How Vision Boards Blinded Me

There are any number of things that a person can do before, or instead of, doing the one thing that should be done. Packing up your apartment and driving cross-country. That was my go-to for many years when the next thing on my to-do list was “finish college.”

The past couple of years have brought me down to a less drastic level of putting things off. Enter: the vision board.

Touted as a way to make your dreams come true, vision boards became all the rage a few years ago – maybe more than a few years ago but back then I was still using the interstate to escape adulthood and other annoyances.

Vision boards offered the same distraction but at a more reasonable cost and with less creepy hotel stays.

After several chopped up magazines, repurposed cardboard boxes, and numerous tubes of stick glue, I feel like vision boards are their own distraction. Something to do instead of doing the things on the board itself.

When I think about it, I could have done a few workouts or cut a few expenses or written a few articles in the time it took me to create the vision board that would solve my lack of discipline. Though, I assure you that I was quite disciplined in the making of the board.

I cringe at the hours spent mulling over words that inspired me, finding images to match the words, and then making sure I had the optimal number of images and right shape for each.

And then came the layout. That could have taken hours, but, with online templates, it took a few days. So many options. I was defenseless against Canva and Pinterest.

Let’s not forget my perfectionism. My insane need to get it right or make it the best it could be. I had to optimize the vision on this board. Who would I be in the new year without the guidance and motivation of my vision board?

I was disciplined in the making of it for sure. But that was the last time I saw it. The discipline, not the board. The board is front and center here, above my desk, glaring back at me.

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There’s a good argument that vision boards are a procrastinator’s invention. If you agree or you’ve had a similar relationship with vision boards, you might be wondering how else you can support your dreams and goals this year.

Here are 3 ideas:

1) Write it down. Putting your ideas and hopes and plans into words and sentences helps your brain soak up the message. When your brain is on the task, it can pick up on subtle signs in your environment that lead you to where you want to go. Think of your brain like a hound dog and your journal entries the scent you want to set it on.

2) Do one thing. Try doing one thing every day that helps you get closer to that goal. It doesn’t have to be a huge, life changing thing. A small step forward is still a step forward. If your goal is to build a daily fitness habit, one small thing can be getting your sneakers. Or maybe you want to start your own business. One small thing might be doodling a logo for your dream business or reading an article about someone who successfully started that same type of business.

3) Join the club. Chances are there’s a club or online platform or Facebook page dedicated to the goal you’re pursuing. Get in on that. Find friends and fellow travelers on similar paths, connect and exchange ideas and experiences, encourage and inspire each other. It’s not just about what you can get but also what you have to offer.

One final note: As you consider goals and dreams for the year ahead, keep your reasons handy. Knowing your why is another important factor that can either help or hinder your progress. Read more about that here.