Vision boards are often written off as wishful thinking or trendy “manifestation” gimmicks. But when used properly, they can be a powerful tool to help you stay focused, motivated and aligned with your goals.
A vision board isn’t magic. It won’t make your dream life appear without effort. What it will do is keep your most important goals front and centre, helping you take consistent action and stay emotionally connected to your vision. Think of it as a compass that reminds you where you’re going — and why you’re going there.
Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.
One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.
I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.
You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.
Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.
You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.
The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download
Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.
If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program
Here’s how to make a vision board that actually works and why it can speed up your journey toward real achievement.
What a Vision Board Really Does
A vision board is a physical representation of your goals. It’s usually a poster or board covered in images, words and symbols that reflect what you want to be, do, or have.
Here’s what it really helps with:
- Clarifies your goals – You can’t create a vision board without first deciding what you actually want.
- Keeps your goals in sight – Literally. You see them daily, which keeps them alive in your mind.
- Builds emotional connection – The images help you feel the goal, which fuels motivation.
- Heightens awareness – You’ll start to notice more opportunities that align with your goals.
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Want
Before you even pull out the glue stick, take time to reflect. What do you want your life to look like in the next 1–3 years?
- Where do you want to live?
- How do you want to feel each day?
- What career or lifestyle are you aiming for?
- What kind of relationships do you want?
- What experiences do you crave?
You don’t need to want what others want. This is about your vision. Be honest, be bold and be specific. A vague dream leads to vague results.
If you’re unsure, give yourself a full day to explore. Journal. Think. Narrow it down. You can’t focus on 100 things — pick the goals that matter most.
Step 2: Find Visual Representations
Once your goals are clear, find images that match them. Use magazines, printouts or online tools like Pinterest or Canva.
When selecting images:
- Choose ones that trigger emotion. You want to feel the excitement, joy or pride the real-life version would bring.
- Don’t settle for generic pictures. Go for visuals that resonate deeply.
- Include quotes or words if they inspire you.
For example, if your goal is to get in shape, don’t just find a stock photo of a gym. Choose an image of someone confidently lifting weights, running on the beach or glowing with post-workout energy.
Step 3: Design Your Board
There are no rules here. You can go minimal or collage-style. You can separate goals by category or blend everything together.
Some options:
- One large board with all areas of life
- Multiple small boards, one for each focus (health, career, relationships, etc.)
- Digital version using tools like Canva or a Pinterest board
The key is this: design it in a way that excites you. You want to enjoy looking at it every day.
Step 4: Place It Where You’ll See It
Out of sight means out of mind. Don’t let your vision board collect dust in a drawer. Put it somewhere you’ll see it daily:
- On your bedroom wall
- Next to your desk
- In your closet door
- As your phone or computer wallpaper (use a photo of the board)
The more often you see it, the more it reinforces your goals.
Step 5: Use It Every Day
Your vision board isn’t just decoration — it’s a tool. Use it actively.
- Morning: Spend 1–2 minutes looking at your board. Visualize living the life shown on it.
- Evening: Reflect on the day. Did you take steps toward those goals? What will you do tomorrow?
This routine builds consistency. It keeps your goals top of mind and reinforces positive emotional ties to them.
Step 6: Feel the Vision
Don’t just look at your board. Feel it.
When you see the picture of your dream home, imagine walking through the front door.
When you see the photo of a smiling couple, imagine what it feels like to be in a fulfilling relationship.
Your brain doesn’t fully distinguish between imagined and real experiences. So if you consistently imagine success, you begin to believe it’s possible — and act accordingly.
Step 7: Stay Patient and Persistent
Vision boards aren’t instant fixes. They’re long-term reinforcement tools.
You won’t manifest a dream job or lose 30 pounds just by looking at pictures. You’ll still need action, discipline and patience.
But your vision board does keep you connected to the bigger picture. When motivation dips or life gets chaotic, it brings you back to your “why.”
Keep it updated. If a goal no longer resonates, replace it. If something has been achieved, celebrate it — and add the next big thing.
Step 8: Take Daily Action
This part matters more than any image.
If you don’t take action, your board is just wallpaper.
Here’s how to link your vision board to real progress:
- Break each goal into small steps.
- Schedule weekly or daily tasks that align with the board.
- Use your board to spot new opportunities and stay inspired.
A vision board keeps your eyes on the prize—but your feet still need to move.
Vision + Action = Progress
A vision board isn’t woo-woo. It’s a mindset tool. It helps you lock in your goals, stay emotionally connected to them and build belief in your ability to achieve them.
But vision alone doesn’t build the life you want. Action does. So use the board to stay focused and aligned — but back it up with consistent effort.
And remember — clarity builds confidence. When you know what you want and see it daily, you stop second-guessing yourself. You start taking bold steps forward.
To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.
Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.
Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.
Nothing happens until action is taken.
To your success.
Michael
P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching
P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.
P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.
The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download
Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.
P.P.P.P.S. If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program
Photo by Jovan Vasiljević on Unsplash
