How to Make a Vision Board: A Beginner’s Guide
Vision board is images and words that relate to something you want to achieve or just something to keep in mind. Whether your vision board is made out of paper and magazines or on a device like a phone/tablet/computer.
It’s a great tool to help you focus on what you want and keep in mind to work towards it. It will not make your goal come true. Just know that its a way for you to visualize what you want.
Here are some tips on how to make a vision board and what to put on it.
I feel that a vision board is something to focus on—not to know what you are going to have but rather something that helps you visualize what you want and take that one step towards it.
Key takeaways
- Vision boards allow you to gather pictures, phrases, and things that inspire you about your goals.
- Have some things that you want to prioritize and an action that is attainable.
- Display your vision board where you can see it and add/change items as your priorities may change.
- Having a vision board will not automatically achieve your goals.
What is a vision board?
It can consist of anything you want. It can be pictures of things you want to accomplish in life, whether it’s a drawing or even words/phrases that you want to keep in mind.
It can be to pursue a career that you may want to switch to or maybe to have more free time. Traveling, working out, family, hobbies—the possibilities are endless. It can be one thing or multiple.
Many people use vision boards as a form of spirituality or manifesting their goals. Some may view it as just having a fun activity to reach their goals.
There is no right or wrong when making your vision board. Having pictures and words on it won’t force life to happen for you. But if you can relate an image to a step you can take towards that goal, that’s great. Maybe you found an image that inspires you to learn how to play the guitar. Add “Play the guitar” to your vision board.
Before you begin: choose a purpose
Think of why you want to make a vision board. Have some things that you want to focus on. Don’t try to have everything in the world that you want on your vision board. It can be motivating, but with too many things to focus on, have a purpose in mind when making your vision board.
Some questions you can ask yourself are:
- What do I want to focus my time on?
- What are my goals?
- How can I work towards my goals in the near future?
- What steps can I take?
- What is one thing I can do to work towards that goal?
Once you have those things figured out, begin to make your vision board. It doesn’t have to be everything that you want in life. Maybe just focus on one thing, such as work or school. You can make a vision board that focuses on different things you want to achieve, but just don’t have too many things on it.
The National Institute on Aging’s goal-setting worksheet can help you write down short- and long-term goals. Or, simply jot your ideas in a notebook.
What to put on a vision board
Find things that will remind you of your goal(s). Here are some examples:
- Images: Photos, illustrations, or pictures from magazines.
- Words: Short phrases, quotes, values, or reminders that matter to you.
- Specific goals: A course you want to complete or a place you hope to visit.
- Actions: Steps you can take, such as “email the adviser” or “walk after lunch.”
- A time frame: A month, season, or year when you plan to review your goals.
You want to find things that you can relate to. If you want to be outside more, find a picture of somewhere you enjoy going. It doesn’t have to be something that looks amazing.
The same goes for the words/phrases you add to your vision board. “Be Happy” can be a good phrase, but can you do something to help you be happier? Based on your situation, it could be something like “See doctor,” “Call friends,” or “Go for a walk.”
Remember that your vision board is not going to make life happen for you. You can always change your goals as well.
How to make a vision board step by step
1. Pick a time frame
Choose a time period you’d like to use your vision board for: months or even a year. Having a time period will allow you to think about steps you can take in the short term, or a longer period can allow you to dream bigger.
Some goals may not have a deadline—goals that you may want to focus on daily or throughout your life. Spending more time with family or becoming more artistic are examples.
2. Choose one to five priorities
List your goals or things you would like your vision board to encompass. You should be able to remember all of these items.
Questions you can ask yourself about each goal:
- Why do I want this?
- What can I do to help this happen?
- What steps can I take this week?
- What obstacles may I encounter?
By doing this, you’re starting to develop a plan for how to achieve your goals. When trying to change your diet and eat healthier, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests planning, having goals you can achieve, monitoring your progress, and overcoming barriers. Use these tips when creating your vision board, no matter what goals you have.
