How to create a kickass vision board
From 2004 – 2014, I led an annual wishboard (aka vision board) workshop in Los Angeles. Though the number of women who showed up varied each year, a core group became regular attendees. We all looked forward to our one evening together in August when we would find, cut, and paste our hearts’ desires from scores of photos and words found in our favorite magazines. We would eat snacks, drink wine, and share stories. We would read articles aloud and look at bizarre pictures. We would ask each other did X happen — something we had put on our board the prior year. Most of all, we supported one another in our pursuit of happiness. For those of you who are not aware of what a vision board is, here is an overview along with some examples to illustrate particular points.
What is a vision board?
A vision board aka wishboard is a visual representation of what you want for your life.
Is there a right way to do a vision board?
In my opinion, no. Do what feels right for you. Some people like including a photo of themselves on their boards, but that is a choice. Also, you may do your board on poster board, canvas, or any material that works for you. One of my clients, who is an artist, created her vision board on a square cotton canvas.
However, be specific with the words and images you put on your vision board to ensure maximum success. For example, my friend Sandra is the vision board queen. After she ended her first marriage, she moved to Los Angeles. She was super excited to attend my annual vision board night. She told everyone she was looking for the word divorce. She had filed, but her husband, who was living in Atlanta, had not signed the papers yet. They did not have children together and she had given him their house.
The following year, the ladies asked her if she was divorced. She sighed and said the word we’re looking for is final. That year, at the top of her vision board, were the words, “My divorce is final.” He signed the papers a few months later. After that experience, she became focused and specific about the images and words she put on her vision board. When she wanted a baby with her new husband, her vision board was devoted to getting pregnant and having a child. She was pregnant before we all met again.
Why is creating a vision board a valuable exercise?
By using words, photos, and graphics, you illustrate your goals, dreams, and desires. Also, a vision board incorporates two learning (i.e., visual, kinesthetic) styles and many chakras.
For example, when I was training to become a certified coach, I became frustrated by the idea of knowing your ideal audience. After looking at my past clients, I realized the spectrum was broad with an equal amount of men and women, ages 35 – 55, with a degree or some college education. I understood the idea of having a target customer, but given the breadth of my previous clients, I didn’t know how to get specific about my ideal client … until I decided to visualize them on a board. My ‘client’ vision board includes men and women, ages 30 – 55, couples, yogis, pet lovers, and working professionals. I put photos of people I envision helping in addition to phrases such as “Imagine what I can do for you” and “BLISSS changes you.” The vision board hangs on the wall behind my desk. (You can see it in previous YouTube/Vimeo videos that I used for promoting a workshop.)
Guess what? The people on my board are exactly the people I have ended up helping. My youngest client was 28 years old; my oldest client was close to 60 years old. I attract many yogis, pet lovers, and working professionals. While I don’t work with couples yet, I’ve had a mother and daughter attend one of my workshop series. Lately, I’ve had more female than male clients, but I suspect the pendulum will swing back. Granted, many coaches would say my ideal customer still isn’t specific enough, but for now, it works for me.
What types of boards do people create?
You can create a holistic board that encompasses all/many aspects of your life. You may decide to focus on one specific part of your life such as family, friends, partner, career, home, etc. Allow both your conscious and subconscious to guide you. For me, while the topic may be focused, most themes emerge organically. Whatever type of board you decide to do, don’t get stressed about it.
For example, I had one friend who attended my first wishboard (as I called them) workshop in 2004, and she hated it because she didn’t understand the point. She felt like her board had to be a perfect piece of art as if it might be hung in a museum. Because she stressed about the perfection of her board, she didn’t finish it after five hours. In fact, she had made such little progress that she became frustrated. The worst part was she complained all evening. If making a vision board stresses you out, don’t do it.
When should I do a vision board?
At the minimum, create a vision board once per year. Otherwise, create one whenever you feel your current board has served its purpose or you need a different kind of board.
Note: do not create a vision board when you are in a dark place. For example, I had a friend named Marilyn who visited me in Los Angeles as I was finishing up my own vision board. When she saw it, she said I want to do one of those. She stayed up all night going through my magazines tearing out words and images that attracted her. Unfortunately, she was visiting because it was a difficult time in her life. She had been betrayed by her husband and it was the beginning of the end of their marriage. The next morning when we looked through her stuff, I realized everything was dark, negative, and bitter. Because she was drowning in anger, sadness, and self-pity, she wasn’t ready to do a vision board that showed her positive, bright future. I suggested she put the images and words aside (I put everything she cut out in a manila envelope) and consider doing a vision board at another time.
What do I do after I finish my board?
Put your board in a place where you will see it every day. You can buy an inexpensive plastic poster board frame at Michael’s to keep your board clean. Other options include using clear packing tape to cover your board or laminate it.
How long will it take me to create a vision board?
Depends. You may spend 3 – 5 hours creating your board. My vision boards take me anywhere from 4 – 8 hours depending on how much time I spend preparing, which includes writing down a list of words/phrases I want to find, pre-cutting images/text, and printing anything I want from the Internet. Some people add items to their board as needed.
What materials do I need to create a vision board?
Standard size poster board or a canvas
Scissors, glue stick + Mod Podge* if you want texture
A minimum of five magazines that best represent your desires
Scrapbooking paper, old calendars, catalogs*
A poster board frame or clear packing tape*
A photo of yourself (that you like) to place in the center*
*Optional items
Other Vision Board Tips
Buy magazines at major book retailers like Barnes & Noble or Book- A-Million. You want to browse the magazines prior to buying them so I don’t recommend purchasing them online.
Old calendars, catalogs, and scrapbooking paper are great for background and smaller images.
Make sure you put your vision board in a place where you will see it every day!
Look at your vision board every day and ask yourself what action do you need to take to make the words and pictures come true. A vision board doesn’t work unless you do.
