Day in the Life

Vision Board

I created my first vision board the year I became a licensed real estate agent. I was beginning a new chapter in my life, both on a personal level and professionally. Before I even had my first client or closing, I sat down to create a vision board. A vision board is about crafting something that will inspire you to realize your dreams and goals on a daily basis. Some vision boards hone in on a singular idea, while others look at the bigger picture of what you might want your future to look like.

This was a new concept for me. I had just joined Keller Williams Realty and as luck would have it, they were holding a special class on The Art of Creating Vision Boards. I learned the benefits of using a vision board and the class was also a fun way to introduce myself to the other agents, some of whom would become cherished mentors.

10 Benefits of Using a Vision Board

• Get clear on goals. A vision board is a helpful tool that can help you get clear on what goals you want to achieve in your life.

• Helps you grow.

• Get motivated.

• Shift your mindset.

• Feel happy.

• Connect to areas of your life.

• A useful visualization tool.

• Improves chances of success.

I really connected to the idea of a vision board specifically because it is “a useful visualization tool.” I am all about visualization. Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart explains: "Looking at images on a vision board primes the brain to grasp opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed. That's because the brain has a process called 'value-tagging' which imprints important things onto your subconscious and filters out unnecessary information.”

Your vision board can include anything you'd like, from the big goals and dreams (become a successful real estate agent, learn how to meditate, go on a vacation), to the little wish list type of stuff (get a new car), intentions (be more mindful, connect with my family better), and words for the year (clarity, joy, peace). These are your goals, dreams, and personal aspirations. Whatever you decide, just make sure your photos support your goals and dreams. For example, a photo of you and your friends might be used to represent your goal of spending more time together. Vision board photos can be as literal or as symbolic as you want them.

How to Make a Vision Board

1. Gather your materials. Scissors, glue, markers, poster board, magazines.

2. Take some time to clarify your vision. What are your goals, dreams and aspirations?

3. Find images and objects that represent your vision. Photos or cut outs from magazines.

4. Arrange your materials. Old school cut and paste.

5. Place your vision board where you'll see it often.

My vision board hung above my work desk and served as a daily reminder. It motivated me every day to make those calls, and put myself out there in my new career and with personal relationships. It has been proven that vision boards improve your chance of success. And it worked. My first year as a real estate agent culminated in being awarded the Keller Williams Realty Rookie of the Year Award. What you focus on expands. My vision board was all about being a successful real estate agent and embarking on a new career. Successful indeed.

That first vision board was in 2012. Today, in 2023, my goals have changed. While it is still important to be the best real estate agent I can be, it is more important to have a work/life balance. This is the year to stop and smell the roses, to relax and be refreshed, to read more, laugh, love, and live. It is time for a new vision board that reflects these goals and dreams and who I am as a person today.

Of course, it goes without saying that my vision board had to be pretty, with “pops of color” and a little extra embellishments of butterflies, beautiful background photos, and pretty leaves. Afterall, if it’s my vision, it has to have some bling.

TIP: For those of you that prefer to do things digitally, Canva offers an online tool to create your vision board. With Canva’s resources you are not limited to only what can be found in printed materials like magazines. But I am old school and like cutting and pasting words of wisdom gleaned from magazine articles. Also, ironically, I needed to weed out my collection of magazines for my goal of decluttering my life and home.

How to Create a Digital Vision Board

1. Open Canva. Launch Canva and search for “vision board” to kickstart your design.

2. Choose a vision board template. Explore the gallery of ready-made layouts to find a design that matches your theme or motif.

3. Upload your own images.

4. Customize your design.

5. Print or share your vision.

Anyone else a fan of vision boards? Did they help make your dreams come true? I'd love to hear your stories.