Set intentions with a vision board

Resolutions, goals, intentions—whatever you call them, real change starts with visualization. It’s easy to say you want to “manage stress” or “eat better.” But what does that actually look like in your daily life? To make those sentiments a reality, you need a tool that bridges the gap between a vague wish and a concrete plan. You need a vision board.

Start by visualizing your goals

You can’t manifest what you can’t imagine. Before searching for images, take time to clarify exactly what you are looking for.

• Set the scene: Get comfortable. Pour a cup of tea, silence your phone and give yourself permission to daydream.
• Find the ”why”: Look past the surface goal. If your intention is to exercise more, ask why. Is it for stress relief? To feel strong? To keep up with your grandchildren? The purpose and emotions behind the goal are what fuel change.
• Process vs. outcome: Visualize the entire arc of your success. Imagine what it looks like to live your intention daily—cooking fresh vegetables or putting on your running shoes (the process). Next, imagine the feeling of the result—waking up rested, feeling confident or running your first 5K (the outcome).
• Find your anchor: As you visualize “Future You,” notice if a specific word springs to mind (e.g., balance, strength, joy). Use this word as the centerpiece of your vision board.

Build your vision board 

Now that you’ve visualized your intention, it’s time to gather the images that match that picture. The vision board is the physical or digital container for your motivation. It can be a simple poster with magazine cutouts, scissors and glue, or a clean digital collage made with your favorite app. 
 
The goal is to move your intention out of the purely logical part of your brain and into the realm of imagination and emotion. As you select images, don’t just pick pictures that look nice—pick ones that evoke the feelings you identified in your initial visualization exercise. 
 

Curate with intention 

A powerful board should include a mix of image types: 
 
Process images: These illustrate the journey. If your intention is better sleep, find pictures that help you imagine yourself reading a book in a cozy, dimly lit bedroom or sipping a cup of herbal tea. These are the daily habits that build the goal.

Outcome images: These represent the destination. This might be a photo of someone looking energized and well-rested in the morning light, or an organized desk inviting a productive day. 
 
Metaphors and anchors: Include colors, textures or quotes that capture the core emotion of your intention (e.g., ease, resilience or energy). 
 
Find images that make you excited about the changes you are about to implement and how they will feel in your life. 
 

Reflect on it daily 

A vision board is a powerful tool for intention-setting, but only if you use it.  
 
Place your board somewhere you see regularly. If it’s digital, use it as your desktop background. If it’s physical, hang it where you can look at it while drinking your morning coffee, or keep it on your bedside table for evening reflection. 
 
Spend 60 seconds each day sinking into your vision. Don’t just look at the pictures. Feel yourself living them. This simple ritual primes your brain to spot opportunities and align your daily choices with your long-term intentions. 
 
Remember, your vision board can change with you. You can add to it or start fresh as your goals and life shift.