Whether it is the start of the year or partway through the year, creating a vision board can help you achieve your goals, especially if you create a powerful vision board, one specially designed for you by you.
There are only a few materials you need to create your dream board. However, if you are looking for information on how to create a vision board that means something to you, take your time and plan and let yourself be guided by your intuition. Read on to discover how to create a vision board that works.
Why plan and create a vision board?
- Creating a vision board can help you achieve your goals because keeping pictures of what you want to achieve can help you take action towards those goals. Our brains react to pictures more than words. When you see a picture of what you would like to achieve, your goal, it can motivate you to act towards it.
- A vision board is a visual reminder of your intentions. When you see your vision board, it reminds you of your goals and can help you strengthen your commitment to achieving those goals.
- A vision board displays images and words that motivate you and inspire you. Looking at your vision board can bring on positive emotions that inspire you to create the positive habits that create change to reach your goal.
- The pictures on your board inspire confidence and self-belief. The belief that you can achieve the goals you set yourself. An affirmation of your abilities and the ability to become who you need to be to achieve your goals.
There are some important steps you need to take if you wish to create a meaningful vision board that works.
- Know what you would like to achieve. This may include reviewing your personal values.
- Get the materials ready that you need for your vision board.
- Create a mindful space so that you can peacefully create your vision board.
- Find pictures that represent your goals.
- Create your vision board.
- Display your vision board where you will see it daily.
A vision board can be completed at home alone or with friends in half a day. This vision board checklist will guide you through what you need and how you can make your vision board.
What to do before starting your vision board

Work out what you really want.
The first step is to really work on what. What do you really want? What would you like to create in your life? Who would you like to become? What would you like to do in your life? What do you value?
A good way to start thinking about the wants you have in your life is to list what you enjoy. What makes you happy?
Also, if money was not an object, what would you do? How would you make a living? How would you spend your day?
If you are unsure what you really would like, pin this post to come back to and read why visualizing your ideal life is good for your future.
What you need to create your vision board.
There are only a few items you need to create your vision board. These are;
- Magazines,
- Pictures,
- Pencils, coloured pens
- Something to stick your vision on, like; a poster-size piece of card, a canvas or a corkboard.
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pins (if using a corkboard)
- Photos (optional)
- Stickers like these from Erin Condren (optional)
Saving tip: Instead of buying a piece of card, you could use the back of a poster that you no longer have up on the wall.
Once you have your supplies, it is time to set the scene.
Create a mindful space.
It is essential to be in a space where you feel comfortable and can be present while being creative. A place with no distractions. It is good to set the scene by playing soft music, lighting a candle or special light, burning incense or having items near you that help you be present.
In 2020, I attended a workshop and created a vision board that was ideal for me. It has so much meaning and focuses only on the year 2020. Every year since, I have created a vision board. The workshop I attended was a large meditation room. There was incense burning, and the lighting was calming. There was light music playing in the background. Before commencing the making of our vision boards, we meditated, clearing the mind for creativity.
As for setting up a workspace, a large table or even the floor makes a good workspace.
Find your images and words to include on your vision board.
Choose a magazine and go through the magazine. Cut out any pictures or words that resonate with your vision. At this stage, it is not essential where the words or images will go on your vision board. Just flip through magazines, cutting out words, images, quotes, symbols, and anything that jumps out at you. I believe if the picture resonates with you, you will feel this.
Note: if you are with friends or in a group setting, do not stress about other people using a magazine first. The words that speak to your friend are not the same words that will speak to you.
As you choose the pictures and words for your vision board, think about how the picture makes you feel. Reflect on the picture; what does the picture mean to you? See yourself in the pictures and words.
Bring the blank canvas to life. Create your vision board
It is time to create your vision using the pictures, words and quotes you have cut out for your board.
You have a blank page in front of you to get creative with and display the personal growth and goals you have this year.
There are many ways to create a vision board. Some people choose to put lots of words on the board. Other people choose only to display pictures on the board. The board is your future story and how you see it.
5 Categories for a vision board.
I chose to split my board into sections. Each section represents an area of life.
- Daily rituals included health and spiritual well-being. The activities I intend to do daily as I go about creating the life I want.
- The business area represents my blog and personal future business interests. You will notice it has a book. Yes, I have a goal to write a book.
- Health is represented with photos of healing myself and my body. Losing weight, running, hiking and a new wardrobe of clothes. After all, my goal is to lose weight and reshape my life.
- Relationships are represented by family and community. There is also a heart for myself to remind me of the importance of loving yourself and self-care.
- Adventure is represented with pictures of places for day trips and holidays.
You may choose different areas that represent your life. The wheel of life often has 8 areas which is shared in this article, how to write down your goals for a balance life.
One of the sayings I have on my vision board is, ‘remember why you started.’ This is for my blogging journey and helps me focus on my ‘why’ when facing obstacles.
I have a big goal in the far corner of the board, not for 2020. It’s a walk I’d like to walk, one of my life goals. A goal I need to be healthy and fit for.
Also, a feature on my vision board is my word for the year.
The tips that help to create a vision board are on the vision board checklist.
Put your vision board somewhere you can see it.
Once you have created your vision board, display it where you can see it.
So many people create a vision board and then put the vision board away in the cupboard. What good is it there? Put your vision board in a place where you can see it. Preferably where you can see it multiple times a day, or at least morning and night.
