"When you repeatedly see an image in a way that activates a positive emotional charge, you become more likely to move towards it (even if it seems like a long shot). In action things happen. You talk to others, resources multiply, and your eyes open to opportunities. Suddenly you discern it was within reach after all." Beth Tabak

One day I made a startling discovery. It was time for a vision board update! Two-thirds of the images were in my life or past experience. Creating a vision board helps clarify and hold what is important. Your dream is allowed versus repressed. The images activate an emotional response. Keeping it forefront prompts a daily reminder and fosters determination to act (even if subconsciously). Suddenly you are bringing what you want into your life sooner than expected. Below are five tips to build your vision board.

First, looking closely at the collage I made some intriguing observations:
~ The vacation photo was the exact resort we visited! I was astonished.
~ A phrase used regarding a passion manifested in two great opportunities over the year resulting in raising money that provided clean water to two communities in Africa.
~ An image of straight teeth represented an intention to get my son braces. At some point his teeth straightened as new teeth grew in. He no longer needed braces. Remember, the photo did not have braces only straight teeth. Inexplicable, or is it explained by new science? Hmmmmm.
~ Photos of horses with the intention to own did not manifest but I did rent horses and went riding.
~ I was strongly motivated to obtain a piano for my daughter, a new car, and new furniture. I never expected to have all within a year. Taking action, I widely researched possibilities and moved forward as if absolute. Opportunities and connections appeared. The goals were realized to complete satisfaction.
~ A cross centered in the middle represented staying faith centered which I continue to hold.
~ A long term goal to help over five million people worldwide is a work in progress
~ Strikingly and critical to know, the four photos not realized were images I felt the least attached to.

So how can you create a Vision Board that works for you?

"If you do not have a vision, nothing happens." Christopher Reeve

1- What you will need- Choose the supplies you like. You need a poster board, push pins or glue, magazines, and a computer is helpful. I prefer thicker foam board but choose what fits you best.

"Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own." Robert Collier

2- Find images, words, numbers, quotes, and phrases that attract you- Skim through magazines and marketing pieces. Pay attention online. When something jumps out causing a positive emotional reaction, cut it out, and set it aside. Initially you may choose many. Compare to weed the pile down.

"A vision is not just a picture of what could be, it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more." Rosabeth Moss Kanter

3- What is missing- As you browse images ask what part of who you are or who you aim to be is missing. Seek other sources such as photographs or use the computer to print a meaningful word, number, phrase, or quote. Represent big, small, long and short term goals.


4- The finished product- Create the collage in a way that expresses you. Your goals are now represented visually. When you glance at your vision board it should feel complete and authentic to you. Some images may seem far off and others a small stretch. Every image should induce a strong positive emotional reaction and sense of excitement. As you browse the images fully experience them. Hold that!


5- Keep your vision board in view to experience daily- Place your collage where you see it regularly. Notice it. Experience doing, having, giving, or being what the images represent. Use your senses to hear, see, smell, feel, and taste. At a tropical resort you hear ocean waves crashing upon the beach. You feel the ocean spray and the subtle breeze spreads the essence of a nearby fire pit. You observe around you the peaceful grace of majestic swaying palms and sailboats gliding in the distance. Get the picture? Feel it. Experience it. Ignite action!

Another option is to use a visual image. I once had a caller in a teleclass who throughout her childhood hung a bridle on her bedroom doorknob representing her dream to have a horse. She later owned a ranch with many horses. The visual image held her dream until it became reality. Vision map videos are
available as well but you have to be willing to watch it regularly. They are effective for marketing.

So what are you waiting for? Begin. Begin to allow what is most important to you! Give it a face. Give it an experience. Give it life. Bring fully the vastness of your abilities one step at a time… StartingNow!

Author's Bio: 

Beth Tabak of StartingNowCoaching.com is 100% committed to small business coaching and personal life coaching. She coaches big thinkers to be unlimited, stand out in the crowd, and experience the vastness of their abilities. Stop by to say 'hello', and see all that is available to you.