Creating a Vision Board

Anytime we are going through a life change or transition, be that a health journey, a new job or career, starting a family, training for a race or just the beginning of a new year or season, taking time to pause and think about our vision for that life phase can be a super helpful exercise. It gives us an opportunity to slow things down and really think about what we want this next phase to look like and what our values are around it. Many successful and influential people, including Oprah and Beyonce report creating vision boards at some point in their careers.

The Why:

Why is visioning important

It pulls us towards what we want vs. pushing or forcing us
- “If you are working on something really exciting, that you really care about, you don’t need to be pushed, the vision pulls you’ - Steve Jobs
- A lot of life’s transitions can feel like we are running away from something. Especially with regards to health journey’s we are often running away from something, we want some sort of symptom relief. But since health really exists on a continuum, sometimes without a defined end point, a vision can be something that pulls us a long on that journey and the emphasis is on what we want, not what we don’t want.
It anchors us when we get distracted or discouraged
- Again, a strong vision functions as our anchor. Health journey’s are often vary variable, with lots of ups and downs and set backs and times that make us feel like we’re back at the beginning. Our vision keeps us focused on the goal and moving forward.
It allows us to identify our values
- Having our values highlighted on a vision board helps remind us what we hold dear and what is important to us. This allows us to make calm, confident decisions in life, health, careers and social circles because when we hold opportunities or options up to this vision we can tell quickly wether or not those options align.
It is less rigid and allows more room for fate/chance/God/the universe, variable timelines, non-linear progress, changing your mind and changing course than resolutions or specific goals
- Whatever your spiritual beliefs may be, life is unpredictable and health journeys especially can follow non-linear paths and are influenced by a multitude of factors. Having a vision doesn’t keep us stuck in one straight line but rather creates guard rails for us on a larger path while allowing for the unexpected.

The How:

Different ways to create a vision board.

There is really no right way to make a vision board. Make it yours! Your creativity is the only limiter!

Choose your medium
- Magazines and poster board - the most common way we’ve heard of to do vision boards is by gathering several magazines and poster board and sitting down with your scissors & glue. This makes the experience really tactile and can be a really calming activity. With a physical board like this, you could also incorporate stickers, drawings and pictures.
- Digital - Lately, a lot of people have transitioned to making digital vision boards which can be a really convenient option. There are several ways to do this.
  - Word doc and pictures off google
  - Canva has a lot of free templates and free images integrated, I love adding powerful words, affirmations and/or quotes to my vision board as well and Canva makes it easy to incorporate them.
  - You can also make a Pinterest board!
- Journaling - If you’re a writer, simply journaling your vision or choosing specific words, phrases and quotes that embody your vision may feel the most meaningful to you.
- Sticky notes - Some times putting your vision onto some sticky notes and sticking them on your mirror is simple, quick and does the trick! It doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective, do what works for you!
Set the Scene
- Take the time to set the scene. I use the term ‘positive neurotags’ a lot with clients and patients. This means sensory stimuli that cues your brain that you are safe and supported to just be. This might be dim lighting, a candle, music you enjoy, a tasty meal or surrounded by friends and good conversation.
Get started and create!
- Let your inhibitions down and be creative. This is an opportunity to use that side of our brain most of us don’t get to exercise very often and it can be so therapeutic.
Circle back and check in at regular intervals
- Every 3-6 months check back in with this vision.
  - How are you doing with aligning your actions to your vision?
  - Is what was important to you then, still important to you now?
  - Have you manifested anything on that board?
  - What resistance or challenges have you experienced to realizing your vision?