The reason you want to see your vision board daily is it will remind you of your goals and ambitions for the year. It will evoke feelings that will help you create your future. The power of the vision board is not in the making but in the daily reminder it provides as you work towards your goals.
Over time progress towards your goals will begin to show. It may not feel that way, yet by paying attention to your day and the activities you do, you will move closer to your goals.

5 activities that complement your vision board.
Keeping a journal is a powerful way to help manifest your dream life. Write in your journal what you are thankful for. Congratulate yourself on your daily success, and write down your thoughts. Also, note down action steps that can help you achieve your goals.
Track your progress. I like to track with my 90-day tracker. I track my daily habits until they become part of my routine. My vision board has daily rituals displayed, as I know what we do daily leads us to our goals.
Book time with yourself. Use the time blocking system and block out ‘me’ time. Blog out time for you to work on your vision.
Become aware of resistance. As you view your board and work towards your goals, you will come up against obstacles or resistance to words, stories you tell yourself and habits that block your progress. Even emotional wounds will appear that may hold you back. Coming up against physical and emotional obstacles to work through is normal and part of personal growth. If you have some resistance that you need to discuss, reach out to your support team.
Celebrate and be thankful daily. Acknowledge your progress and be grateful for each day, for there is always something to be thankful for.
Naturally, there will be days you will celebrate. There will be days when you may feel like you are climbing Mount Everest and days when everything flows nicely. Embrace each day as it is part of your life’s journey.
Book your day in your diary, and finally, create that vision board you’ve been thinking about. To help you with this, download the vision board checklist and create your personal vision board.
What to do if you are stuck on ideas for your vision board.
If you find looking through magazines does not help you or inspire you to think about your future and your vision, there are other options.
- I personally commenced imagining what my ideal day would look like. I wrote about my ideal day and visualized how I would spend my day if I could do anything. Why visualising your ideal life is good for your future is a good place to start if you would like to know the 10 questions to ask yourself. The 10 questions could help identify what to put on your vision board.
- People have all different goals in life depending on their values and interests. Here are 100 life goal examples that might give you ideas of things you wish to achieve this year.
Request the vision board checklist. The vision board printable includes a list of the supplies you will need to make your powerful vision board. Most of the supplies you will already have.
The template helps you think about your goals and how they are aligned with your core values. Plan, design and then craft your powerful vision board so you move towards the direction of your big goals.
What a fun post! I’ve only ever completed one vision board but it was definitely fun to do. Just did it last Summer
Thank you Amber, yes a vision board is fun to do. If your vision board for the season, a year or life?
I love this! I need to make one for 2020. I have heard they are really powerful tools. Just gotta do it! 😊
It’s the just gotta do it that had me go to a workshop this time round to create one. They are awesome. Grab a few friends and commit to making it happen. Have an awesome 2020.
I’ve always wanted to create a vision board, and now I have the resources/inspiration to make it.
Thanks Grace, go for it and create one. You will find you really focus on your goals when you see them daily. Have an awesome 2020.
I have always been meaning to make a vision board! Thanks for the inspiration, I will start to think about what I’d like to achieve this year.
Pleased you found inspiration from it. I find there is always so many ideas and goals to choose from, I look forward to reading about what you choose. Have an awesome 2020.
Hi Angie, this is a great way to create vision boards to be inspired to work towards our goals. I used to have a scrapbook as my vision “book” but your idea seems more visually appealing and more accessible in case I need instant motivation lol.
Yes, Corinne, it is definitely more accessible and viewable than a scrapbook. A scrapbook will work well if you look at it a few times a day. If travel is one of your goals creating a travel coffee table scrapbook can be inspiring. Stay motivated and inspired and have an awesome day.
You are so fun and such a teacher! You are amazing. I can tell. =) p.s. I did a vision board for my first birth and it was super helpful.
Thank you Joy. It great to hear you also found your vision board powerful.
I’m very new to the idea of a vision board (first heard about it maybe a month ago!). I have yet to make one, but geez they look so helpful! Thank you for the reminder to start making mine!
A vision board is a constant reminder to take action on goals. Start collecting a few magazines and pictures and before long you’ll have what you need to create your board. Would love to hear if you create one.
Thanks for sharing your story, it makes the process so much more accessible.
Your welcome Amanda. Have an awesome day.
I really like these ideas; I started a vision board, but only completed about 1/4 of it – this post helps guide me on how to effectively complete it.
I understand Alexis, there were many years I started a vision board and never finished it or put it out of sight because it did not align with my true goals. I’m pleased this post will help you complete your vision board. Enjoy the process and have an awesome time achieving your goals.
I still have to make my vision board for 2020! I usually make a few throughout the year though as my goals change or my focus moves to something new or improved.
Love the idea too Patricia of a few boards throughout the year. I use my journal for 90 day planning, mapping out my vision, though a yearly board and more focused board would be great too.
I create a vision board every year. They are so fun to make, and at least 80% of the things come true. It’s so amazing
It is great to hear about your success with vision boards, Lara. They certainly are amazing in helping you achieve goals.
I love vision boards! Thanks for the awesome tips on making them better and on following through to reach your goals.
Your welcome Ann, have fun achieving the goals you’ve set yourself this year.