Vision boards can be powerful tools to help you not only stay on track but to also help you keep your goal in sight, especially when things are not going exactly to plan. But before jumping into the whys and hows of vision boards, let’s take the time to first investigate why they’re so effective.

What is it that makes them a powerful tool? It’s actually all related to a well-known theory called the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction says that you attract into your life whatever you choose to put energy and focus on. Simply put, whatever you give your attention to, will come back to benefit you. How you feel – anxious, stressed out, happy, or joyful – is picked up as vibrations by the Law of Attraction, which respond by giving you more of the same.

Do you ever feel like you’re on a string of bad luck? Next time this happens, consider the “vibe” you’re giving out. It may be frustrating to have so many things go wrong at once, but perhaps showing some positivity could help end your streak sooner? The Law of Attraction never rests and is always creating your future based on your thoughts, good or bad, conscious or unconscious.

The Law of Attraction also works for goals, too. The more positive thoughts and beliefs you have about that goal, the more likely the Law of Attraction will work to make it happen. Now, consider if you reinforce this goal by writing it down. Next, add photographs, notes, inspirational quotes, and even a timeline to your goal.

Place your goal and associated items somewhere where you’ll see it every day, so even if you’re not actively working on it every day, you’ll be motivated and inspired to make it happen. This collection of written goals with associated items is a vision board.

HOW TO USE A VISION BOARD TO MANIFEST YOUR GOALS

Can a vision board help you? Are you confused about where to start? If this is the case, begin with asking yourself a simple question:

“What do you want?”

It can be anything. Getting your health back on track, enrolling in an educational program, or starting your own blog. Next, collect items that you associate with what you want that will help you visualize this goal. Once you’ve put everything together, you have a sacred space that brings your goals and aspirations to life – your vision board.

Not convinced? Here are five more reasons why a vision board is more than just a fun arts and crafts project.

1. IGNITES PASSION

Putting your goals “out there” is an effective way to help you maintain your inner fire for what you want. Passion and desire are often felt at the beginning of a project journey or when you first have your “ah-ha” moment but can fade slowly, as the workload builds, and you have less free time. An important part of your vision board is the end result – whether that’s financial freedom, more time with your family, or simply doing the work you love each day. This offers a reminder to stay passionate about the end goal, even when times are tough.

2. HELPS CLARIFY

At ITN, we love lofty goals, but we also like goals with clarity, too and a vision board can help take your big goal to a more manageable place where you can actually execute it. For example, opening a wellness center with multiple types of wellness offerings in addition to workout classes is a great goal, but it’s a big goal.

By creating a vision board, however, you can refine and narrow down what you need to do to get started. Perhaps you begin with yoga classes in combination with a juice bar? As you add images and notes to your board, you can clearly see what it’s going to take, and instead of doing everything at once, plan the growth in phases. Think of it as a visual forecasting tool for your dreams.

3. PROVIDES A DAILY REMINDER

Most of the time, the things we truly want fall outside our normal day-to-day. Work, home obligations, etc. take up most of our time – and that’s okay because you’re providing for both yourself and the people you love – but it’s also okay to have other goals that you want to achieve. Having a well thought out vision board can help remind you of your extracurricular goals, even on the busiest days.

4. ADDS AN ELEMENT OF FUN

Does goal setting need to be all financial spreadsheets and meetings? Unfortunately, these are non-negotiable, but you can add in some stress-busting activities, too. A vision board can be a fun – some even call it meditative – activity to take the edge off the other less exciting administrative tasks that are required.

Remember your vision board is not for scrutinization. Instead, it should showcase your rawest and most random pieces of inspiration. It shouldn’t be organized or in a particular order, and most importantly, it shouldn’t feel like a chore to work on it, in fact, it should it be your favorite and most fun business-related activity.

5. BOOSTS SELF CONFIDENCE

Even the best-laid plans get derailed sometimes. When this happens, although everyone tells you it happens and it’s to be expected, it can throw your self-confidence off just as much as the project or goal itself. In times when your confidence takes a hit, come back to your vision board to remind yourself exactly why you started this journey and how you’re going to achieve it. Visualization can help you take back control over a situation, giving you a confidence boost at the same time.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Next time you’re thinking of your next goal or project, remember, when you think positively about it, the Law of Attraction will use that energy to help make it happen. Better yet, create a vision board where your goal is solidified and surrounded by associated imagery, notes, and inspiring materials.

Remember, vision boards may be inspirational, but they’re not a crystal ball. They only work if you’re prepared to work, too. Similarly, creating a board and then keeping it hidden in a drawer or closet isn’t effective either – seeing it each day serves as a powerful reminder of what you’re working towards and is just a small part of what makes it truly effective.

Having a strong desire for what you want to achieve is an important component of goal setting. Without this desire, you’ll settle for less and continue to feel less satisfied in life. Creating a vision board helps lock in this desire to ensure you’re always reaching your true potential.

What are you going to put on your vision board?

Want to welcome more success into your life? Try this A Simple 5-Step Success Process!