Vision board/Dream board

Single work, without guidance

• Poster board
• Magazines
• Additional images and words (optional), from artworks, old books, or printed from the internet
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Paper and pen
• Art supplies (optional), such as Sharpies, paint, glitter, or sequins
• Printouts of the provided templates
  • Handout 1
  • Handout 2
  • Handout 3

No significant  preparation is needed. Only to have available the necessary material.

The time for preparation can vary from one individual to another.

This is a self-paced exercise that doesn’t require the involvement of a trainer.

A vision board is a visualization tool of our biggest goals and dreams created with pictures, words, and other items. Visualization is not about simply placing an image on a board to “manifest” what we want or just using “the law of attraction.”

It’s all about our brain: Our reticular activating system (RAS) is the “filtering station” of our brain. Constantly seeing the images on our vision board helps our brain filter out the stuff we don’t want, while focusing on what we do want. Seeing a constant visual reminder of our goals is how our subconscious mind stays focused on our goals.

Creating a vision board gives us a visual way to see our goals and develop a mindset to reach them on a daily basis.

References

The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life (Joyce Schwarz, 2008), Harper Design

Create Your Vision Board (Marcia Layton Turner, 2018), Post Hill Press

Through this method/action, these benefits are achieved:

• Identify and clarify goals, dreams, and intentions.
• Acknowledge what you truly desire in your life.
• Focus on values, gratitude, and positive lifestyle choices.
• Set and prioritize your goals, values, and intentions.
• Plan and do the tasks necessary to achieve your dreams and goals.

Step 1: Do a status check & review

The first step sets the stage for the whole process. We take the time, think, and write down what is going well in our life and what isn’t, what has happened during the last year, what goals we have achieved, what lessons we have learned, and what we are grateful for.

Step 2: Set goals and prioritize

Sit down with paper and pen and think about your goals for the coming year. Visualize that you are already living your ideal life and you are watching yourself from a distance. Then write it down in each area, as if it has already happened! (Use template 2) You can transfer the areas indicated in the template to obtain specific spaces in your vision board.

Step 3: Find images and quotes for the vision board

Now it’s time to search for and cut out images and quotes that embody your goals and/or just speak to you. Listen, read or see things that inspire you! Music, videos, books, paintings, movies, podcasts, audiobooks, vision boards…

Step 4: Assemble the vision board

Now it’s time to assemble the images, quotes, clippings, etc. that you have collected to the vision board. Place your board in front of you, go through the images and decide which ones are going to the board and place them roughly in the section they will go.

Once you have all of your goals and dreams represented on the board, stand back and take a look at it. How does it look?

If you’re happy with the board, proceed to the next step. Otherwise continue to arrange, add images or quotes, until you’re satisfied.

Step 5: Glue everything together

Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, begin to glue everything down. Working with one image or quote at a time, turn it over, apply a layer of glue with a glue stick, then stick it to the poster board. Rub over it with your hands to smooth it out as much as possible.

Step 6: Decorate!!

Even though this is an optional step, it is a creative way to finish up your vision board. Bring out the artist you are hiding inside and use your imagination! Add your own words, or sketches over and around the collaged images with Sharpie markers or glue on fun collage items such as sequins, glitter, lace, ribbon, or whatever else you desire!

Step 7: Display your vision board

Once your vision board is complete, hang it on the wall where you will see it regularly. It’s important to create a vision board, but equally important to see it regularly.

You can frame it first, or simply tape it to the wall.

Also, take a photo of the vision board. You might use this digital version as wallpaper on your computer or phone.

Step 8: Use your vision board as a road map

Making the vision board is just the beginning! Now it’s time to use it as a guide and road map into your new future.

– Create an action plan for your goals (and then take action!)

– Journal about the goals depicted on the board

– Practice visioning exercises (closing your eyes and imagining the achievement of your goals)

Thanasis Foukas

photothan@hotmail.com

Thanasis Foukas was born in Athens, Greece. Although his early plan was to study economics to become an accounting assistant, he soon realized that his passion was photography and decided to dedicate himself to that and follow his dream. In 2000 he registered at the Vocational Training Institute LEICA ACADEMY and graduated two years later having gained valuable knowledge and experience in his field.

But that was just the beginning for him! Since then, he has participated in numerous group exhibitions in Greece and abroad, whereas his solo exhibition in Athens (2003) on the subject of cultural events was a great success! He has collaborated with many renowned photographers and with the daily and periodical press in Greece and Cyprus. The sectors that most intrigue him as a professional are theatre, music, cultural events, as well as sports and social reporting.

Photography

English, Greek, German