How to Create a Vision Board

No matter how motivated you are to achieve your goals — whether it’s creating healthier habits, saving more time for yourself, or finding a better-paying job — it can be easy to lose track of them. If you’re looking for tools to keep you focused on building the future you’ve always wanted, you might benefit from learning how to create a vision board.

A vision board can help you visualize your goals, which can be a helpful kick in the butt when your motivation is lagging. Here’s how to make a vision board that reflects your dreams and goals.

What Is a Vision Board?

A vision board — sometimes called a dream board — is a tangible collage that represents your goals, dreams, desires, and plans. It can be made with magazine cut-outs, photos, inspirational quotes, postcards, empowering words, or any other visual media. You can also create a vision board online using various apps and generators, like this design tool from PicMonkey.

The idea is that by seeing all of your goals and dreams represented visually, you’ll be more motivated on a daily basis to work on achieving those goals. In fact, research suggests goal-setting is more beneficial when utilizing imagery, and visualization techniques may lead to greater success in making those goals stick.

How to Make an Effective Vision Board

Ready to make your own goal-setting vision board? Follow these five easy steps.

1. Outline your aspirations

First things first: Be clear on what your vision board will represent. Does your dream life include a lavish mansion or a cozy farmhouse? Do you live in the woods or by the water? Are you the CEO of your own business? Are you starting every morning with a brisk, energizing walk or relaxing meditation practice? Are you married? Single? Raising a family? Do you travel every year to a new destination?

Be specific, be truthful, but also don’t be afraid to be bold. This is your dream life, after all!

2. Collect the materials

You’ll need a variety of images, quotes, and other materials to attach to your vision board. This can be sourced from magazines, newspapers, the internet, Instagram, or your collection of photos. You may be able to find some old magazines at a thrift store or recycling depot.

3. Get the details right

Using your written list as a guide, choose images that represent the specifics of your dream life. For example, if your goal is to build a home gym, take the time to find a picture of one that fits your ideals, down to the layout, lighting, equipment, and even flooring.

Need inspiration? Here are a few goals you can represent on your vision board:

• Health and fitness. Do you want to run a half marathon? Find a photo of someone crossing the finish line.
• Vacation. Do you dream of spending winters in Switzerland every year? Find an image of your dream chalet.
• Career. Want to lead your own team or write the next great American novel? Pinpoint images that represent those goals.
• Family and relationships. Who will surround you while you’re pursuing these goals?

4. Collect affirmations, words, and phrases

It’s not just about “stuff.” How do you feel in your dream life? What type of person do you want to be? Look for inspiring words in your materials, or try one of these affirmations:

• I am confident.
• I feel powerful.
• I have the life I always dreamed of.
• My body is healthy and strong.
• I feel loved and appreciated.

5. Create your collage

Time to put it all together! You can attach your images to a poster board, cork board, or even take over an entire wall in your house. Just make sure you place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it often — like your bathroom mirror or closet door — so you’re consistently reminded of what you’re working towards.

Get Inspired by These Vision Board Examples

Still not sure what you want your vision board to look like? Anything goes, as long as it represents you! Here are a few creative examples: