Why create a vision board for your future?

When you see the words “vision board”, do you think, “No, not me, I’m not an artist”? Do you think it sounds a little out there? Take a few moments to let me explain why I love vision boards.

• You create your own visual representation of your vision for the future: the things you want in your life, your lifestyle and your passions.
• Creating one gives you time away from your busy life to focus on you.
• You create an aide-mémoire that may inspire you to take action and make decisions that support your vision.
• Vision boards can focus on a particular project or goal. A visual representation may prompt different ideas and perspectives from those that emerge through writing alone.
• It can be a fun way to get in touch with who you want to be rather than who you think you have to be.

I love using vision boards as a coaching tool because they open up another way of communicating. When we use language, we may worry about choosing the right words or censor what we want to say.

A vision board is made by you, for you. On the first one I made, I drew stick figures to represent an audience. I am not L. S. Lowry, but I wanted something on there that represented public speaking.

Since then, I have spoken at several public events. Until I created the vision board, I had not realised how much I wanted public speaking to be part of my life. That has led me on a wonderful journey where I have met some amazing people.

Vision boards are a tool. On their own, they will not change your world, or at least, in my experience, they do not. However, they may help you explore your values and what you really want from life.

If you keep your board somewhere visible, I used my first one as a screensaver; it can provide a regular reminder of your intentions. You may then find yourself identifying practical steps that could help you move towards your vision.

Can you create a vision board on your own?

Yes, you definitely can. I created my first one independently, with guidance from a coach leading an online course.

You can also find step-by-step guidance or attend a workshop where other people are creating their own boards. I have enjoyed the workshop approach because, after a short while, the people in the group began inspiring and helping one another, adding extra energy to the experience.

If you are interested in creating your own vision board, why not see whether any events are running in your local area and give it a try?