Is creating a vision board just for show or hype? Are we talking about it too much? Are beautiful-looking pictures simply placed inside and then left to work their magic? Do vision boards even work? Is it really necessary to have a vision board, or is it just another trend?
Here’s the truth: we all juggle so many things—family, career, goals, emotions—and a vision board helps bring focus and direction to it all. It’s not just about pretty pictures. It’s about creating clarity, alignment, and intention in the areas of life that matter most.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What a vision board is and how it works
- When and how to create one
- The difference between a dream board and a vision board
- Eight life areas to focus on
- Digital vs. physical vision boards
- Affirmations to use
- How to keep your board fresh and effective
Do Vision Boards Really Work?
Jump to section
- Do Vision Boards Really Work?
- When to Create a Vision Board?
- Steps to Create a Vision Board
- The Purpose of a Vision Board
- You Are Creating Your Own Vision
- Dream Board vs. Vision Board
- The 8 Key Areas to Include on Your Vision Boardto Focus On
- Affirmation Examples to Use on Your Vision Board
- How Often Should You Refresh Your Vision Board?
- Bringing Your Vision Board to Life
- Conclusion
Yes—but only if you use them the right way. A vision board is a tool for intentional living. When you pair it with emotion, action, and belief, you create a powerful force for manifestation.
Science backs this too: visualization activates the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), helping you notice opportunities aligned with your goals. So no, vision boards aren’t magic, but your mindset and focus can be.
When to Create a Vision Board?
Anytime is a good time—but the most powerful times include:
- After a Major Life Change: When you need a new direction or reset.
- New Moon: A powerful time for fresh starts and intention-setting.
- New Year: Perfect for mapping out yearly goals.
- Your Birthday: A personal new beginning.
Steps to Create a Vision Board
Think of it like building a house—you need a solid blueprint before you begin. Here’s how to start:
- Reflect on your goals and dreams. What does your ideal life look like?
- Visualize the details—each goal is like a room in your dream house.
- Write them down to make them real and tangible.
- Start gathering images, words, and symbols that reflect these dreams.
As you begin “building” your life through these intentions, you’ll feel more connected to your goals, and that connection is at the heart of manifestation.
Use Canva to Design Your Vision Board (Quick & Easy)
I mentioned Canva because it’s easy for anyone to use. It offers free templates that you can utilize. These templates are pre-designed—you just need to replace the images with your own and update the text with whatever you want to add. In just a few minutes, your vision board will be ready. Here are some templates for creating a vision board.
The Purpose of a Vision Board
A vision board serves two powerful purposes:
Reminder of Your Goals
It constantly reminds you. You have set this goal, you are on this path, and this is where your vision board is taking you. You need to keep telling yourself. It serves as a constant reminder of your goals, visions, and mission. In the next 6 to 12 months, what are your goals and aspirations? A vision board keeps you aligned with your manifestation process.
Clear Direction
It also gives you a clear direction. You gain clarity. It’s not a cluttered, unplanned approach where we just go through the day without focus. It provides you with a clear direction on how much work you need to do in each area of your life, enabling focused manifestation.
You Are Creating Your Own Vision
Take a moment to reflect:
- What did this year teach you?
- What were your biggest lessons—both good and bad?
Write it down. Then choose 3 major goals you want to carry forward into the next year, and add 6–7 new ones that excite you. These don’t have to be huge—they just need to feel meaningful to you.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to write a book?
- Learn meditation or explore spiritual practices?
- Travel with my family?
- Buy a car?
Anything that sparks joy or ambition belongs on your board.
Dream Board vs. Vision Board
Now, remember one important thing: you are not making a dream board—you are making a vision board.
- A Dream Board is long-term—5 years or more. It’s about your big life dreams.
- A Vision Board is focused on the next 6 to 12 months. It’s practical, actionable, and goal-oriented.
Both are powerful, but for manifestation, vision boards help you act now.
The 8 Key Areas to Include on Your Vision Board
to Focus On
Now, let’s dive into the 8 areas I highly recommend you focus on when creating your vision board. Consider the topics related to these areas for inclusion on your vision board.
