What would you say if I told you that I can give you a method that will help you achieve at least 90 percent of your goals in life? Sounds great, right? Well then, what if I told you that this method is actually pretty easy, too? Well, the fact is that visualization is a wonderfully effective tool that successful people have been using for quite some time now. Visualization is a practice in which you use a combination of images, diagrams and words to communicate a message or desire. One of the most popular forms of visualization is a vision board.
A vision board is an amazing tool that is used to help explain and maintain focus on a specific life goal or even a set of goals. A vision board is any sort of board, either real-world or digital, on which you display images that represent whatever you want to accomplish in your life. Your vision board can be as simple as a series of photos or drawings on a piece of cardboard, or as complex as a series of integrated graphics stored on a mobile app or website.
Making use of a vision board serves several purposes. First, it helps to identify your vision and give it some clarity. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 20? 30? When creating your vision, it is often helpful to consider your own definition of success, as success may be different for everyone.
Next, using a vision board reinforces your daily affirmations. It is important to remind yourself of your goals so that you can constantly work to accomplish them.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, a vision board will help you stay focused on your goals. When you are regularly reading, reviewing and repeating your goals, you are much more likely to accomplish them.
The purpose of your vision board is to bring everything on it to life, and creating a space that displays what you want actually does bring it to life. What we focus on expands. Because the human mind responds strongly to visual stimulation, by representing your goals with pictures and images, you will actually strengthen and stimulate your emotions. And it is that emotional connection that will help you remain committed to your goals when it is much easier to give up.
Before you start, remember that your vision board should focus on how you want to feel, not just on material things that you want to have. Follow the five-step process below to create your vision board.
• Get in the right frame of mind. Get rid of any distractions — including your phone — and turn on some relaxing music. Light some candles and clear your space. The goal is to create a welcoming, comfortable environment.
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• Next, decide how you will create your vision board. Do you want it to be tangible? Do you want to be able to feel it? Or would you prefer using technology that is available to you and creating a digital copy?
• When it comes to the actual process of creating your board, it is recommended that you plan out your board before adding to it. It is helpful to have a goal or list of goals to use as a guide when creating your board. Choose pictures, diagrams, graphics, charts, and whatever else you might need to demonstrate your goals.
• If you made a tangible board, you will need to find a place to display it. It is recommended that you keep it on a nightstand or dresser near your bed. Spend time each morning and evening visualizing, affirming, believing, and internalizing your goals. The time you spend visualizing in the evening just before bed is especially powerful. The thoughts that are present in your mind during the last 30 minutes before going to sleep are the ones that will replay themselves repeatedly in your subconscious throughout the evening. Make those thoughts count. If you created a digital vision board, be sure to set aside some time each day to review your board since it won't necessarily be "in your face."
• It's a good idea to create a new vision board each year. As you continue to grow both personally and professionally, your goals will evolve and expand, too. Your vision board is meant to be kept and cherished. It chronicles not only your dreams, but your growth and achievements.
As some time goes by and you begin to complete your goals, don't remove the pictures or images that represent the goals you've already achieved. Achievement of the goals in your vision board serves as a powerful visual reminder of the amazing things that you have already deliberately attracted into your life. Don't stop there!
Danielle Moser is a Reisterstown resident and can be reached via email at