People love to talk about the American Dream, an idea that James Truslow Adams first put forth in his 1931 book, The Epic of America: “…that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement…a dream…in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.”
Thankfully, we live in a country that believes in having dreams and that through hard work and dedication, you can see them come true! There are some who may find dreaming hokey or better left to children wishing for new toys at Christmas, but everyone has goals, desires, and a vision for their future. Sometimes life has other plans, but it is only through the pursuit of our goals that we a) realize them or b) discover a new, better path to pursue along the way.
You may have heard of a vision board. In the words of motivational author and speaker Jack Canfield, “Your brain will work tirelessly to achieve the statements you give your subconscious mind. And when those statement are the affirmations and images of your goals, you are destined to achieve them!…A vision board…is a tangible representation of where you are going.” You know what they say–you have to put it all out in the universe in order to increase the chances it will come back to you!
Here are 5 ways to create the perfect vision board for you:
Select pictures, words, symbols and other images that represent the things you want to attract into your life. Dream big! No image is too crazy to include. What images represent the success, health, happiness, love and laughter you want in your life? Cut those pictures from magazines and newspapers, or print out pictures from the Internet. You can even include a photo of yourself – if you do, be sure to select one you love and depicts you in a happy time.
There are no rules as to how big or small your vision board should be, or how it should or shouldn’t be organized. Maybe you want to group like things with like? Or display everything in a format you design? You can also create multiple vision boards if that is appealing – perhaps one for career goals and another for personal goals. There is no wrong answer. Your vision board is for you. Create something that is visually pleasing and stimulating to your senses.
Choose a prominent placement for your vision board. Consider putting your vision board on your desk, the bookcase or shelf next to your desk, or on your nightstand or dresser. Put it somewhere you can look at it, appreciate it, think about it, and admire it.
Don’t be afraid to use your vision board when you need it. If you’re having a bad day, feeling stuck or challenged with negative thoughts, spend some time with your vision board to help ground you again and give you clarity. It is a tool that can be used as much or little as you need.
You can use any materials you like. You can make your vision board on poster board, construction paper, a dry erase board, a bulletin board, and you can use magnets, glue, tape, push pins….there are no limitations!
What are you waiting for? Get started!
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
