Success: Skills for mapping and planning your year

A vision is a clear description of what one would like to achieve personally and professionally in the future. Visions are essential when it comes to prioritising tasks and decisions. They guide you on what to view as important hence working on what influences your future positively first.

However, when a future is a mental image, it might become hard to actualize the goals and ends up being nothing more than a fantasy. To prevent this from happening, it is important to put your goals on paper.

One method to have visions in a tangible form is by making a vision board, also known as a dream board. It is defined as a collection of images, quotes, and affirmations strategically arranged on a board or canvas.

Hannah Githuki, a business trainer, a vision board enthusiast, and the founder of Insideout Development which is a training and consultancy firm uses the acronym VISION to explain how vision boards work.

She says V stands for visualization, I for Inspiration, S for clarity, I for intent, O for optimism, and N for nudge.

“They are a goal-setting tool. But one that has proved very effective. Creating vision boards is crucial for individuals as they serve as powerful visual tools to articulate and reinforce personal and professional goals. They make your Vision and attainment clear, she says.

Vision boards transform your goals from being vague ideas that only exist in your head to being tangible, making them look more real and achievable.

Writing down your plans is a sign of commitment, or rather, a declaration to yourself about what you truly desire, making it more likely that you’ll actively work toward it.

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The process of writing these goals down involves getting more information that will help refine the vision, allowing you to clarify and specify the details of what you truly want.

Seeing images of what you want in the future builds an emotional connection to your goals, making them more potent motivators.

Githuki advises her clients to make effective boards by, “having specific goals that you want to achieve on your board. Have a road map to know what needs to be done to achieve your goals. You need ⁠put In the work because the boards don’t work on their own.”

“A vision board is a vision organisation tool. It is a collection of pictures, things, drawings, blank cheques. It represents your goals, dreams and aspirations for the future. That becomes a tool for you to visualise and actualise your goals.”

Below is a process one can follow to come up with an effective dream board:

Equipment

Poster board, corkboard, or canvas: These act as a base. Choose a base that suits your preferences and the size you desire.

Magazines, images, quotes: Gather a variety of materials that resonate with your goals. This could include magazines, printouts, photographs, or even your drawings.

Scissors and glue or tape: Essential for cutting out and affixing images and words onto your board.

Markers, colored pens, or stickers: Optional but useful for adding personal touches or writing affirmations.

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without distractions. Play music or light a candle if it helps set a relaxed atmosphere.

Take more than a few moments to reflect on your goals across various aspects of life. Categories the goals into different aspects such as career aspirations, self-care, travel, positivity, love, and relationships. Visualize what success in each area looks and feels like to you.

“When adding a goal to the board, do a wheel of life exercise first to determine what’s important to you,” says Githuki.

Gather images, words, and quotes from magazines, printouts, or any other sources that resonate with your visions and goals. Look for visuals that evoke strong positive emotions.

Sort through your materials and choose the ones that best represent your aspirations. Organize them into categories or themes if it helps structure your board.

Start arranging the selected images and words on your board. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Others would prefer a chronological layout, while some opt for a more spontaneous arrangement.

Use glue, tape, or pins to affix the images and words onto the board. Be creative with placement and overlap if it enhances the overall look.

Consider adding your touch by drawing, writing, or using markers to highlight specific details or affirmations that resonate deeply with you.

Once you’ve completed your board, take a step back and review it. Reflect on the emotions it evokes and whether it accurately captures your aspirations.

Find a prominent place where you’ll frequently see your vision board. It could be your bedroom wall, workspace, or any area you frequent daily. The goal is to regularly engage with it.

Set aside time to regularly engage with your vision board. Visualize yourself living the life depicted on the board. As your goals evolve or are achieved, update the board accordingly.

When you set goals, are there any specific aspects to look out for?

“With your goals and dreams, you’ve got to be specific because you are communicating. I break mine into four areas; health, money, business and relationships. You go and find pictures that inspire you for that particular thing. After you are done placing them, choose a spot in your house you access everyday. This way, you put action. It may look crazy, but this is what a dream is! It is the power of vision,” says Gichuki.

- This interview was first broadcast on KTN Home on the Her Standards show.