How to Create a Vision Board That Actually Supports You
Vision boards are often misunderstood. Some people see them as wishful thinking. Others have tried them once, felt inspired for a few days, and then forgotten about them entirely.
When created with intention, a vision board is neither woo nor superficial. It’s a practical tool for clarity, focus and alignment — one that supports your nervous system, decision-making and sense of direction throughout the year.
Here’s how to create a vision board that truly works for you.
Step 1: Reflect Before You Look Forward
Before you gather images or words, pause.
A powerful vision board is built on reflection, not pressure. Take a few moments to consider:
What has this past year taught you?
What are you proud of?
What feels complete?
What are you ready to let go of?
Reflection grounds your vision in reality. It allows you to move forward with honesty rather than urgency.
Step 2: Start With How You Want to Feel
This is the most important step, and the one most people skip.
Instead of asking “What do I want to achieve?”, begin with:
How do I want my life to feel? Calm. Spacious. Energised. Connected. Confident. Steady.
Your brain responds more strongly to emotional cues than to abstract goals. When your vision board reflects feeling states, it becomes something your nervous system recognises and returns to.
Step 3: Include Core Areas of Your Life
A balanced vision board reflects your whole life, not just one area.
You might include:
Emotional wellbeing and inner calm
Work, purpose or contribution
Health, rest and energy
Relationships and connection
Home, space and environment
Growth, creativity or learning
There’s no need to represent everything equally. Choose what feels most relevant to you right now.
Step 4: Choose Images That Regulate, Not Overwhelm
The most effective images aren’t the loudest or most impressive. They’re the ones that make you exhale.
As you choose images, notice your body:
Does this image feel grounding or stressful?
Does it inspire openness or comparison?
Does it reflect my values or someone else’s?
Your vision board should bring you back to yourself, not pull you away from it.
Step 5: Use Simple Words and Affirmations
Words can be powerful anchors when they feel believable and supportive.
Examples you might include:
I trust my pace
I choose joy
I am allowed to grow gently
I honour what feels true for me
Anything is possible
The most effective affirmations are not forced positivity. They are reminders that feel steady and reassuring.
Step 6: Place Your Vision Board Where You’ll See It
A vision board works through repetition and awareness.
Place it somewhere you’ll naturally see it: Near your desk, inside a wardrobe door, As a phone or desktop background
You don’t need to stare at it daily. Simply allowing it to remain in your awareness is enough.
Step 7: Use It as an Anchor Throughout the Year
Your vision board is not a one-time activity. It’s an anchor.
Return to it when:
You’re feeling overwhelmed
You’re making decisions
You’ve lost focus or motivation
You need reminding of what matters
Ask yourself:
Does this choice align with the life I’m intentionally creating?
A Final Thought
A vision board isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about training your focus.
It helps your brain notice what aligns, supports and steadies you — especially during busy or uncertain seasons.
When created with reflection, honesty and intention, it becomes less about achieving more and more about living in alignment with who you truly are.
If you’d like to be guided through this process with clarity, calm and science-backed insight, you can purchase a recording of my Reflect, Reset & Realign workshop here that guides you through the accompanying workbook, where we create vision boards together as a grounded, supportive practice.
You can go even deeper, by joining 28 Days to Clarity here starting January 7th 2026 but the WhatsApp group is already open!
Jen x
