Do Vision Boards Really Work?

Do Vision Boards Really Work?

Chances are you’ve heard of vision boards before (in fact, I’ve mentioned them in some of my previous posts!)—but if you’ve been quick to dismiss them or haven’t paid them much attention, you’ve been missing out. Here’s my take on vision boards and why they’re worth it.

The Power of Visualization

Visualization is centered on the law of attraction, which basically states that if you put positive thoughts and energy out into the universe, positive results will return to you. Similarly, when you have negative thoughts, negative results will come your way.

Psychology Today featured a study by an exercise psychologist that compared people who went to the gym with those who carried out workouts in their heads (which would be most of Americans!). He found that those who went to the gym had a 30% increase in muscle mass, and those who carried out mental exercises increased muscle mass by 13.5%—not too shabby! So, all of you busy moms, now you know what to do when you don’t have time to actually go to the gym (you’re welcome!).

As the exercise study proved, visualization can be pretty powerful. Vision boards put the forces of visualization to work: they’re meant to harness the power of the positive energy you send into the universe. A vision board can be any type of visual (usually created on some sort of poster board or frame) that displays images that embody your aspirations and dreams for your life. And they really can work, if you use them correctly.

How to Create a Vision Board that Works

The key to vision boards is to focus on how you want to feel, rather than solely posting pictures of what you want. So, as much as you may want to paste a picture of a tantrum-free toddler, that might not be the best way to go. Here’s how to get started:

1. What Do I Want?

As working moms, it’s easy to get caught up in the hectic day-to-day routine: Getting the kids ready for school, going to work, picking up the kids, homework, dinner, repeat. Sometimes you lose sight of your goals—it happens to the best of us. We probably know what we don’t want, but how many of us actually know the details of what we do want? Before constructing your vision board, ask yourself a few questions:

How do I want to feel?
What do I value?
What do I want to achieve?

The whole point of this little exercise is to give yourself clarity. You may have a general idea of the life you want, but it’s time to be a bit more specific. What does a “better life” look like for you? Is it work–life balance? Is it spending more time with your kids? Do you want to exercise more?

2. Seek Specific Images

If your goal is to wake up earlier, look for a picture of the exact time you wish to wake up. Include a picture of a lovely sunrise, for example, that will help inspire positive emotions about waking up early (which can be pretty tough!). A sunrise photo not only indicates a time of day, but evokes a positive emotion with its beauty.

Remember, your vision board should bring clarity and focus to your goals. When you look at it, you should feel good. Select images carefully to inspire warm and fuzzy feelings that will keep you motivated as you work towards your dreams.

3. Include Daily Affirmations

Once you can visualize it, you need to believe it. Inspirational quotes or phrases can help with this. More often than not, we have that little voice in our heads that tells us why we can’t or shouldn’t achieve our goals. Friends or acquaintances can also give negative advice that works against our positive outlook.

To counteract these negative forces, incorporate inspiring words to keep the positive energy going. If you tell yourself something for long enough, you’ll start to believe it. Say these phrases out loud every time you look at your board. Use your vision board to silence the negativity and amplify the positivity! Some affirmations might be:

“I am enjoying life!”

“I am worthy of the best that life has to offer!”

4. Can I See It?

Your vision board should serve as a constant reminder of what you’re working towards. Hang it in an area you pass every day—the fridge, by the mirror in the bathroom, even in your car if you have a long daily commute or are driving the kids around all day.

Now that you can see it, be intentional about taking the time to read it. Remind yourself why you made it in the first place—to improve your life!

Vision Boards: They Really Do Work!

What we focus our attention on really comes to life. Allow the universe to reward you with the positivity you put out there. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to vision boards. Do what works for you! Feel free to adjust your vision board as you see fit and add to it as you come up with new goals.

Use your vision board to eliminate doubt, embrace positivity, and achieve your goals.

See it. Believe it!