How to Make a Vision Board that Works: Therapist-Approved Tips

What Is a Vision Board?

Vision boards–also called “goal boards” or “life goal boards”–typically consist of a collage of various images, drawings, and/or phrases that inspire you to achieve specific goals. Vision boards can also be used as a form of manifesting dreams or positive outcomes. For example, a person might make a board with images or words depicting their desired career.

Do Vision Boards Work?

Research shows that vision boards are a helpful tool in fostering self-exploration and identity development.¹ Everyone can benefit from vision boards, regardless of demographics, and they can be helpful in various settings, such as schools, mental health clinics, and the workplace. People can also do them on their own as a way to organize or reflect on specific goals.

That said, some critics disagree with vision boards. They argue that these interventions may discourage people from actually putting forth the effort to achieve their goals. Instead of doing the work, they wait for the universe to grant them what they want.²

Ultimately, there’s nothing inherently wrong with creating a vision board. That said, you will be most successful when you pair your visions with a concrete plan for accomplishing your goals.

How to Create a Vision Board

Making a physical vision board requires craft supplies. First, consider how big you want your board to be; this will determine whether you use standard construction paper or poster board. If you want to display your vision board, consider getting a bulletin board or durable corkboard. You will also need glue or tape and scissors. Many people like using assorted magazines for photos or images, markers, stickers, colored pencils, paint, or various scrapbook items.

You can also make a digital vision board. Sites like Canva or Etsy allow you to select from numerous ready-made vision board layouts. You can upload your own pictures and customize your design as you go. You may also use Pinterest to create inspirational boards with images, infographics, words, or specific websites.

Here’s how to create a vision board:

Determine Your Intentions

Specify why you’re making your vision board. For example, are you making a dream board based on a specific new year’s resolution? Do you want to make a board reflecting on why you love yourself? What about a board focused on your self-improvement goals? Regardless of your intentions, it’s important to ask yourself what you want to be captured on this board.

Consider the Objects, Words, or Images That Represent Your Intentions

Spend some time examining your creative supplies. It may be helpful to start cutting or saving images that feel appropriate for your board. You may even want to save them in a specific pile before posting them on the board. That way, you can ensure they are right for your goals.

Start Arranging Your Board

Start playing around with the items you select. You may want to arrange them in advance before you start cutting or pasting. Remember to avoid getting too hung up on making it all look perfect, especially if you tend to be a perfectionist. You don’t want to spend so long organizing and arranging your board that you experience burnout before finishing it!

Post Your Board Where You Will See It

Don’t just tuck away your board after you finish making it! The whole point of this activity is to feel motivated and inspired to achieve what you’ve envisioned.  Consider posting it in a well-trafficked place like your office, bedroom mirror, or fridge.

11 Vision Board Ideas

Vision board ideas are essentially limitless. That said, the best board ideas are ones that help you move toward achieving goals that are most important to you. You may find that certain categories resonate with you during particular phases of your life. You might also find that, as you reassess your goals in life, you revisit a category multiple times during a year or over a few years.

Here are 11 ideas for a vision board:

1. Love and relationships

Some people want to envision future relationships, marriage, or romantic love. These boards may be particularly helpful after a breakup or divorce. You can also do this activity with a partner to make a relationship or marriage vision board together.

2. Career success and satisfaction

One study found that nearly half of working professionals report feeling “little to no control over their careers.”³ A career-focused vision board can help you gain clarity on your career preferences, goals, motives, and opportunities.

3. Financial wellness

72% of Americans report feeling some stress about money.⁴ A financially-focused vision board can help you reflect on your values, spending plan, and chances for building more wealth.

4. Family

A family vision board can focus on values within your family as well as goals you have for your family moving forward. This may also be helpful for couples planning on having children.

5. Personal growth

A vision board oriented toward personal growth can include any goals focused on self-improvement. This can include motivation for boosting low self-esteem, self-compassion, self-care, and treating yourself kindly.

6. Travel

A travel-inspired vision board can be helpful in planning trips, documenting destinations you would like to go to, or simply motivating you to save up. It may also be useful for building a specific itinerary for your next vacation.

7. Spiritual growth/identity

A vision board focused on your spiritual connections, goals, and values can help you feel closer to your spiritual beliefs. This can include spiritual mantras, religious verses, images that represent your values, etc.

8. Physical health

A vision board focused on your physical health might include motivational images of your aspirational fitness level, food diets you would like to try or stick to, and/or inspirational quotes. Exercise and mental health are closely related, so this can help your emotional self-care needs as well.

9. Mental health recovery

Many people make vision boards based on recovering from specific conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or addiction. These boards often include healthy coping skills, motivational phrases, and positive images rooted in wellness.

10. Gratitude

Intentionally focusing on your blessings can help you feel happier and less depressed.⁵ Expressing gratitude through a vision board can serve as a great reminder of all the positive people, places, and things in your life. Include images and text that bring forth a sense of appreciation.

11. House and home

If you are looking for a home or remodeling your existing place, a house-based vision board can be helpful. You can include any images or palettes that attract you and save them as a reference point when you begin searching, building, or redesigning your new space.

Final Thoughts

Vision boards are an easy, creative, and enjoyable way to help you achieve your goals. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this activity! Consider making a board yourself or asking if your friends want to participate in a vision board party with you!