Introducing vision boards..infusing motivation with fresh, new energy

Imagine your life is perfect in every respect; what would it look like?- Brian Tracy

Research has reinforced what we already know- that images have the amazing capacity to help us learn and help us remember.... hence the expression, 'A picture is worth a thousand words.'

You only have to look at the family photos in your albums. As you look at each old and loved snapshot, I'm sure you'll remember both the occasion it was taken and where. The photo might even trigger memories of certain smells and sounds associated with that time and place.

Yes.. images can be very powerful. But, how does this help you and your motivation for an ongoing habit or the attainment of a particular goal?

​Pictures speak a thousand words and while this is so true you can also use it to your advantage when it comes to motivation.

If you have a goal such as weight loss, do you ever look in the mirror and feel disappointed by what you see? This often gives you enough motivation to start a new diet but it may not be enough to keep you on track for months at a time.

This is where using a picture or vision board becomes extremely handy. By having a visual story board you can track your progress by looking backwards.

When it comes to motivation you tend to always be focused on the end goal. While this is good it can also be a factor for losing your motivation. If your goal was to lose 100 pounds and you have only lost 30 you may feel as though things aren’t working any more. You start to feel like giving up.

Focus on your accomplishments and successes

When this happens you want to look backwards instead of forward. This way you can now focus on your accomplishments and successes. This is the perfect strategy for long term goals that could require a year or more of motivation and focus.

As your body changes you can’t always remember what you looked like 2 or 3 months ago. If you have images then you do have a reminder of this. This is why creating your own story board of your motivational journey is so important.

You can create your own visual story board in many different ways.

1. Create a physical picture board
You can actually have a physical story board in your home where you can add photos each week or monthBut if you're not a hands-on crafty person, ditch the scissors and glue and check out these other options.
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2. Ditch the scissors and glue and create a digital vision board
Samantha Bell (Brand It Girl) says, 'A vision board is a tool that you can use to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on specific life goals.' She goes on to describe and show you how to create a digital vision board that can then be used for your computer wallpaper or printed framed and displayed on the wall.

 
PicMonkey is another option for creating a digital vision board.  PicMonkey provides step by step instructions and inspiration... worth checking out. Remember, that there are no rules or formulas for creating your vision board. It's all about personal goals and personal style.

​3. Create your picture board online
 Uploading your photos, quotes and content to an online picture board is another way create your vision board. One of the best places to do this is on Pinterest. You can create a weight loss, exercise board or any board dedicated to your new goal. You can choose whether you'd like to keep your board 'secret', or 'public' if you'd like the incentive that others' encouragement would add.

Here's a quick overview of creating a Pinterest board

​Add pictures on a regular basis to build motivation.
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When you begin your vision board and particularly if you create a Pinterest vision board, you can add your starting photos and then add photos on a regular basis. Once you start doing this you will no doubt enjoy adding photos each week. Plus you can share them with your friends and family as well.

 ​Include pictures of your healthy choice meals or meal plans that have worked for you. If your goal is a daily walking habit, take photos of your favourite walking track.If your goal is daily writing, include images of where you like to write and your journal or tablet. Add inspirational quotes.

As soon as you feel as though you are losing your motivation you can easily refer back to your board and take a good look at how far you have come. Even upload photos about how you are feeling at that moment so if it happens again you can see how you dealt with it.

Try it and see if it doesn’t help you stay on track.
And... I have no doubt that you'll also enjoy creating your ongoing vision board.                                  Just as another suggestion... how about helping your teen create their own vision board to get motivated to fulfil their vision of their future?

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