3. Gather your materials
Materials you can use for a vision board include, but are not limited to:
- Poster board, cork board, or a piece of paper
- Magazines, photos (you can print out), or your own pictures
- Scissors and glue/tape or tacks
- Markers/pens/stickies
You can also make your vision board digitally. You can use PowerPoint, a Word document, or even just collect images in one place. Just make sure you know if you can use certain images and what you’re allowed to do with them if you plan to share or sell your vision board.
These are just suggestions. You can use anything that inspires you, even a piece of notebook paper.
4. Find images and words
Pull out any images that relate to your goals: photos, colors, icons, words—anything that can represent what you want to accomplish.
Remember to think about why you want to include this image on your vision board. If there’s no reason you can think of why you’d want to put it on there, then maybe it’s not something you need to focus on.
5. Arrange the board
Once you have your images placed where you think they’ll look good, maybe start with the biggest thing you want to accomplish first. Group items that go together: work, education, relationships, etc.
Make sure to leave space on your vision board. It doesn’t have to be filled to the brim. Make it something that you can enjoy looking at.
6. Add an action beside each major goal
This is what will help you with the question, “How do I make a vision board?” Remember that a vision board will not do the hard work for you. Make sure to write something you can do to achieve each of your big goals.
| Vision-board idea | A practical next step |
|---|---|
| Learn a new skill | Find one beginner class or free lesson |
| Spend more time outside | Choose a day and walk for 15 minutes |
| Change careers | List three roles to research |
| Take a trip | Check travel dates and set a savings target |
| Make more time for friends | Send a message to arrange a catch-up |
Make them small. Small enough for you to start doing. If something seems too large, you can always modify your actions later on.
7. Put the board somewhere useful
Have it visible but out of your way. On a computer, you can make it a background or just keep it where you will be able to access it.
Don’t stare at it all day. Just use it as a reminder and get to your next action.
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8. Review and update it
Look at your vision board after some time has passed. A couple of months, maybe? See what you’ve been doing and if there are any updates you need to make to your board.
Stick with what you like and cross off what you don’t. It’s not a bad thing to update your vision board. It’s all about creating a vision that works for you.
How to make a vision board online
Having your vision board digitally allows you to edit it and have it on the go. There are many ways to make a digital vision board, such as using a design program, PowerPoint, or even Word. As long as it’s a collection of pictures and notes, it’ll work.
Here are some tips for your online vision board:
- Use whatever you feel comfortable working with.
- Open up a blank page or collage.
- Give it a name or timeline.
- Put pictures and/or words and goals on it.
- Include an action step under your goals.
- Save your vision board where you’ll be able to find it.
- Update when necessary.
How to make a vision board on Canva
Once in Canva, you can create a new design and select the size you want. If you want your vision board to be a collage, pick a template or just start from scratch. Insert your images, quotes, and graphics. Once you have everything added, group them together into a few different categories.
Your board can be made to print out or to have as wallpaper on your phone/computer. Just make sure you follow the guidelines if using a template or images. It can be helpful to have your images bigger with less text.
How to make a vision board on Pinterest
Pinterest is another option to use to compile your vision board. You can make a board (make it private if you want) and pin all of the images you want. Then you can write about what those images mean to you and how they align with your priorities.
You may end up pinning a lot of images to your board so you may want to review what you pinned before considering it your vision board.
Make a vision board online free
There are many options to make a vision board online for free. You can even use a word processing program on your device, or make a folder of pictures and write down what you want.
Depending on the website, there may be paid options available. Check their policies and features before making a decision. There is no need to spend money to create your vision board.
How to make a vision board on iPhone or iPad
Use an app on your iPhone or iPad that allows you to create collages or design something. You can also use a note-taking app or picture editor. Add your images and words to the page and save it as your vision board, or set it as a wallpaper.
This is similar to making a vision board on your computer. Make it readable if you will be using it as a background, or save images and list what you want to do with them in a note.
