By Chris Olsen

The idea behind a vision board is simple: If you can see it, you can achieve it. Research shows that focusing your thoughts on a desired outcome using practices like visualization can support you in manifesting your goals.

A vision board combines the art of collage with the practice of visualization. Creating your own unique work of art with words and images that are meaningful to you, and represent what you want to accomplish, can be a powerful tool for manifesting your goals.

We gathered with a group of women business owners in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a Vision Board Workshop. They created their works of art using the “Publish Her Vision Board Book,” which features more than 500 words and images and was designed to be cut apart to create a custom vision board.

For vision boarding the easy way, engage your creative side and be playful. Don’t overthink the process. You could simply flip through the book, cut out the images you love, and create a collage. For a more structured activity, use this process for creating your vision board:

1. Gather Your Supplies

In addition to the book, you’ll need scissors and/or an exacto knife, plus foam core, tagboard, cardboard or heavy paper for the board, as well as glue or tape to fasten the media to it. You could also pin the images to a tackboard. Consider any personal items you have on hand and may want to include on your board, such as photos and print materials like cards, letters, stickers, etc.

2. Identify Your Goals

Take some time to clarify what’s important to you. What are your specific goals for the next several months or year? It may be helpful to narrow it down to a couple of goals for your vision board. You could also focus on one larger goal and the benchmarks for reaching it.

3. Look for Themes

Are your goals personal or professional or both? Consider how they connect and make a list of specific words and images that represent your intentions, goals and benchmarks. Focus on those that give you the most energy.

4. Select Elements That Fit the Theme

Flip through the pages of the book for images and words that align with your vision and get to work slicing and dicing the elements that will adorn your board. Cut around the entire square or just the featured object—whatever fits your vision. Add your personal photos and print materials as well.

5. Lay Out Your Board

First do a dry layout of all your media on the board. When it looks right, start gluing, taping or pinning everything in place. Continue layering items until it feels complete.

6. Display It for Yourself

Once you’ve finished your board, be sure to post it somewhere you will see it often. Remember, it is intended to be a visual representation of your goals that you can look at every day.

7. Share It With Others

Displaying your vision board so friends and family can see it can be a great way to hold yourself accountable. It may also inspire others to create a vision board to manifest their goals. We’d love to see it as well! Post a photo or video on Instagram and tag @publishherpress.

Photos: Angela Divine Photography

About the Author

Chris Olsen is a book designer, publisher, educator and the author of “Whyography: Building a Brand Fueled by Purpose.” The founder of Publish Her and Publish Her Story, Chris has helped thousands of women tell their stories and publish their books.

About Publish Her

Publish Her is a female-founded publisher dedicated to educating authors and elevating the words, writing and stories of women. We are passionate about amplifying the voices of women of color, women with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to make publishing an attainable, exciting and collaborative process for all.