Why do vision board exercises work?

I am a big fan of using vision boards to help create the life that I want. Why? Because they can help you get clear on what matters to you and keep your goals in sight.

Last year, I jumped on a train to the other side of London carrying my suitcase full of magazines, coloured card, felt-tip pens - the lot. I knocked on my friend’s door and said, “We are doing our vision board today,” with a massive smile on my face.

We sat up for the whole night listening to music, cutting pieces out of magazines, sectioning off the card for different areas of our lives and writing down what we wanted. It was a night to remember, laughing and talking about why we chose certain images and discussing our future.

We were both so proud of our work that we started taking pictures of our vision boards so that we could store them on our phones. It was fun.

We both promised to put the vision boards up in a place in our homes where we could see them daily. At first, each morning before work, I would sit in front of my vision board, look at the images and visualise them as if I was living them out at that very moment. I would close my eyes and reflect on those images, imagining how I would feel if what I saw in front of me became my reality.

Now, a year later, I can say that many of those things have either come true or are becoming part of my reality.

Why are vision board exercises important?

What you focus on becomes clearer

Focusing on your vision board daily and reflecting on the images and how they make you feel can help you stay connected to what you want. It can also make it easier to notice opportunities and take actions that align with your goals.

Your mind responds strongly to visual reminders

When you create a vision board and place it somewhere you see often, you are giving yourself regular visual reminders of what matters to you.

Visualisation can be a powerful exercise

When you visualise, you give your mind a clear picture of what you want to move towards. This can support motivation, confidence and more intentional choices.

How can I make a vision board?

• Be prepared - Gather everything you need to create your vision board, such as screenshots you’ve saved, motivational quotes, magazines, cards, glue and pins.
• Set aside some time to do it - A couple of hours at least. Give yourself the breathing room to be creative.
• Set the mood - Play some calming or inspiring music, light some candles and put on comfortable clothes.
• Think about what you want your life to look and feel like - Consider goals you have for different areas of your life, such as home, self, relationships, friendships and experiences.
• Focus on how you want to feel - Before sticking up those shoes or that designer bag, think about what the image represents and how it would make you feel. For example, you might choose someone who represents strength, courage or confidence.
• Now, just do it.

A vision board can be a creative way to inspire yourself, focus your intentions and remind yourself of the life you want to build.