5 Things To Do BEFORE You Make a Vision Board
I've kinda become a pro at creating a vision board that works. Seriously, no matter how much my life sucks and how big and unrealistic my vision is, every vision board I've created has pushed me to make the impossible possible in my life. (I am totally a goal-gladiator.)
It's hard to believe that a tiny board with some magazine clippings on it has so much power, but the truth is that it works because of HOW I created it.
I didn't just slap some pictures of Oprah, Taylor S. and the Eiffel Towar on a poster board and call it a day.... I spent weeks reflecting internally about what I wanted and then combed through a giant stack of magazines, tossing out anything that didn't SPEAK VOLUMES to my soul.
The entire process takes weeks... and each time, it's totally worth it.
Here are the five things you should do BEFORE you even begin creating your vision board:
Reflect on what you've already accomplished this year.
A lot of things happen over the course of 1 year. If you consider social media alone, millions of things happen over the course of 1 day. (In any 30-minute span, you could see public outrage over some company's insensitive+non-inclusive ad followed by excitement over the latest zoo animal to have a baby which quickly gets upstaged by a Kardashian being, well, a Kardashian.)
Take a moment to reflect on what has happened in your life in the past year.
What did you accomplish?
What did you try and fail at?
What did you do that made you proud this year?
Taking account of your successes will help you understand what you need to build on.
Think about the direction you want to take your life next.
One thing many people forget is that you are definitely in control of your life. If you don't enjoy something in your life, you can change it.
One affirmation I take with me every day (and write at least three times a week in my journal) is:
I am the architect of your life. I build it's foundation and choose it's contents.
How many times have you stayed in a job, a relationship, friendship, living situation simply because... There's no real reason you're there, but after a while you start to convince yourself
"I guess this is just the way life is"
The beauty of a vision board is that it's an annual reminder that you can change direction and that you GET TO CHOOSE your next destination.
vision board workshop starter kit
What Do You Want To Change?
No matter who you are, where you are or how successful you are, everyone knows at least ONE THING they want to change about themselves.
Maybe you want to...
Lose weight.
Finally get your side hustle off the ground.
Spend more time with family and friends.
Strengthen your marriage.
The things you are unhappy with are the key to determining where you want to go next.
Once you understand exactly what you want to change, you can do the real work figuring out HOW you will change it.
What Would You Do Differently... If There Was Nothing Holding You Back?
I know what you're thinking... what do you want to change and what would you do differently are pretty much the same thing! (I swear they are not! 😃)
Often, we find ourselves in an unusual position where we have something that we want to change, but there's nothing we can really do about it.
Most people have at least one thing that ties them to something they don't particularly want in their life.
Your spouse's job may keep you in a certain area.
Your children's daycare costs may keep you from saving as much as you want.
Aging parents consume your free time so you can't start that business you've been thinking about.
What would you do if none of those barriers were holding you back from living the life you want today?
Be clear on your next BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal).
Having a goal in mind BEFORE you start clipping cute quotes and pictures out of inspirational magazines is crucial to creating a vision board that serves your purpose.
Your goal could be...
Building on your past success
Changing something that's making you unhappy
Eliminating (or getting around) barriers holding you back from living your best life
ONLY when you have a clearly defined goal can you be strategic about finding the visuals to put on your vision board to serve that goal.
Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Workshop?
· Check out the Thrive Lounge vision board workshop STARTER KIT right here.
· Great for beginners or those that want to up their game and refresh their vision board workshop presentation.
Or
· Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win.