The year 2020, a year now infamous for riots, a global pandemic, numerous natural disasters, and lots of quarantine DIY projects, has mercifully come to an end. However you managed to weather this most challenging of years, it’s time to look forward and plan for our next revolution around the sun.
January 9th, 2021 is National Vision Board Day. Goal setting is a common and useful activity for many, but holding ourselves accountable can be a challenge for some. This is where creating a vision board can help.
What is the point of a vision board?
Posting a hard copy visual illustration of your goals is an effective way to continuously remind yourself of what you’re trying to achieve. Studies have shown the utility of visualizing a goal, essentially finding that if you envision something happening it’s more likely to manifest. A simple way to do this is by taking a few moments to sit down and seriously brainstorm what you are envisioning for yourself in 2021 and then putting that list down on paper. Hanging it somewhere you’ll see it every day will serve as a constant reminder and motivator to achieve these goals.
We’ve simplified this task for you and created a downloadable vision board template. All you have to do is print it out and complete it! We’ve also created a goal setting workbook, which covers vision casting as a whole. This version branches out as far as 10 years down the road and includes progress trackers. We recommend using the goal setting workbook as a brainstorming exercise as well as an accountability exercise throughout the year, and using the vision board template as a daily visual reminder that you’ll have displayed.
Voila, you’re one step closer to achieving the best version of yourself in 2021.
Where do I start?
Start with broad ideas, then refine them into smaller goals. What is your ultimate goal for December 31st, 2021? Now break that up into smaller, achievable action items that will ultimately help you get to your end goal. For example, if one of your goals is to be promoted at your current job, what is standing between you and that goal? Do you need a certain quantity of sales? Do you need to secure a specific number of clients? Do you need some additional training? Write out the action steps to achieve that goal.
What’s with the pictures?
Pictures help to create a visual illustration of what you’re trying to achieve. Compare the impact looking at the words “save enough money to take a trip to Ireland” to the inspiration achieved by looking at a beautiful picture of Ireland’s countryside. Which method – words or pictures – is more likely to keep you from spending $50 on something you don’t need and instead put that money towards your vacation fund?
What types of goals should I set?
This is a personal choice. Our templates include spaces for personal development, relationships, wealth & finance, spiritual and health & finance. Other places of growth you may be personally invested in could include: career, home, hobbies, travel, etc. Dive in and remember these are your goals!
Helpful Tips:
Keep it realistic. Balance optimism with realism by making sure your goals are achievable. If your current income is $40,000 per year, is making $200,000 in 2021 an achievable goal for you? Or is that goal more achievable 5 years down the road, whereas this year it’s more likely you’ll see an increase to $60,000? Challenge yourself, but stay grounded.
Display it somewhere pertinent. Your vision board is meant to act as a constant reminder of what you’re working towards each day. It may make sense to hang your vision board beside your desk, or perhaps somewhere in your bedroom. If your goals are solely health and fitness related, for example, consider hanging it on your refrigerator or above your treadmill.
Update as needed. As our best efforts collide with the realities of modern life, goals must change. Sometimes they change over several years, and sometimes a goal you set just recently may no longer be something you’d like to achieve. For example, if your goals were centered around your job, but 2 months into the year you realize you’re no longer happy in that position – change your goals! Laminating your vision board and writing on it with a dry erase marker keeps you actively engaged with your goals and gives you the flexibility to update them as necessary.
Zig Ziglar was quoted as saying, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” Using a vision board can help you aim at worthwhile goals, and then to hit the mark.
Love the vision board! I made one in canva and saved it as a desktop wallpaper 🙂 Since I’m at my computer most of the time, I get to see it often.
That’s a great idea! So glad you love it.