In this blog I want to share with you the science behind how constructing and using a vision board will keep you focused, motivated, and help you fulfil your goals using the power of visualisation.
I created my first vision board back when I was a teenager going off to university. Over the years I have added to it of course, but slowly and surely those ‘visions’ have started to become my reality. I got to admit, when I created mine nearly 15 years ago, the concept of vision boards seemed a bit, well woo woo. But whilst it might seem that way, there is actually a lot of science to back it up, so let me share.
As multi-millionaire businessman, motivational coach and author Bob Proctor writes “Everything that’s coming into your life you are attracting into your life. And it’s attracted by the virtue of images you’re holding in your mind. It’s what is going on in your mind that you are attracting to you.”
Vision boards are one of the most powerful ways to keep you focused. A vision board is a collage of images, pictures and affirmations of your vision, dreams and desires that you put together in one place that depicts the perfect vision of your life or what you are trying to create. Think of it as a snapshot of everything you want to be, do and have in life. A vision board can come in many shapes and forms. My main “life” vision board consists of cut out pictures and words simply glued to a massive board. However, I also have an annual vision board which I do digitally, so that I can easily change it as my goals evolve and I discover new ideas and objectives. My father has a digital vision board that he has used as his desktop background. My mother has a neat trick of pinning her pictures on the vision board so that she can easily remove them once they’ve been achieved. She then puts these behind the vision board to remind her of everything that’s been ticked off during the year.
However you create your vision board, it should be designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. A vision board will help you fulfil your goals using the power of visualisation and will even be great for helping keep you motivated through tough times.
Step 1: Goal Setting
Step 2: Collect
Imagery
Step 3: Create the Vision
Humans are visual creatures and we respond and process visual data better than any other type of data. In fact, the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than visual text and 90% of information transmitted to the brain is actually visual.
A vision board will also help you stimulate and activate your reticular activating system in your brain (aka RAS). We’re bombarded with information all day, every day so your Reticular Activating System (RAS) is the brains way to filter out unnecessary information so that you just received the important stuff. We have to almost ‘switch on’ the RAS and tell it what to look for, so a vision board can help by visually showing the brain what it is you’re after – these are the things you now actively seeking in life. You don’t want the brain filtering this out!
Creating a vision board is easy and inexpensive. My tip when creating your vision board is to also see it as an exciting task, one where you are the director of your own film. Don’t limit yourself, and don’t get caught up in the “how”. When I created my vision board at 19, I was a university student – I had no idea how I was going to make my one ‘come true’ which included flying business class and becoming a business owner!
Here are the simple steps you need to follow to make your very own career board.
Before collecting pictures and putting together your collage, you need to establish what are your goals and objectives. Make sure these align to your values too.
Collect pictures that remind you of your goals for example:
You can choose to create a physical or digital vision board. Typically, vision boards look very similar to a collage, but the goal is for you to see it every day. If you spend a lot of time on your computer and less time in your room, you can choose to create a virtual vision board and use it as your desktop background. An advantage of digital boards is that they are portable, so they can motivate and inspire you wherever you are. A digital vision board can easily be created in an application like Canva or even PowerPoint.
“Everything that’s coming into your life you are attracting into your life. And it’s attracted by the virtue of images you’re holding in your mind.”
– Bob Proctor
Your vision board will inspire you and remind you of your goals, so it is important to keep a physical vision board on display 24/7 for 365 days of the year. A vision board needs to be displayed prominently in a place that you will see it often. Display the vision board on your kitchen or office wall. My mother carries her A5 vision board in her suitcase and takes it with her wherever she travels in the world. Digital based vision boards are best set as a desktop background on your computer so that the mind sees it when you work. A mini version of it can be carried in your journal.
All humans love images so much of what we do involves our sight. These images help our brain to create clearer pictures in our minds. Every time you look at your vision board, you’re being subconsciously reminded of your goals. You’re being shown a picture of where you want to go. Constantly looking at our ideal life and business every day is very powerful!
When you look at your vision board, take a moment to visualise yourself having achieved all the goals and dreams that you put on your vision board. When you do that often, those images become embedded in your subconscious. You might also want to use this and hold this image in your head when meditating.
Visualisation is a powerful technique that can help you manifest and attract what you want, whether that is a short term goal or a situation in this particular moment, as well as being used for your long term goals that may be a year or two or five years in the future.
Your vision board will also be great for helping keep you motivated through tough times. Every time you look at your vision board you will have an instant reminder of why you’re working hard now and what you will achieve by staying strong and motivated.
Visualising success has been used by phenomenally successful people all over the world, from athletes and entrepreneurs alike. This is something I was first introduced when I started read books like Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret and John Assaraf’s The Answer.
It is not difficult to do and can transform your thinking. See my fascinating blog on Harnessing the power of visualisation to create success for you can use visualisation as a powerful technique to create success.
Are you stuck in comfort zone? Read my article, How to Expand Your Comfort Zone to Achieve Your Goals to understand what a comfort zone is and why it is important to step out of your comfort zone in order develop new skills, experience new things and fulfil your true potential.
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This article is written by Alice Dartnell, life and success coach of Alice Dartnell Limited. Alice empowers busy professionals to be successful, transform their lives and achieve more by improving their confidence, mindset and time management.
For more information please see www.alicedartnell.com
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This blog is published by Alice Dartnell Limited solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The author and publisher are not offering it as legal, accounting, health care or other professional services advice. While best efforts have been used in preparing this blog, the author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind and assume no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person or entity with respect to any loss or incidental or consequential damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained herein. Every person and company are different, and the advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. Alice Dartnell or Alice Dartnell Limited is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in this blog. You should seek the services of a competent professional as appropriate. You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results. Always consult your own General Practitioner if you’re in any way concerned about your health.
