Starting the journey: Vision boards

Manifest your dreams

Let's talk about manifest destiny. In the 19th century...nah, kidding. I'll leave that to the historians. I do want to talk about manifesting a vision for your life. Some of you already really believe in the power of manifesting your visions into reality. Some of you think that's some hokey nonsense. Either way, hear me out. I don't believe that if I imagine a million dollars in my bank account every day, I will one day wake up and check my balance to find that it has magically sprouted 4 extra zeros on the end. However, I do believe that if I focus on something I want, I'm more likely to take steps towards it, and if I take steps in that direction, I'm more likely to meet my goal. 

Create your vision 

The first thing I want to do on this journey (…and let's face it, we're doing what I want to do 😄) is create a vision for 2021. If you work in some kind of corporate setting where you have to set formal goals, you've probably seen this acronym. You might even be inwardly groaning at the sight of it, but if we're going to do this, let's do it right.

The first challenge is to create a vision board for 2021. Think about what you really want - not winning a million dollar lottery but making an extra $5k with a fun side hustle or reading to your kids every night or whatever it is you want to do. Think about your goals and dreams. Write down some SMART goals for yourself. As you're pondering these goals, think about your motivation. You want your vision board to reflect not just things you want but how you want to feel. So, the underlying goal is not to have a 6 figure income, but to be able to comfortably provide for your family. The goal is not just to lose weight but to feel sexy and rid yourself of weight-related health problems. Areas to consider: career, finance, home, relationships, hobbies, health, spirituality, travel, etc. 

Get vulnerable

Discuss your vision with a friend or friends. Talk about your goals and dreams. Get a little vulnerable. Confess that you haven't been on a date in 10 years but would really like to give it a shot. Maybe your buddies have some tips. Talk about the hard things. Encourage each other. Commit to staying in touch with your vision board group. Check in and offer support. Share the joy in one another's accomplishments. 

Build your board

Some people, who apparently have a lot of time on their hands, make multiple vision boards: one for work, one for home, one for school, one for one year, one for 5 years.... You do you, but I have one life. I'm going to do one board for one year. I am going to make 2 versions (one digital and one poster board). Creating a digital vision board is great. I absolutely plan to do that and make it the wallpaper on my computer, phone, TV, etc. However, I can't overlook the value of getting some old fashioned poster board and a glue stick and some old magazines, and making something with your hands. Something about that kinesthetic process really connects you to what you are doing. You can also get really creative and use photos, objects, stickers, paint, or anything else that inspires you. 

In addition to items that reflect your SMART goals, include images that motivate you or give you a good vibe. Maybe add an encouraging quote or note from a friend. Anything that makes you want to get up in the morning and do the things to achieve your goals. 

Consider how you can make your board dynamic. Goals change. If 2020 taught us anything, it is that we must be gentle and flexible with ourselves. You may think you're going completely vegan this year. If you end up still eating meat but incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, celebrate that you found something that works for you. Do a recheck on your goals throughout the year, and make sure they are still in line with your values and lifestyle and what you have learned about yourself as you continue to learn and grow and hopefully, seek out creativity and connection.

Visualization

Put your vision board somewhere you will see it often - on your desk, on the bathroom mirror, as the wallpaper on your phone. Look at it. Incorporate visualization of yourself living that vision every day. This can be really powerful. According to this article from Psychology Today, studies show that visualization is almost as effective as actual practice. Brain patterns are similar when visualizing an exercise as actually doing it. This sounds crazy, but you can actually increase your physical strength by visualizing physical exercises. Many athletes and performers use this technique daily. So, visualize yourself achieving your goals. Be specific. Use all of your senses. How does it look? feel? taste?  

Do the things

Don't just look at your board every day and think about vision and manifesting your dreams. You also have to work toward your goals. Visualization is powerful, but you must use it to motivate you to take the next steps. It's like I said in my first blog, if you want to be a singer, you have to sing. 

Vision board party

One of my goals for this year is to take on a new challenge in creativity and community every other week. The first challenge is a vision board for 2021. Gather some friends or family (virtually might be a good choice right now). Talk about what you want for this year. Get a little vulnerable about it, and have a good time. 

I'll be hosting a Zoom vision board party. Follow me on Facebook or Instagram and look out for the date, time, and link for that. If you host your own vision board party, please do so responsibly, and please post pictures to Facebook or Instagram, so that we can share in the fun and encourage one another.