1. Gratitude
I always begin my vision board with gratitude. What is my vision of gratitude? My vision is gratitude for God—gratitude for all the blessings in my life. So, start by writing down what you are grateful for. I believe the first thing everyone should include on their vision board is gratitude. It sets the foundation for everything else.
2. Personal and Professional Goals
The second important aspect should be your personal and professional goals, including your career and business. What do you envision? What do you want to achieve next year in terms of your career? If you are in business, what are your business goals? How far do you want to grow your business? Write those goals down to stay focused and motivated.
3. Travel
We all have travel goals, whether it’s a pilgrimage, exploring Europe, or simply visiting coastal areas. Depending on what you envision, you can always include your travel goals on the vision board. Adding pictures and quotes related to your desired destinations can keep those dreams alive and in sight.
4. Knowledge and Wisdom
The next important aspect is about gaining knowledge and wisdom. How do you want to enhance yourself internally? Whether it’s through books, experiences, or courses, including self-growth on your vision board is crucial. It reminds you to always seek wisdom and expand your mind.
5. Fame and Recognition
We all want to achieve something in life that brings recognition. Even if you don’t care about external recognition, don’t you want to acknowledge your own achievements? If external recognition isn’t your priority, you can still create a vision board that focuses on personal growth and self-accomplishment.
6. Family, Love, and Relationships
This is another crucial area. Write down your family goals—how you envision spending quality time with them, improving relationships, or setting goals for love and connection. Whether it’s strengthening bonds or creating new memories, having these goals on your vision board ensures they remain a priority.
7. Finance and Wealth
When it comes to finance, wealth, and abundance, some may argue that this should be the top priority. However, it’s up to you where you place it on your vision board. The important thing is having clarity about your financial goals and aspirations. Abundance isn’t just about money—it’s about having enough of everything you need. Still, you can include specific finance and wealth goals here.
8. Health and Wellness
If we’re not healthy and well, everything else becomes meaningless. That’s why including health and wellness goals is essential. Whether it’s learning yoga, dance, pranayama, reiki, or setting other fitness goals, prioritizing your health is key. Without good health, it’s impossible to fully enjoy everything else happening around us.
Recap of the 8 Areas
Let me quickly recap the 8 areas for you:
- Gratitude
- Career and business
- Travel
- Knowledge and wisdom
- Fame and recognition
- Family, love, and relationships
- Finance and wealth
- Health and wellness
Affirmation Examples to Use on Your Vision Board
- “I am aligned with the energy of abundance.”
- “My dreams are valid, and I am worthy of success.”
- “I attract love, growth, and peace.”
- “I am creating a life I love—every single day.”
Use affirmations that resonate with your heart and future self.
How Often Should You Refresh Your Vision Board?
- Every 6–12 months
- After achieving key goals
- After major life shifts
Reflect, revise, and realign.
Bringing Your Vision Board to Life
These are the 8 areas, and it’s completely up to you how you want to include them.
Add Pictures, Quotes, and Affirmations
Your vision board is a reflection of your creativity and energy. You can add pictures, quotes, and statements related to your personal goals and aspirations. The more personal and detailed your vision board is, the more authentic and inspiring it will be. Each element reinforces your focus and enhances the energy you channel toward manifestation.
Make It Personal and Motivating
Include anything that resonates with you, motivates you, drives you to achieve more, and propels you forward in life toward a bright future—these are all elements that should be included in your vision board.
At the end, make sure to include your name and the date. And don’t forget to finish your vision board with gratitude. The beginning should start with gratitude, and the ending should conclude with a heartfelt thank you.
Conclusion
A vision board isn’t just about putting together a picture and sticking it on. It’s about clarity, focus, and purpose. It reminds you of your goals and keeps you aligned with them. Your vision board becomes a daily reminder of your goals and a step toward manifesting your dreams. So, gather your supplies, set your intentions, and start creating your vision for the future today!
