How to Make a Vision Board that WORKS

9 Feb

A vision board is more than just a pretty collage—it’s a powerful visualisation tool to help you manifest your goals. I’ve been making vision boards since 2010, and through trial and error, I’ve refined my process to create boards that actually work.

Here’s what I’ve learned so you can skip the guesswork and create a vision board that aligns you to your dreams and goals.

Before we get started, download this free PDF with the process and exercises in it so you can follow along.

Download PDF

The 4 Key Steps to a Vision Board That Works

Goal Setting – Get crystal clear on what you want.
Intention Setting – Align your emotions with your goals.
Board Creation – Choose images and words that inspire action.
Daily Rituals – Use your board consistently to stay on track.

At the end, I’ll also share common mistakes so you can avoid them!

Step 1: Goal Setting

Before you start cutting out pictures, you need clarity. Here’s how:

Define Your Core Values – What truly matters to you? Choose 6 words that represent your core values in life (e.g., authenticity, connection, success, joy).
Assess Your Life – Rate key areas (health, career, finances, relationships, etc.) from 1-10. This helps highlight where you need focus.
Reflect on Your Past Year – What are you proud of? What have you learned?
Visualize Your Future – Where do you want to be in 12 months? Ask yourself:
- What excites me right now?
- What parts of myself do I want to nurture?
- What areas of my life am I ready to change?

From this, identify 4-6 key areas to set goals around. Less is more here!

Tip: Use the SMART method when honing in on your goals—make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

Step 2: Intention Setting

Your goals should spark an emotional connection. Why? Because your feelings fuel manifestation.

Identify the Emotions Behind Each Goal – What feelings do you want to cultivate? (e.g., Health → Strength, Vitality, Lightness)
Create Affirmations – Turn your goals into positive, present-tense statements.
- Example: “I am deeply connected to my body's needs and honor them with love and care.”

Step 3: Creating Your Board

Now the fun part—building your vision board! Here’s how:

Find Images That Evoke Emotion

Use magazines or legal stock images online.
Choose pictures that make you feel something—excitement, joy, peace.

Gather Supplies

Board, glue, scissors, images are the basics. Add anything else that brings you joy.

Arrange With Intention

Section off your board based on your key goals.
Write affirmations directly onto your board.
Arrange images until you love how it feels.
Glue everything down until you are finished with it.
Place your board somewhere visible where you’ll have a chance to see it daily. (daily exposure is key!)

Step 4: Daily Rituals to Activate Your Board

Your vision board isn’t magic—it’s a tool to keep you focused and aligned. Here’s how to use it:

Look at it daily – Even 5-10 minutes can make a difference.
Visualize yourself living your goals – Feel the emotions as if they’re already real.
Pair it with a habit – Morning coffee, meditation, or before bed.
Keep it accessible – Take a picture and set it as your phone wallpaper.

Remember: Where attention goes, energy flows. The more you integrate your vision board into your daily life, the more you’ll take aligned action toward your goals.