How to create a vision board
There’s something comforting about dreaming about the life you want, especially if you’re a daydreamer like me. For so much of our lives, we’re told that our lives need to be navigated in a specific direction. We go to school, leave school at the ripe age of 18, and are supposed to make one of the biggest decisions of our lives - what career we want.
Did you know that in the UK, 52% of graduates now work in a role that doesn’t actually require their degrees? (This is from a 2024 analysis by the Burning Glass Institute and the Strada Education Foundation.) This includes me, by the way. I have a degree in therapeutic counselling but work in digital marketing.
If you’re anything like me, it took most of your twenties to actually figure out which direction you want your career to go in. Some people know what they want to do from a young age, but unfortunately, I wasn’t that lucky.
I love my job, don’t get me wrong (and it’s very rare that people get to say that and mean it), but there are certain aspects of my life that I’d love to change. For example, I’d love to be able to never worry about money again and buy that dream house and give my son the life I always dreamed of having.
It’s taken me a long time to reframe my mind and to believe that I can manifest the life I’ve always dreamed of. Now, before you freak out and yell ‘Fairies don’t exist!’ at me, hear me out. There is actual science behind manifestation (this is important to read before we get to the vision board bit).
Neuroplasticity
The next scientific principle that proves just how powerful manifestation is is Neuroplasticity. Did you know that we can create new neural connections in our brain?
What this means is that we can reframe our thought patterns, which will alter the way we perceive life. Our brain can adapt to new ways of thinking, recover from injuries, and adapt to new experiences.
So, when we manifest the life we want, naturally, we’ll think of positive outcomes for our future. This will then strengthen the neural pathways that are associated with those positive thoughts and experiences.
But, manifestation also requires us to take positive steps towards our goals. So, every time we do that, we require and reinforce the same neural pathways that are in line with those steps.
Reticular activating system
The reticular activating system (RAS) is responsible for managing sensory information, filtering the copious amount of sensory information we receive on a daily basis. The RAS then decides which sensory information it allows into our conscious attention.
So, when it comes to manifestation and having a focused goal, your RAS becomes aligned with all the possible opportunities aligned with that goal. For example, if you’re on the hunt for an olive green sweater, you’ll most likely start seeing them everywhere because that’s what your brain is focused on.
Belief
The next neurological phenomenon that helps prove the power of manifestation is the power of belief. Your beliefs will automatically influence the way you navigate life.
When we believe that we have so much to be grateful for in life and that we will be successful one day, our mindset automatically becomes positive, which opens us up to a lot more opportunity.
Quantum physics
Okay, I am fully aware that nothing qualifies me to talk about any of these scientific principles, especially quantum physics! But, the way I understand it is that quantum physicists believe that everything in the universe is made up of energy, vibrating at a particular frequency.
So, when our thoughts and emotions are operating at a positive frequency, it influences what happens in reality. In other words, when it comes to manifestation, our intentions will influence the ‘quantum field’.
I know, it’s a lot to take in but essentially what I get from all of this information is that when we reframe our thoughts and change our mindset to a positive one, we attract that positive energy.
So, how do we use this to create a vision board?
Vision boards are an integral part of manifestation because they help you visualise certain aspects of your life that you want to bring to improve on. It also helps you align your energy with the goals you want to achieve. Here are the steps you can take to create your own vision board.
1. Clarify your goal
This is the most important part of creating your vision board. With this step, you need to go into detail about what you want to achieve and what you want your life to look like.
Start by looking at different areas of your life, such as financial, relationships, career, family or health, and ask yourself some clarifying questions. For example:
What would your happiest life look like?
What do you want to feel (e.g., abundant, peaceful, energised, loved)? This is crucial, as manifestation is all about embodying the feelings of already having what you want.
Who do you want to be? (e.g., confident, creative, empathetic).
What do you want to do? (e.g., travel to specific places, learn a new skill).
What do you want to have? (e.g., a new home, a certain car, financial freedom).
The most important thing here is to be as specific as possible. The more clear and detailed you are, the better. Journaling can be a great way to flesh out these idea, too and to help you elaborate on each area.
2. Images and quotes
Now you get to look for images or words that describe each goal you want to achieve. So, if there’s a specific dream car that you want, find an image of it and stick it on your vision board (in the exact colour you want it in).
Be sure to choose images or words that evoke a certain feeling in you when you look at it or read it. If you’re like me and you love quotes and affirmations, you can use this on your vision board too.
3. Get creative
The next part is my favourite part! You can now choose the medium you want to use to create your vision board (this can either be digital or physical). Once you have chosen your medium, start putting your vision board together and be sure to make it personal.
4. Engage with your vision board
This is another very important part of taking the first step in creating the life you want. You need to engage with your vision board on a daily basis! Place it somewhere you can easily see it and spend a few minutes each day focusing on it.
Concentrate on the feelings you’re feeling - how would it feel to get that dream car of yours or to buy that dream house? Be sure to speak your affirmations out loud and with conviction (in the present tense).
Also, be the person you want to become. Start to embody the person who has already achieved your goals - how would you think or speak or act?
You need to take action
Whilst manifestation and creating vision boards can sound extremely far-to-reach, it’s important to note that it isn’t just about making wishes and waiting for things to fall in your lap. You need to align your actions with your desires, using your vision board as a guide to do so. So, when opportunities arise that align with your vision board, take them. Each day, take small, deliberate steps towards your goals.
Also, you need to have a little faith that the universe is fighting your corner when it comes to manifesting your hopes and dreams. You cannot put a timeline on this kind of stuff. As you achieve smaller goals, celebrate them because this will reinforce your belief in the whole process.
Are you ready to make your own vision board and manifest the life that you want?
Run wild x
