A Thought on Vision Boards…

(how to build one, why they work, and how mine quietly changed everything)

I’ve always been a visual person.

Lists help. Calendars help. Systems definitely help.
But there’s something about seeing what you’re working toward every single day that hits differently.

A couple of years ago, I made a vision board that I really took my time with. Not a rushed, “grab a few quotes, pretty pictures and call it good” situation. I curated it. I thought about it. I placed it intentionally.

And here’s the wild part:
about 90% of what was on that board actually happened.

Not in a woo-woo, overnight manifestation kind of way.
But in a slow, steady, “oh wow, I forgot this was even on there… and here it is” kind of way.

So let’s back up for a second.

What is a Vision Board, Anyway?

If you’re new here (or have only seen vision boards in movies or Pinterest rabbit holes), here’s the simple version:

A vision board is a visual representation of what you want your life, work, and energy to look like.
It can include:

Goals
Feelings
Habits
Environments
Values
Ways you want to move through the world

It’s not just about stuff.
It’s about direction.

When done well, a vision board works because it:

Keeps your goals top of mind
Helps you make aligned decisions
Gently nudges your brain to notice opportunities you might otherwise skip over

It’s not magic.
It’s focus.

My First “Holy Sh*t, This Works” Vision Board

A few years back, I created a board and put it somewhere I couldn’t ignore, a spot I saw every single day.

Not tucked in a drawer.
Not saved in a folder.
Front and center.

That board included things like:

The cozy space I wanted with a stack of books next to it
Creativity that actually lit me up
A full indoor plant space
Even a place I wanted to travel to

Over time, things started clicking into place.

Some goals happened exactly as I imagined.
Others showed up in ways I couldn’t have planned, but were somehow better.

The common thread?
I was constantly reminded of what I was moving toward, not just what I was trying to get through.

How I Approach Vision Boards Now

I’m building a new vision board right now, and this one will live in my office, because that’s where I spend the most intentional time.

This time around, I’m focusing less on rigid outcomes and more on:

Balance (work, home, rest, relationships)
How I want my days to feel
What kind of energy I want in my space
Sustainability over hustle
Creativity that doesn’t come at the cost of burnout

Some of the things going on my current board:

Calm, organized workspaces
Visual reminders of rest and margin
Words like steady, grounded, aligned
Imagery that represents home feeling safe and settled
Gentle growth, not explosive chaos growth

It’s less “do more” and more “do what matters.”

How to Build a Vision Board That Actually Works

Here’s what I’ve learned from experience, not theory.

1. Don’t Rush It

The magic is in the curation.
Flip through magazines slowly. Save images over time. Sit with what actually resonates. Print out exactly what fits you.

If something feels trendy but hollow, skip it.

2. Focus on Feelings as Much as Goals

Instead of only “new house” or “more money,” ask:

How do I want my mornings to feel?
How do I want my workdays to end?
What do I want more space for?

3. Place It Where You’ll See It

This is non-negotiable.
Your brain can’t work with what it never sees.

Office wall. Closet door. Above your desk. Somewhere intentional.

4. Let It Evolve

You’re allowed to update it.
You’re allowed to outgrow parts of it.
That doesn’t mean it failed, it means you changed.

Final Thoughts (and a Gentle Nudge)

Vision boards aren’t about predicting the future.
They’re about choosing a direction and reminding yourself of it daily.

Mine didn’t change my life overnight.
But it absolutely changed the way I made decisions, said yes (or no), and showed up.

And apparently… that was enough to change almost everything.

If you’ve been feeling a little untethered, scattered, or stuck in reaction mode, this might be your sign to grab some magazines, clear a table, and start paying attention to what actually calls to you.

Not what you should want.
What you DO want.

And if you make one?
Put it somewhere you can’t ignore it. Trust me on that one. 💛

*I may upload a photo of mine after I make it this week.

The A La Carte