Turning your dreams into reality is absolutely within reach. According to influential figures like Deepak Chopra, Gabrielle Bernstein, and, of course, Oprah, the key lies in manifestation. But it’s not just about wishing—it’s about setting your intention and putting in the work.
Manifestation isn’t magic, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with clearly defining what you want, believing in its possibility, and then taking actionable steps to bring that idea to life. This is where vision boards come into play. Whether your goal is to improve your relationships, land a new job, or travel more, a vision board can be a powerful tool to guide you.
So, what exactly is a vision board? Think of it as a visual representation of your goals. Media and life coach Zakiya Larry describes it as a poster-sized collage filled with images and words that reflect what you’re aiming to achieve. It’s a roadmap for where you want your life to go.
The beauty of a vision board is that there are no strict rules. It’s about creating something that inspires you daily to move closer to your dreams. Some people focus on one specific goal, while others design their board to capture a broader vision of their future.
Do Vision Boards Actually Work?
Yes, they can. Putting your goals into a visual format like this can help you achieve them. Oprah and other celebrities, like Reese Witherspoon, have praised the power of vision boards (though Oprah no longer uses one, calling herself a “powerful manifestor”). And there’s research to support this practice. In one study, visualization proved to be almost as effective as physical practice for athletes.
Beyond being an effective tool, creating a vision board is also a fun, creative activity. It allows you to visualize what your goals will look like when achieved. For instance, if you’re striving for body positivity, you might include images of happy, healthy people paired with empowering words like “confidence.”
Start by Reflecting on What’s Most Important to You
Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Zakiya Larry advises focusing on one or two areas of your life that you want to change and zeroing in on the words that those areas bring to mind. Decide whether your vision board will represent short-term or long-term changes. Using yearly benchmarks can make it easier to track your progress.
Gather Your Inspiration
Next, start gathering images and words that resonate with your goals. Dig through old magazines or explore Instagram and Pinterest for visuals that represent what you want to achieve. If you’re dreaming of a kitchen makeover, find a picture of a kitchen that inspires you. If a vacation is on your mind, grab an image of a palm tree. Once you’ve collected enough, arrange everything on a poster board or in a journal.
If you prefer a digital approach, there are plenty of free options available. You could create a Pinterest board or use an app like Canva, which is user-friendly and allows you to design a digital collage that mirrors a physical vision board.
Make Your Vision Board Work for You
The key is to place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it often—like your nightstand, home office, or even near the TV. The more you look at it, the more it will remind you of your goals and keep you motivated.
If you’d rather keep your vision board more private, you can create a smaller version or use your digital board as your phone’s home screen or laptop backdrop.
Don’t Be Afraid to Update Your Vision Board
Remember, your vision board isn’t set in stone. Feel free to change it as your goals evolve. Add new items, remove others, or even start from scratch if needed. And be open to the idea that your achievements might look different from what you initially imagined. For example, if your goal is to go vegan but you find yourself becoming more of a vegetarian, that’s still progress.
“Sometimes we overlook our successes because they don’t look exactly as we pictured,” Larry says.
For more guidance on creating your vision board, check out a workshop with Adam Glassman, Gayle King, and Gabby Bernstein. Happy vision boarding!
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