By: Paige Sutter, LPC
Vision boards (also called dream boards) are a great tool for organizing your goals. They can help you plan and prioritize for the new year, a fresh start, or even a single circumstance in your life. But to some, the thought is so overwhelming that they don’t even know where to begin. I am here to tell you that you can do it, whether you are an experienced scrapbooker or do not have a creative bone in your body! Here are some easy steps to help you get started:
- Make a plan: This can look different for everyone and should reflect your style of brainstorming. For some, this might look like choosing a word for the year. For example, one year my word for the year was “knowledge.” I was then able to use this as a basis for what to include on my vision board (education goals, pictures of books, certifications I hoped to achieve, etc.). Another option is to complete a worksheet or template to help you prioritize. I have included an example of this below. Finally, you can always “wing it”. Spend some time looking through photos, magazines, and Pinterest boards, and decide what feels right to you. The best thing about creating a vision board is there are no rules!
- Gather your supplies: First, choose the board itself to determine your size and options for supplies. This can be anything from a piece of notebook paper to a large poster board. My family chose to use 8.5″x11″ cardstock. Next, gather magazines, photos, handwritten notes, printables, scrapbooking supplies, etc. The possibilities are endless! I have included some printables below that I always keep on hand. If I have an idea that I can’t find on hand, I do an image search and print them individually. I will pass along a little secret here – use double-sided tape or a glue stick for the best results.
- Make it a party: Vision boards are always more fun to complete with friends and family! Play some happy music, lay out all of your supplies, and let the fun begin. I have made vision boards with kids as young as 5 years old, and what they come up with continues to amaze me. This can be a great idea to do as a family every year to keep communication open and remember your family values. It would also be a great idea for a church small group or office party. Again, the possibilities are endless!
- Display your masterpiece: Hang your vision board with pride in a place that you will see it often. This is the best way to turn your dreams into a reality! We chose to purchase document frames for our bedrooms where we will see them every day. When we have our vision board party next year, we will evaluate our boards from this year to see what we have accomplished. It is a great feeling to share wins with the people close to you.
I hope this makes the idea of creating a vision board seem a little less daunting. It is never too late to get started, and you can continue to add to it throughout the year. Let me know if you have any idea that work well for you in the comments below, and happy dreaming!
Finding Grace Counseling and Wellness, LLC 