you. Really smile from your heart.
This exercise isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling and immersing yourself in the experience. Visualization becomes a tool to rewire your brain and align your energy with the goals you’re working toward. It’s about giving off the energy and vibration to attract it to you.
Building a Visualization Routine
To get the most out of your vision board, consistency is key. Here are a few tips to create a routine:
- Daily/weekly Check-In: Aim to connect with your vision board at least weekly. I have mine sitting out so that I “see it” … however, I “connect with it” weekly.
- Be Flexible: If you’re short on time, even 2–3 minutes of focused visualization can make a difference.
- Make It Enjoyable: Turn this practice into something you look forward to, like a mini mental escape or meditation. It should make you smile from your heart.
The magic of your vision board lies not just in the pictures but in the belief and emotion you bring to them. With time, you’ll see the incredible power of visualization unfold.
We would LOVE for you to share your boards with us.
If you’re comfortable sharing, we’d love to see your vision boards! Tag us on social media and inspire others to dream big, too.
Tracey Vlahos, President of Wellness Education & Community IG
Paige Hope, Founder Elan Pure IG