How to make a vision board on Google Docs
Open up a new document on Google Docs and make a chart of your goals. You can insert images and type what you want to do to reach your goal. You can also make a list of what you want with different headings and colors.
If you want to make a more traditional-looking vision board, this may not be your best option. But you can still use it as a goal sheet.
How to make a vision board for manifestation
Many people like to include their spiritual beliefs when making a vision board. You can write or include pictures of what you would like to manifest. Just understand that these are things you hope for.
You can include statements such as “I desire a career I love,” and list what you want to do to obtain that career. You can believe that you are manifesting and still accept that other factors come into play, such as other people having to hire you, financial status, illness, etc.
Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get what you were hoping for on your vision board. Things may not always work out in our favor, and that’s okay.
The site’s guides to visualization and manifestation and money goals and manifestation discuss intentions without treating them as guarantees of an outcome.
What can make a vision board more useful?
You can use your vision board to your advantage by keeping your mind focused on what you can control. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Have clear goals. If you know what you want, it will be easier to come up with next steps.
- Break it down into small actions. Take the first step towards reaching your goal.
- Write down what you’ve done. You can add notes to your vision board or create a checklist.
- Think of roadblocks. What will you do if your plan doesn’t work out?
- Revisit your board. As you accomplish goals or want to change directions, you can update your board.
- Understand you can’t control everything. There may be things that prevent you from reaching your goal, but you can still work towards i
Create an if/then statement. “If I have 20 minutes after work, then I will complete my first lesson.” You give yourself a trigger to take action.
Having a vision board will not magically bring things into your life, but it can remind you of what you want to do.
What a vision board cannot do
Your vision board will not guarantee that you will meet your significant other, get that job you want, or become healthier. It will not make you a certain amount of money or force others to do what you want.
If someone tells you they can help you manifest money or love, they are probably trying to sell you something. You can use your vision board as a tool to think about what you want and take action.
If you have health-related goals on your vision board, know that a vision board will not cure you of anything. You can have goals to sleep more, but that won’t help if you have insomnia. The CDC’s sleep information offers general information about sleep habits, including keeping a consistent schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment.
Common vision-board mistakes
Adding too many goals
Try not to cram too many goals onto your vision board. Pick what you want to achieve and add to your board as needed.
Choosing images only because they look impressive
Just because a picture looks pretty doesn’t mean you want it. Make sure it goes along with your priorities.
Forgetting the next step
Have a goal you want to achieve and think of one step you can take to get there, or something you need to find out to help you achieve your goal.
Expecting fast results
Not everything will happen right away. Some things take time to work out, and that’s okay. Don’t get discouraged if your vision board isn’t showing results.
Keeping a board that no longer fits
As mentioned above, your vision board should evolve as you do. You can always remove things and add new things to your vision board.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make my first vision board?
Decide what you want to achieve and add images and words that go along with those goals. Print it out or make it on your phone/computer. Add things you can do to reach your goal and display it somewhere you can see.
What should I include on my vision board?
Pictures, words and things that inspire you to reach your goals. Make sure your goals are attainable and you know what you can do to achieve them.
Do vision boards work?
They can work if you use them to your advantage. Have goals you can reach and think of what you can do to reach them.
How often should I look at my vision board?
Whenever you want to. Some people may look at their vision board once a week or month. Or when they need to decide on their next step.
Can I change my vision board?
Absolutely! Your vision board is yours to do as you please.
Allow your vision board to evolve with you. Maintain what you enjoy and delete what doesn’t suit you. Have action steps that are within your control. This will allow your vision board to be a tool rather than something you have to follow.
Conclusion
Create your vision board by picking a couple of things you want. Find pictures or quotes that go along with those items and include some action steps. Display it somewhere you can look at it.
Your vision board should be something you use to gain clarity and help decide on actions you want to take. Don’t box yourself into what your vision board tells you.
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