Forget the Resolutions, Create a Vision Board that Works

With the holiday buzz quietly behind us, are you still forging ahead with the new goals you wanted to achieve into 2024, or, like most people, are you already noticing a backslide?  Studies show that 80% of our resolutions are out of our thoughts as soon as the Christmas decorations are boxed up. 

One of the reasons that resolutions get sidetracked is because they cause us to focus on what we need to give up, instead of asking for more of what we want to create.

So, toss out those resolutions, and create a Vision Board for 2024.   Vison boards are all the buzz, because many celebrities, athletes, and self-growth experts from Oprah to Maria Shriver advocate their use.  Set aside the time to create one, now - if you have not already in the new year.  Create a vision board that works - one that truly helps you manifest more of what you want to bring into your life.  

What is a Vision Board exactly?

A vision board is a tool used to help set intentions. It helps to clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on specific life goals. A vision board is any sort of board on which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life. If you dare to dream it, then believe it's possible. A vision board helps us stay focused and have clarity about our dreams and what we're asking for in our lives.  It is a 'visual reminder' of what you are seeking to create, a practice tool that you can display as a physical reminder of your goals and desires.

And the importance of a visual, when creating goals, is undeniable. When you make a commitment, you want to know what that commitment will look like.  Which is exactly why vision boards are considered the most effective tool to set AND accomplish intentions. It helps to clarify, envision, and maintain focus on a specific, manifested life plan.

Also, See our guide with step-by-step instruction on creating a Vision Board.

Why Does it Work?

A vision board works through the law of attraction - or what others call 'visioning.'   The purpose of a vision board is to activate the law of attraction to begin to pull things from your external environment that will enable you to realize your dream. The law of attraction states that we attract into our lives anything that we give attention to, regardless whether it be positive or negative. By selecting pictures and words that charge your emotions with feelings of passion, you will begin to manifest those things into your life.  As the saying goes, "Energy Flows Where Attention Goes." 

A vision board works because visioning works. Most successful people use some form of visioning to create what they desire in life, and it's a key practice of olympic athletes, world leaders, and public figures like the Dali Lama.   When you put your attention on something, you experience more of it. Maybe it is created by a magical force of attention. At the very least, you are going to selectively pay attention to the things you desire once you teach yourself to focus on them more.

But Vision does not equal Action - how do you create a board that will really work? 

For your vision board to be more than just a bunch of pretty pictures, you have to first do some reflecting about what’s most important to you and what you really want. If you dive into a stack of images before you're clear on your vision, you will just become distracted.   To uncover your deepest desires, you can refer back to your journal for inspiration, sit in meditation or prayer, use guided visualization, or even dedicate some time to think it through in movement and music — anything that helps you tap into your intuition and inner wisdom.

Once you have your goals written out, examine them to make sure that you're not focused on extrinsic goals. If you end up with a vision board that is full of big mansions, 6 pack abs, or celebrities, you are focusing on extrinsic goals.  Extrinsic goals are all about obtaining external validation of self-worth. Wishing for things like being rich, famous and 'hot' will not only not make you happy, but wishing for them will actually diminish your self-worth because you are interfering with the pursuit of goals that will really benefit you.  Instead, your vision board must focus on intrinsic goals like developing relationships, personal growth, making a contribution, or creating a soulful space where you feel comfortable, safe and inspired.  Include both vacations or retreats where you can refresh and renew. But also include visions of what you'd like your daily life to be like. Include real photos of yourself and/or your own family where you look healthy, happy and vibrant in your board.

One of the keys to vision-boarding, visioning, and manifesting is that you must suspend doubt.  Close your eyes and picture yourself in the images on your board - how does it feel being there, knowing that it is already yours?  Balance being confident in the outcome with being patient.  Wayne Dyer says "Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait."   How will you feel when your wish is realized?  That is the feeling that should monopolize your attention.  You're a gardener dropping the seeds of your desires into your garden of manifestation.   "The Feeling" is the key, as explained in Neville Goddards' book and video, of the same title:   

Lastly, fantasizing about your perfect world is short-term and will only take you so far.  To transform your dreams into reality it's vital to convert your vision into action.  You should also visualize the steps involved in getting to the outcome. Yes, first dream about it, then envision the steps it would take to do or obtain something, focus on how you will FEEL when your dreams are manifested - and finally, make sure you are actively making it happen.

Ideas, thoughts, and dreams are great, but they are forms of energy which do not necessarily lead to action. This year be clear in setting your goals.  Look at your vision board every day and let it remind you of both what you are manifesting, and also let it encourage you to take the steps (even if it's just one per day) towards making your vision YOUR life.     I also wear my "biggest" intention - or goal for the year on my wrist, in the form of an intention bracelet, and I meditate on that desire each morning by touching each bead of the bracelet and visualizing my wishes coming true. 

We have a Vision Board page on Pinterest that is loaded with great images to use in your vision boards.

Click here for more basics how to create a vision board.

“Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.” - Jules Renau

Also, check our article on creating vision boards with kids. 

Do you have questions about creating vision boards, or even better, do you have a story of how they have worked for you? Please share!