As we begin a new year, it has become common practice to think about our intentions – what we want to bring into our lives and what we might need to let go of.  Many people make new year resolutions, and according to a survey by Forbes Health, less than 8% of people maintain them after four months. The same survey cites the pressure people feel to make and maintain resolutions. As an art therapist I believe in the power of imagery and encourage anyone serious about making a change to take the pressure off and create a vision board.
What is a Vision Board?Â
A vision board is a collage of images, words, or symbols that represent your dreams, goals, and aspirations, and can be created and contributed to over time. Items for a vision board can come from magazine clippings, internet searches, stencils, or even through the creative process of drawing. The obtaining of images, cutting, gluing, and creating art all require focused attention and provoke mindfulness while also setting our intentions. Arranging images to one home provides a foundation for dreams to live and manifest. Being able to stand back and look at your dreams is powerful.
Imagery is powerful. It comes before language. For example, think about dreams and memories; while other senses might be evoked, imagery is almost always present. Vision boards are a way for us to visually see what we really want to bring into our lives. Organizing our abstract wants and ideas into something tangible makes them real. Having a visual and physical focus brings us one step closer to truly manifesting and bringing into existence what we want. When our eyes can actually see what we hope for, we start with something concrete, and this supports the subconscious mind in bringing about change. Â
Popular self-help books like The Secret and Miracle Morning have propelled the spiritual idea of visualization which is imagining what you want in the future by pretending you have it today. My experience as an art therapist tells me that the visualization process can be strengthened and supported with an actual vision board your eye can see to cement into reality your desires. Â
How do I create a Vision Board? Â
There is no right or wrong way to create a vision board, but basic steps include:Â
- Defining your goals
- Select your media of choice – can be:Â
- Physical – poster board, foam core, or cardboard
- Digital – PowerPoint, Word, or online (links below)
- Selecting or creating images that represent your goals
- Arranging the images in an impactful way on your choice of media (e.g., poster board)
Listed below are websites offering vision board templates, some of which also incorporate AI-powered features to help organize your board and optimize your image searches. If creating a physical board, you may want to ask friends, family, or your local library for old copies of magazines and periodicals to clip from.
It’s recommended to display your vision board somewhere that’s part of your normal routine. For one thing, you’ll see it and be inspired by it daily. Also, you can append to or edit your board as you think of goals to add or additional inspiring images to include.Â
Topic areas commonly addressed are:
- Health & Fitness
- Food & Nutrition
- Hobbies
- Nature
- Gratitude
- Creativity
- Sleep
- CareerÂ
- Home
- Relationships
- Family
- Money/Wealth/Finances
- Pets
- Travel
- SpiritualÂ
Resources to help you get started:Â Â Â
https://www.canva.com/templates/s/vision-board/
https://milanote.com/product/vision-board
https://asana.com/templates/vision-board
https://creately.com/lp/vision-board-maker/
https://www.kittl.com/create/vision-board
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/,