Important Questions Before Starting Your Vision Board
So, another year went by – how did THAT HAPPEN? Right? Instead of working on resolutions, I’m more interested in working on creating a Clear Vision and something that can be really helpful (and FUN) is to create a vision board. Wouldn’t you like to motivate yourself to reach your goals by visualizing your dreams coming true? All motivation is welcomed by me!!
The authors at the website Make A Vision Board say that a Vision Board is a “tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal.” And, HuffPost contributor Elizabeth Rider says, “When you create a vision board and place it in a space where you see it often, you essentially end up doing short visualization exercises throughout the day.”
So, you know that I need proof of things working before I try them or share them with you! And yes, visualization is proven to work. It’s actually used by tons of really successful people.
“It’s been found that mental practices can enhance motivation, increase confidence and self-efficacy, improve motor performance, prime your brain for success, and increase states of flow—all relevant to achieving your best life! (Psychology Today)”
“
Visualization is a thing – it’s proven to work!
For those of you who have never done a vision board, it’s super helpful to have some ideas before starting out.
REFLECT on the past year
Looking back on the past year can be helpful in determining how you want your next year to play out. Remind yourself of things like:
What made you happiest last year?
What were you doing on some of your best days last year – or even further back – maybe several years ago?
What do you consider some of your biggest wins from the past year?
What I don’t want you to do is put yourself down during this activity! Reflecting back is helpful to see how you may want to adjust some habits or change some of your behaviors, but mostly it’s to figure out what you want “more of” for the upcoming year.
For me, some of my happiest days last year were driving to the beach with both of my adult-ish children. There were a lot of laughs during that road trip. And, as a mom, it really is the best when we’re all together.
Some of my wins involved learning new skills and implementing them! It gives me confidence when I feel competent! All of that feels amazing! And, I definitely want more of this in my life in the upcoming year.
After reflecting back, you’ll want to look forward.
VISUALIZE the future
I found that it’s really helpful to picture yourself when you have met your goals. What does it look like? Where are you? Who is around? What are you doing? Think about the temperature and even what you’re wearing. What do you hear? Is there a particular scent in the air? This is visualization and, like I mentioned, is a proven method for helping achieve goals.
And also, what does it look like as you are making progress towards these goals? Because it’s not all about the destination – happiness is in the journey!
My goals involve this blog and reaching more and more women with the message of “you got this!” They also involve more family time and ensuring that I take care of myself. For me, these words come to mind when I visualize achieving my goals – peace, joy, contentment, fulfillment.
FEEL the feelings
What is your WHY? (Your family, freedom, helping others, peacefulness, health/wellness, comfort?)
What motivates you to take steps toward making your dreams a reality? What motivates you to be your best?
Also, what will you feel when you reach your goals? Will you feel proud, ecstatic, blissful, peaceful, calm, overjoyed, warm, confident?
CONSIDER these additional things
Do you have a word, phrase, or theme for the year?
What do you need to do FOR yourself to reach your goals or make these dreams a reality? Do you need to put yourself first? Practice self care daily? Be kinder to yourself?
So, when you’ve done this reflecting, brainstorming, and visualizing, you’re ready to create a super awesome Vision Board that you can use to:
- Motivate yourself to meet your goals for the year.
- Remind yourself of your why (your reasons for doing what you’re doing).
- Keep your dreams front and center so you can frequently practice and get the benefits of visualization.
- Visualize those dreams – big and small – coming true!
Now, grab the glue, scissors, and magazines and/or download my FREE VISION BOARD PRINTABLES.
You could also do an online Vision Board. Here is a list of sites to use.
For your vision board, select words, pictures, colors, themes that bring your dreams to life. When you look at these images, they should remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing and what’s most important to you.
If you feel comfortable or really want to show off your awesome work – take a picture of your vision board and post it on our Facebook page or send it to me in an email. I would LOVE to see yours! Sharing yours can be an inspiration for someone else to try it.
Leave a comment if you have any other thoughts on a Vision Board or getting motivated to meet your goals for the year. Let’s support one another as we pursue our goals! Let’s get clear on our vision for our midlife. And then, let’s be intentional about making that vision happen! We got this!
~Lisa
Reach out though email anytime – Lisa@midlifepursuits.com.
Thank you for all these tips! I had a hard time creating my vision board this year so I’ll ponder on these questions to see if there’s anything else I want to add.
Agreed Shelley! Amazing tips!
Great advice. I have been debating doing a business board myself so this was perfect timing.
I think vision boards are great. I really need to make a new one. I’m guilty of just setting goals on paper but adding visuals to it increases the probability of success. Thanks for the push to get a new one going.
xx Jenifer
Lisa,
I love vision boards and have been using them for 20 years when I started my interior design business.
I should do one for my blog and my midlife women’s conference! I need to work on them for 2020!
Hugs,
Robin
I am creating one for my blog too for 2021 this post was so helpful in reflecting beforehand!