So last week after reading Having Trouble Envisioning Your Dream Life? Make an Incredible Vision Board in 7 Easy Steps you were so inspired you finished your dream board that night, right?

All kidding aside, having a vision board is wonderful, but what exactly do you do with it?

What the Research Says About Visualization

The main purpose of having a vision board is to allow you to spend time each day envisioning areas of your life that you want to improve. You want to feel the feelings you would have if that goal were already accomplished. The more detail you can affiliate with that goal, the better.

Research shows that “… mental practices can enhance motivation, increase confidence and self-efficacy, improve motor performance, prime your brain for success, and increase states of flow – all relevant to achieving your best life!” (Quote taken from Seeing Is Believing: The Power of Visualization)

In other words, there is scientific research that proves visualization increases the likelihood of your goals becoming reality. Your brain will keep working on your goals even after you complete your visualizing. It will begin noticing opportunities you might normally walk right by.

You will become more motivated and make choices that align with your goals. (For me that means a little less snacking in front of the TV and a little more writing.)

Create Routines

A routine will give you a better chance of actually using your vision board on a daily basis. Once your routine becomes habit it is something you hardly even think about.

Make these times consistent so that they become a part of your daily routine. Nick even keeps pictures of our board on his phone so that we can visualize while on vacation!

In addition to a routine, placement of your board is important. Find a prominent place where it is easy to see. Look at it and make the effort to visualize at least twice a day. It usually takes me around 5 minutes to visualize each time I do it.

(Important note: If you’re creating a vision board with someone else, it is more impactful to visualize together.)

Optimum visualization times are in the morning, right after getting out of bed and in the evening, right before going to bed. Morning visualizations lead you to start the day right. You may be more open to opportunities that come your way throughout the day.

Visualizing before bed allows your brain to work on your goals as you sleep. Have you ever studied for a test right before bed, and upon waking up realized you knew the content better than you expected? Your brain is still active while you slumber and is working toward your goals!

A Final Note

Each person’s vision board is unique. It is designed with the goals you have in mind at that moment. As time passes it is important to reassess your goals and update or create a new vision board as necessary.

Nick and I created a new vision board 8 – 9 months after displaying our first board. We simplified it by renaming some of the categories to be more all-encompassing. We added more of our own pictures to help us visualize with even more feeling.

After 6- 12 months, reevaluate your vision board. Is it time for an update?

What’s one thing everyone must know about your vision board process?