There are many things that different people do at the beginning of the year. Some set goals, some fast, others quit on bad habits and the popular one being coming up with a new year resolution.
However, here is something different for all the visual buddies: vision board. If you are not very conversant with this term, don’t worry because you are just about to learn all about it.
A vision board is a visual representation of ones, dreams, plans and goals on a board. It displays where you want to see yourself in life within a specific period of time.
You might not have seen a vision board before, but you are probably familiar with the Pinterest board. Just like it, a vision board is made up of a collage of words and pictures that represent your goals and dreams.
The interesting part is that you can make your vision board online. However, you maybe need to learn how to come up with a physical one first.
Why should you make a vision board
There has been a lot of push and pull concerning the necessity of a vision board. This could probably be because several people have made it and still failed to meet their goal.
Nonetheless, there are a lot of people who have watched their whole board coming into reality. What could be the difference? ACTION!
A vision board is not an end to itself, but a means to an end. No matter how beautiful your vision board is, if you don’t work towards your goals, you will never meet them.
Importance of Having a Vision Board
1. It helps you to define success.
A vision board helps you to come up with measurable matrix to define success. For example, if your goal is to upload 50 YouTube videos on your channel in a year, at the end of the year it’s easy to tell if you have attained your goal or not.
It also helps you to set all-rounded goals such that you don’t succeed in one area of life at the expense of the rest. For example, if you achieve your financial goals at the expense of your health or relationships, can that be defined as success?
2. Helps you clarify your Purpose
We were all created to accomplish a certain purpose. This purpose has lives and destinies connected to it. Failure to pursue our purpose may affect not just us but generations to come.
When we create a vision board we are able to define our purpose (through the help of God), and work towards it. A vision board will keep you on track as you strive to pursue your purpose.
3. Make dreams that look impossible to look achievable
Visualizing a dream or goal in mind is very different from looking at it on a vision board. There is a feeling of possibility that comes with the board.
Also, looking at the board each morning gives you the syke to make a step towards the goal. Over time, a goal that one looked impossible becomes achievable.
4. It prompt you to action.
A vision board is a visual representation of where you want to see yourself in a specified period. If you are very strategic with where you place it, it acts as a constant reminder that you need to take action to achieve your goals.
A vision board is therefore, a good motivation to help you act on your goals. It sort of pushes you to act.
5. It helps you evaluate your progress
A vision board is a good evaluation tool. It helps you to evaluate how far you are from your goals.
If you make your vision board descriptive enough it’s easy to tell if you have met your goals or if you are behind schedule.
It’s Biblical
When it comes to the necessity of vision board some Christian are for while others are against. However, there’s nothing wrong with a vision board unless you make it a god.
The same way a planner, a diary is important, a vision board is too. It is a tool for planning.
What does the Bible say about it?
Commit your work to the Lord , and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3.
And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.
Habakkuk 2:2. In these two Scriptures we see that plans a vision is good, but pit putting it down is even better. If you are visual, a board is best.
However, you need to involve God in your goal setting from the word go. This ensures that He guides you in His path.
Materials Used to Make a Vision Board.
The obvious material is a poster board. This is where you display all your items. The next important material is an old magazine that you can cut out from. You also need images from artwork, old books, computer print outs. You require papers, scissors, markers and pens.
However, don’t limit yourself, be creative and use anything that will bring out exactly what you want.
How to Make a Vision Board Step by Step
1. Take Some Time to Pray
it is of paramount need to take time to pray and seek God about things He wants you to do. Evaluate what God’s purpose in your life is. don’t forget reflect on what He has always told you to do.
In as much as it’s a new year, God’s will for your life is the same. He may still want you to do some of the things He told you to do the previous year, and you were hesitant to start.
A new year is just an opportunity to start or do the same thing in a bigger way.
As you pray God may also drop new ideas in mind that He may want you to pursue. What are some of your heart desires? Ask Him to direct you about those too. Consider everything that comes to heart at this point. During all this time make sure you are putting down everything as they flow in your mind and heart.
2. List Down your Goals and Plans in Categories.
Now that you have all the ideas roughly written down, list them in categories. The categories purely depend on you. They may include, financial, social, psychological, career etc. Make sure you have covered all areas of your life. Remember, success should be all rounded.
Make sure that your goals are ambitious enough, yet achievable. Ensure that they are measurable such that when it’s time to evaluate them, you can clearly tell if you have met them.
3. Make a collage Out of photos and words
Once you have everything you want to include in your vision board written down, it’s time to cut out a corresponding picture to illustrate the goal.
Use the tool that can best represent what you want to see yourself. It could be a picture, words or a drawing. Be as creative and expressive as possible when it comes to this part.
4. Display your Vision Board
Once you are done with the vision board it’s time to display it. Be as strategic as possible. Ensure you place it at a place where you can see it Daily. A vision board does not serve its purpose no matter how well made if it doesn’t prompt you into action.
5. Begin to work on your goals Immediately
It’s one thing to write down goals and another to work on them. What’s the best time to put them into action than now. You need to start working on them ASAP.
If it’s eating healthy start with your next meal. . If it’s saving do so with your next income. Avoid procrastination at all cost. The time to start is now!
End of Matter
Do you have a vision board? If not, What are you waiting for? why won’t you get one? You definitely need one. And you don’t need a new year to get it. Make it now.
Remember you can make a vision board at any particular time of the year. The majority of people indeed make them at the beginning of the year but you need not restrict yourself to that.
GERTRUDE TALA 