DIY Vision Boards Ideas and Tips

Okay, so I have sort of an embarrassing story. A few weeks ago I got invited to a blogger event for Athleta UTC – it’s a fitness clothing store here in San Diego. In addition to some fun giveaways in the store, they had a free yoga session. I haven’t been working on my fitness too much lately, and it’s definitely been YEARS since I’ve done yoga, but I thought it would be fun. And it was fun… until the next day.

After doing yoga and working out after such a long break, the next day I was sooooo sore. And the day after that. And the day after that. And the day after that. Yeah, I ended up feeling super sore for a total of FIVE days! Pretty embarrassing.

I had to do something about improving my health and fitness. We have an elliptical trainer so I can work out at home while the baby is sleeping, but it can get pretty boring on that thing, just pedaling and pedaling and not going anywhere. So I decided to make a “vision board” or “inspiration board” to look at while I’m working out.

What is an vision board?

A vision board is a visualization tool that you can use as inspiration for achieving your goals in life. Sometimes also referred to as a “dream board” or an “inspiration board,” a vision board is very powerful in mapping out your journey towards a particular goal or multiple goals. No matter what you call it, a vision board generally consists of a collage of pictures, magazine clippings, quotes, and words that serve to remind you of your passion and purpose.

I’ve actually heard that vision boards are so popular now, that vision board parties are a trend – that’s when you get together with all your friends and you each make a vision board and then share what you want to achieve with everyone.

When you see someone else’s vision board, it could be a bit overwhelming trying to decide what you want to do for your own. So I’ve put together 7 tips and tricks for making your own vision board.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• a posterboard, small canvas, cork board or bulletin board
• old magazines and/or a computer and printer
• scissors
• markers or paint
• glue, tape, stapler, thumbtacks or pins
• any personal photos you feel like including

Vision Board Ideas and Tips

1. Start with a main title or idea – on my inspiration board I took a sharpie and wrote “Get it, Girl!” Because really that’s my main goal, to just get out there and “Get It!” What does that mean? It means to decide what I want and do it – get that dream!
2. Be Positive – the last thing you need when you’re trying to achieve something is negative thoughts. So always keep your vision board on the positive side. No Debbie Downers – words of encouragement only!
3. Make it personal – I put two photos with great meaning right smack dab in the middle of my vision board. The first picture is one of me and my daughter. She is everything to me in this world, so she is my biggest reason to get fit and healthy. The second picture is of me and my dad running a 5k back in 2007. It was probably the most physically fit I’ve ever been in my adult life, and I would love to run a 5k again, so that photo is very motivational as well. Depending on what your goals are or ultimate life plan is, you could put pictures of your friends, family, maybe a crush, or even a “before” picture of yourself – just make sure to add a personal touch to your vision board.
4. Pinterest is your friend! – When I was making my vision board, I didn’t have a lot of inspiration from the magazines I was looking at, so I looked on Pinterest! And what I found was perfect. You can find Pinterest boards for pretty much any interest or goal that you have. I found tons of great diet and exercise tips, quotes, ideas, etc. Of course, you need a printer if you want to go this route, and I definitely used a ton of printer ink – but I find it tailors your vision board much more precisely to your life goals.
5. Write it out – If you have an idea you particularly want to get across, just write it down! For instance, I found something that said “who is counting on you to be your healthiest.” I thought it was such a perfect motivator that I took a sharpie and wrote it really big on my vision board. I also wrote down little mantras around the board like “live well,” “I believe in me,” stuff like that.
6. Include short-term goals – I bought some “white board tape” from Target and put a strip of it at the top of the vision board. With the white board section it allows me to write down a short-term goal and then change it when I want. I wrote “New York” on the white board tape because I’m going to New York on vacation soon. Because it’s such a walking city, I want to make sure I’m in better shape so that I can get around easier. Once I get back from New York, I can change it to my next little short-term motivator.
7. You can quote me on this – Pretty self explanatory: Make sure to add some quotes on there that really have a particular meaning for you.
8. Have Fun! – Most importantly, when making your vision board, just have fun! It’s a great outlet for your creativity, and a great way to have fun with friends on a week night or Saturday afternoon.