When it comes to end of the year and looking ahead at the next 365 days, traditionally people make resolutions for the New Year, but over the past several years I’ve stepped away from this model and moved toward vision boards.
While the term vision board might sound daunting, for me it’s a creative and visual way to map out what I want to pursue in the coming year. If you’ve never created one, then you may not know that there’s a few ways to make a vision board, from putting together tangible items with your two hands to making a digital version that saves space and you can pull up on your phone any time.
Build an old school vision board
To make a traditional vision board, you can go the route of grabbing a pair of scissors, a pile of magazines and either a cork board, foam board, or poster board, some glue or tape, and get to work! The cool thing about this technique is that it utilizes your hands, not just in cutting up the pictures and adhering them to the board, but you have control of how to layout the board.
Create a Pinterest board
I absolutely love creating vision boards on Pinterest. I’ve been using this method for the past five years or so. Because Pinterest allows you to create boards that are both public and private, to me, this is the perfect way to make a vision board because you can keep adding to it throughout the year to reinforce your vision, as well as easily look at it no matter where you are.
Saving social media posts
Similar to creating a Pinterest board, saving pictures, Reels, links, and posts on Facebook and Instagram is another way to reinforce your vision. Just like on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram allows you to create a folder for your saved items that’s either public or private. I’ve utilized this feature on both Instagram and Facebook over the past several months, in addition to my Pinterest vision board. Although it may sound like overkill to have folders in three different social media platforms, for me, it’s a way to keep my visions close.
Dedicate a space
Make a little space on your desk or dresser for items that spark ideas toward your vision. These could be anything from a shell you collected while on vacation to remind you to relax regularly, to a favorite quote from a book written on a piece of paper, or even a pic of someone you admire, love, or miss.
Write it down
Maybe you want to focus on a word or phrase this coming year. If so, then write it down. You can get fancy and write it in calligraphy, frame it, and place it somewhere prominent. You can also look for a handmade sign on Etsy or, get crafty and buy the stuff you need to create a sign yourself.
I hope this list has inspired you and you’ll use it as a jumping off point toward your goals and vision for 2024.
Amanda Bretz 