Want to focus on the bright possibilities ahead rather than the dark past? A vision board (also called a dream or manifestation board) can help you do just that. Researchers describe it as a creative tool for zeroing in on goals in a solution-focused manner.
There’s no right or wrong way to design your dream board; after all, it’s your vision. However, a vision board checklist will help make the process less overwhelming and more fun.
How to Make a Vision Board
While there are no hard and fast rules about creating vision boards, here are a few ideas to help you design a powerful one.
- Set clear goals: First, get a clear mental picture of what success means to you. That means defining what success looks like for you in the specific areas you’re hoping to improve.
- Scout for elements: Find images and photos that symbolize the goals you want to achieve.
- Create a collage: Add all the elements on a board, wall, or binder to form a collage that represents the future you want to create.
- Add inspiring words: Include inspirational quotes, affirmations, and words that represent how you want to feel when you look at your vision board.
- Review your vision board daily: Look at your vision board for a few minutes every day to get into the “feeling place” of your dreams.
You can make a different vision board for each goal or one board organized into several sections to capture the various goals you want to achieve. It’s all up to you.
Vision Board Checklist: Materials
Knowing how to make a vision board is one thing; figuring out exactly what to include on a blank canvas can be overwhelming for some people.
A list of all the important things that should go on your dream board can help enhance your creativity.
In addition, there’s little chance of halting your train of thought when designing your board since you already have everything to make your manifestation board.
Here’s a checklist for the materials you’ll need to piece together your vision board.
- The board
The board is where you will add all the elements representing your goals and dreams. You can use any flat board that can hold images and clippings.
Most people use a cork board or poster board but feel free to use a fabric pinboard, bulletin board, or foam board.
It’s okay to use a book or journal if you want a handy vision board or want to keep your goals private.
However, you’re not limited to using a typical board when making vision boards. You can cut and paste elements onto your bedroom wall (or any wall in your home), mirror, or fridge.
- Cutting tools
Get a pair of scissors or a craft knife to cut elements like images or inspiring quotes from magazines, newspapers, or cardboard.
- Elements
Elements are the most important part of a vision board because they represent the future you are trying to create. These include photos, images, words, and accents or visual decorations.
Look through magazines and cut out pictures that represent a specific goal you want to achieve, such as a fit body, financial abundance, lover, or travel destination. Also, collect quotes, positive affirmations, song lyrics, or mantras that inspire you and help create a clear vision.
- Adhesive
Depending on the type of board you choose, you’ll need pins, double-sided tape, glue, or magnets to attach the cutouts.
- Writing supplies
You’ll need pens, markers, or other writing tools to add titles, labels, or phrases to your board. This gives your dream board some context.
- Art supplies
Add decorations using art supplies like stickers and glitter to give your board a personal touch. Remember to keep decorations as simple as possible. You don’t want to overdo things and create a chaotic board.
- Conducive working environment
Once you’ve assembled your materials, choose a distraction-free environment to work on your vision board project.
Spend some moments contemplating your goals and desires before you get to work. See the arrangement of the board in your mind’s eyes before adding any element. If you want, play some relaxing music or your favorite playlist to help stimulate your creativity.
Vision Board Checklist: Evaluating Effectiveness
Having a list of materials for your vision board project is great, but your visualization practice is only as effective as the quality of your board, how often you use it, and how the practice makes you feel.
Even the most detailed and elegantly crafted vision board won’t magically create any positive change if you lose track of it.
This is why I’ve included an additional vision board checklist that can make your visualization practice more productive.
If you’re looking to tap into your true potential, ignite your passion, and live the life of your dreams, use this checklist to evaluate the effectiveness of your dream board.
- My board includes the specific goals I want to achieve.
- I only include photos, images, and words on my dream board that best describe the future I want to create.
- The elements on my vision board evoke the feelings I want to experience.
- My board includes motivational quotes, positive affirmations, and powerful words to spur me into action.
- My vision board is well-organized, and everything on it inspires positive emotions in me.
- My board is at a prominent spot where I can see it many times throughout the day.
- I look at my vision board at least twice daily (morning and evening).
- I visualize, affirm, and internalize my goals whenever I look at my vision board.
- I strongly believe that the future on my board is possible.
- Every day, I take a few minutes to live in the future I created on my board.
- I feel thankful whenever I look at the images that symbolize my dream life.
- I notice positive changes and celebrate even the smallest achievements relating to my vision.
- I create new vision boards yearly or update them to reflect my new desires.
- I read the positive affirmations on my vision board out loud or silently to myself whenever I look at my board.
- I live every day as if my vision is already manifested.
You’re getting off to a strong start if you check more than half of this list. Keep working to develop the supportive habits necessary to achieve your goals, manifest your dreams, and create the future you want.
On the other hand, it’s your cue to tweak things around to produce the desired result if something doesn’t seem right with your board after going through this checklist.
5 Vision Board Ideas
1. Hand-Illustrated Vision Board
If you love to draw, consider drawing the images you want on your board by hand or using an app.
This imprints your goals more clearly on your mind, allowing you to tap into resources that can help you manifest your dreams. Besides, hand drawing your images adds a personal touch to your board.
2. Frame It!
Frame your vision board and use it as part of your home décor. This works well for dream boards that include lots of aesthetic properties.
Mounting a framed vision board on your wall will beautify your space and be a constant reminder of what you want to achieve.
3. One for the Kids
Want to teach your child the value of goal setting and the power of visualization? Create a kiddies’ vision board with input from your child.
Remember to include affirmations that resonate with your child. Check out this article for a list of positive affirmations for kids.
4. Create a Booklet Vision Board
If you want to keep your goals private, displaying them on a vision board can be challenging, especially when you live with others.
Thankfully, you can create a flip book vision board using a fastener to hold your cutouts in place. This way, your goals are kept private until you achieve them.
5. Make a Digital Version
Consider making a digital vision board if you spend a lot of time with your gadgets (phone, tablet, or computer).
You don’t need a physical board, cutouts, or other items in this case. Simply download the images you want, make them into a digital collage, and use the collage as your device wallpaper or lock screen display.
This way, you can carry your vision board everywhere and practice visualization on the go.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Vision Board
You should be able to create an effective dream board and improve your visualization practice with the above vision board checklist.
Looking to make your board even more powerful? Consider the following tips:
- Don’t be afraid to dream big. Set goals that push you out of your comfort zone.
- Every day, make time to look at your vision board and read your goals and affirmations out loud to yourself.
- Close your eyes and visualize the goals as complete. Add smells, tastes, sounds, and bodily sensations to create an emotional response as you visualize each goal as complete.
- Don’t try to force anything to happen. Simply release your goals once you finish your visualization practice.
