Recently I was asked if I would write about Vision Boards and how to use them.
The idea of a vision board is to cut out or find clip art and photos that reflect who you want to be, where you are heading, what you want to have, who you want to be with etc. Basically the vision that you have for your life and work. If you are not sure what you want this can also be a great way to help you create a compelling vision and to remind you of the direction that you wish to head.
If you see an image that really resonates with you in a magazine for example cut it out and stick it on your vision board. Or find a similar electronic image off the internet and cut and paste it into a presentation.
I have tried a number of different systems over the years. These have included scrapbooks, vision boarding software and powerpoint slides.
What I have settled on is clip art and photos simply put into a computer presentation. I have then printed out on 8 slides. These I have shrunk down and they sit in front of me at my desk on one A4 sheet of paper stuck on my wall. Each time I look at them I feel really motivated and inspired. They give me something to work towards each day. A reason to keep following through with my intentions.
The slides include who I am becoming, my business, family, holidays, my dream home and car, who I want to inspire and add value too. Interestingly, if I can ever afford the car I probably won't buy it. It is not really me. However, it would be nice to know that I could afford it, if I wanted it!
I know software has become more and more sophisticated. I found that the information was too personal for me to have as a screensaver for example. Also, I did not want to keep going into my laptop to see a fancy presentation or something. So I have it tucked away on my home office wall. The cleaner probably thinks I am a bit of a nut but who cares! It works and is working for me!
Top Tips
1. You don't need to spend money. Just create what you want to create. Go with your flow as there is not a right or wrong.
2. You can use this methodology to create a compelling vision and then to remind you of what you want and where you are heading.
3. Stick pictures out of magazines or use clip art from the computer
4. Include images and words around who you want to become, what you want to have including home and car, the people around you, how you want to add value to others etc.
5. Get as creative as you can! Have fun with it.
6. Put it somewhere where you look at it often.
7. Don't feel you have to share it with anyone else. Particularly anyone who might ridicule you. If you do and they do then make sure you prove them wrong!
Another thought is using this methodology with business plans. Why create something dull and boring each year? Make it inspiring!
A successful businessman recently said to me that after 20 years of business planning he had never come across a more engaging way of doing a business plan than a creative methodology I shared. Why not combine some of this creativity within the business planning process too so that also inspires you every time you open it!
If you have any comments or questions feel free to share,
Be More.Achieve More,
Chris