A wonderful coaching exercise to help you visualize and dream the various ways you may want to explore your personal growth is by creating a vision board. Now, before you say, “Oh, I’ve heard of those,” and skip over this entire post, hear me out. Vision boards are not just arts and crafts; they’re a powerful tool that taps into your creativity and helps you reach beyond your current comfort zone. Vision boards are also known to be manifestation tools that tap into the Law of Attraction. (Someday I’ll share with you the first time I ever did a vision board when we were in the process of adopting a child. Spoiler alert: Every single thing came true. Literally).

Why do Vision Boards work?

The science behind vision boards comes down to something called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in your brain. This tiny, but mighty function of your brain helps filter the millions of bits of information you encounter daily and decides what to focus on. By creating a vision board and placing it where you see it every day, you’re essentially telling our RAS what to prioritize and look out for. It’s like programming your brain to spot opportunities and resources to help achieve your dreams.

Creating Your Vision Board:

1. Reflect on Your Dreams + Goals: Take a moment to really think about what you want in different areas of your life (possible areas could include career, personal growth, relationships, health, financial, etc). What does your heart truly desire?
2. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a poster board, magazines (for cutting out images and words) or printouts from online, glue, scissors, and any other decorative items that inspire you (stickers, markers, quotes), although these are optional. You can also create vision boards online on sites like Canva.
3. Set the Scene: Create a relaxing environment to work on your vision board. Play some inspiring music, light a candle or whatever helps you relax and have a positive mindset.
4. Find + Arrange Your Images: Look through your magazines and/or search online. Start cutting out images and words that align with your goals and dreams. Arrange them on your board in any way that feels right to you. There’s no wrong way to do this.
5. Glue Everything in Place: Once you’re happy with your arrangement, glue it all down. Add any final touches with markers, stickers, or whatever else you like.
6. Display Your Vision Board: Place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it every day. This could be next to your bed, displayed on your refrigerator, or even as a photo on your laptop or phone,

Making it Work For You:

The key to a successful vision board isn’t just in its creation, but in how you use it. Spend a few minutes each day looking at your board, really feeling the emotions of achieving each of those dreams. You’re not only reminding yourself of what’s important to you, you’re more likely to make decisions and take action that leads you forward towards those goals. The more you focus on and emotionally connect with your board, the more you’re activating your RAS and aligning your unconscious behavior and focus with your goals.