Realize Your Dreams with a Vision Board: A Juicy “Next Step” from One Delicious Keynote

May 10, 2022

These last two years have been a “meeting with ourselves” (coined by Dr. James Hollis, Jungian Psychanalyst). What has this meeting revealed to you?
– What is most important?
– What do you miss? What have you been dissatisfied without?
– Who truly matters to you?
– What gives your life and work true meaning?
– What is your “why”?

As COVID took things away – access to gyms, social gatherings, family traditions, holidays, work structures – and as it shifted what we did and whom we did things with, this next phase can be about delicious intentionality; “audition” what you do and whom you do it with so that your personal and professional life aligns with your greatness.

Not everything or everyone will make the cut. That’s why we are in the midst of The Great Resignation – not all workplaces made the cut. That’s why we have seen a spike in divorces – not all relationships have made the cut. That’s why we have seen a rise in continuing education – not all industries have made the cut (people are retraining out of their field).

What can you do when you’re dealing with some big decisions, deep reflections, soul searching and generally doing more daydreaming to figure out “what if….”? This is one of the questions I had at the end of a keynote – Unleashing Your Inner Superhero – by attendees so in action, they wanted specific how-tos. Gotta love clients who stand for their greatness! So, in this article, I’m sharing one of the many strategies that I talk about in my 5-part superhero formula.

Create your 2022 Vision Board

You may be rolling your eyes. You may think, “been there done that.” Maybe you’re curious but aren’t sure where to start. Trust me; it has the power to clarify what is most important to you and what your preferred future looks like in vivid technicolour; it may seem like a “soft” exercise, but man, does it give you some serious marching orders when you notice things you had no idea you wanted or needed so much.

Why not create a vision board this weekend. In fact, as one rockstar attendee shared in the Chat, why not do one as a family!

Let’s jump in.

How to Create a Vision Board

Materials you will need:
• Old magazines
• Scissors
• Cardstock or Bristol board
• Glue stick

Steps:

1. Grab some magazines you have lying around, and flip through the pages, pulling out anything that catches your attention. This is a gut instinct thing. Don’t think too hard. Just pull out pictures that appeal to you.
2. Review the pages you’ve selected and cut out the pictures and words that appealed to you. Again, don’t think too hard. You can sort through them further later.
3. Begin to place the pictures and words around your cardstock or Bristol board. When you are beginning to feel satisfied with what you’re seeing, you can glue it down (some prefer to wait until they’re done arranging to glue it down).
4. When you’re about a third of the way through, sit back and reflect on what you’re seeing. Is there a theme or pattern emerging?
5. Finish gluing your pictures and words down. What does your vision board say to you? What does it say to you about you as a leader? Is there a call to action, an affirmation, an intention? What could you do to live into what your vision board is saying to you? Where do you want to place your vision board so you can see it throughout the year?
6. Write down some of these reflections. If you journal, that’s the perfect place (or great motivator to start one!) If you set annual goals for yourself, how are your reflections from the vision board captured there and do you need to update them?

Getting the Most from Your Vision Board Exercise

Now that you’ve created your vision board, here are some more tips and ideas to get the most from the experience:

1. Frame it so you cherish it. Give it the care it deserves. It’s a reflection of your inner values, needs and hopes.
2. Hang your vision board somewhere you will see it every day or where you go for inspiration. Make it a part of your environment.
3. Explain your board to someone you care about – your best friend, spouse, teen or colleague. This is especially important for extroverts who will better understand the important nuisances of the board by talking it through.
4. When you describe your board to someone else, put yourself into the future. If you’re hoping your vision comes true in 2024, envision yourself in two years’ time, and explain what happened between 2022 (i.e., today) and 2024 that allowed you to live into your vision. Again, reflect on what comes up as the intentions, beliefs and actions you describe in that journey.

So, what do you now? Ready to jump in? Why not forward this post to someone you think might be interested. In fact, invite a group vision board exercise (with friends, family or even your team!)

Happy dreaming, creating and clarifying your best-preferred future.

Looking for more insights on realizing your dreams? Check out these previous blog posts:

• Finding Passion and Joy in Your LIfe
• If You Lose, Don’t Lose the Lesson
• Keeping Expectations Alive in Uncertain Times