Creating vision board to ignite your dreams

Think of your vision board as a visual blueprint for your future by carefully selecting images, affirmations, and symbols that reflect your goals to create a tangible reminder of where you’re headed. JOSEPHINE OGUNDEJI writes

As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2024, Adebanjo Adeyemi sat alone in his modest apartment, overwhelmed by uncertainties of the coming year. He had spent the past twelve months job-hunting, battling rejection after rejection, and watching his peers seemingly move ahead in life. The fear of starting another year with no clear direction felt suffocating. “What do I do now?” he whispered to himself.

Determined not to let another year slip by, Samuel decided to try something different to change the trajectory of his life.

He had recently read an article about vision boards and how they could help turn dreams into reality. Sceptical but desperate for a change, he decided to give it a shot. That weekend, Samuel bought a piece of cardboard, gathered old magazines, and printed out images from the internet. With scissors and glue in hand, he sat down to design his future.

As he began cutting out pictures and printed words, Samuel found himself reflecting on his goals, both the small and big ones. Each image he selected seemed to bring a piece of his vision to life, from career success to personal growth. The act of choosing those pictures felt like a form of commitment, a promise he was making to himself. He began to see that this wasn’t just about pasting images on a board; it was about aligning his thoughts, intentions, and actions with the future he wanted to create.

Vision board

A vision board isn’t just a collage; it is your personal treasure map, with each image, word, or affirmation marking a step toward the life you’ve always wanted. It is a canvas where your dreams, big or small, come alive, painted with the bold strokes of ambition and the fine details of self-discovery.

Creating a vision board isn’t just about sticking pictures on paper. It’s about igniting the spark within you, daring to imagine what’s possible, and aligning your energy with your deepest desires. It’s a journey of crafting your life’s masterpiece—one inspiring image at a time. Let it remind you, every day, of where you’re headed and the magic you carry to get there.

According to betterup.com, vision boards are collections of images, drawings, and other visuals arranged together to represent your goals and ambitions. Each one is an inspiration board that can help clarify your aspirations so you can manifest your vision. Also called a goal board or dream board, this collection of images can be physical or digital.

Vision boards are highly versatile tools. You can use them as a manifestation method for your personal or professional goals. Vision boards focus on creating a visual representation of a personal vision statement. They’re perfect for helping you imagine the specifics of your life.

“How far ahead your vision board should look is up to you. You can create a vision board for the year ahead or one that considers long-term goals like your five-year plan,” it stated.

According to Oprah Daily, take a moment for self-reflection to identify what truly matters to you. Focus on one or two key areas of your life you want to change, and consider the words or emotions these changes bring up. Then, decide if your vision board should represent short-term or long-term goals.

It added, “To make your vision board work, put it somewhere you can see it. The trick is to make sure any words you use are short and the images you choose are vivid, attractive, and glossy so your vision board regularly catches your eye. Once you’re done, put the vision board in a place that’s within your regular line of sight, your nightstand, your home office, or even by your television, because the key is to look at it as often as possible.”

How to create your vision board

Clarify your vision: Before you begin, take time to reflect on your goals. Journaling is an excellent way to gain clarity and define what you truly desire. Write down your dreams, your aspirations, and even the obstacles you may be facing. Think about the key areas of your life—career, health, relationships, personal growth, and finances—and how you want to see them evolve. This exercise helps bring your vision into focus and sets a strong foundation for your vision board. Knowing your intentions not only guides the selection of images and words but also ensures that your vision board reflects your deepest values and what you truly want to manifest in your life. By being intentional and specific, you are more likely to create a board that resonates with you and serves as a powerful tool in manifesting your goals.

Choose your medium: Decide whether you want a physical, digital, or portable vision board. You could use foam board, corkboard, a journal, or even apps like Canva or Pinterest for a flexible and updateable option.

Gather materials: Collect images, printed words, and crafting materials that represent your goals. This might include magazine clippings, personal photos, stickers, markers, or even fabric scraps.

Select your images and words: Choose visuals that inspire and represent your goals—vacation spots, career milestones, or health achievements. Add motivating words or affirmations that resonate with you.

Arrange and secure your vision board: Arrange your materials in a way that excites and inspires you. Prioritise important goals at eye level and layer your elements creatively. Secure everything with glue, pins, or tape.

Place your vision board where you will see it: Put your vision board in a location you’ll see daily, above your desk, by your bed, or on your fridge—to keep your goals top of mind.

Update regularly: As your goals evolve, so should your board. Replace old images with new ones and celebrate achievements by moving them to a victory board.

Share your vision: Sharing your vision board with a supportive friend or partner can help hold you accountable and foster deeper connections.

Start fresh when necessary: As your life and goals shift, feel free to create a new board to reflect your evolving vision.

A report by JackCanField noted that vision boards, also known as a “goal board” or “dream board,” act as a compass to keep you moving in the direction of your dreams, no matter what is happening in the world around you.

When you make your vision board and display it where you can see it every day, it helps remind you of the bigger picture and what your ultimate purpose in life is.

On the benefit of vision boarding, it stated, “Images convey a huge amount of complex information to our brains in an instant. This is what makes vision boards so powerful.

“By representing our life goals and desired future in such an impactful way, vision boards activate our subconscious mind to make decisions that support our top priorities.

“They also make it easier for us to identify the resources in our environment that will help us make real progress toward our dreams.”

According to a leading coach, Dr. Oleg Konovalov, vision is a vehicle for change while presenting a destination for those who are not satisfied with a hopeless present.

Speaking on the manifestation of her vision board in 2024, Chief Executive Officer, Money Africa, Tosin Olaseinde, said a vision without action is just a dream.

She said, “Your goals deserve more than paper; they deserve a plan. Now it’s the time to make it real. Your dreams aren’t too big, your goals aren’t out of reach, and it’s all about taking the first step and staying consistent.”

Creating a vision board is a powerful tool for manifesting your goals and aspirations. It serves as a visual representation of your dreams, providing both clarity and direction. By carefully selecting images, words, and symbols that resonate with your personal vision, you create a tangible roadmap for your future. The process of assembling a vision board encourages introspection, helping you define what truly matters to you and prioritise the areas of life you want to transform.

A vision board not only sparks motivation but also reinforces your commitment to achieving your goals. It allows you to focus on what is most important and keep your dreams visible, making them feel more attainable. The act of regularly revisiting and updating your vision board helps maintain a sense of purpose and direction, particularly as your goals evolve over time. Whether you opt for a physical board, a digital one, or a combination of both, having a place where your aspirations are clearly displayed keeps them at the forefront of your daily thoughts.

Moreover, vision boards are versatile and can be tailored to various aspects of life, career, health, relationships, personal development, and more. They help you visualise both short-term milestones and long-term dreams, with specific benchmarks making it easier to track progress. A vision board also serves as a tool for accountability, whether by sharing it with a supportive friend or partner or by reflecting on it alone.

In essence, creating a vision board is not just about putting images on a board; it’s about aligning your thoughts, actions, and energy towards manifesting your desired future. It reminds you of your potential, helping you stay focused, motivated, and inspired as you turn your dreams into reality.