As I’ve grown older, I've developed a healthy dose of skepticism about vision boards. Honestly, they just don’t resonate with me anymore. Before you roll your eyes and dismiss my thoughts because you've invested a small fortune on magazines, washi tape, and glittery stickers, hear me out.
I've spent countless hours crafting these boards, but deep down, I realized I didn’t truly believe in the pretty pictures I was pinning. I never really considered the hard work and emotional healing required to manifest those dreams. For instance, I used to tape a beautiful man and woman on a picturesque beach, hand in hand seeking to manifest my love and partner, but I never really asked myself if I was truly ready for a committed relationship with the work it takes to sustain it. I also never considered the emotional baggage that was holding me back. Another area I’ve often pinned on my vision board was that of weight loss, not realizing it's not just about a number on the scale. I never took the time to evaluate my habits. I also did not face and address the emotional ties to that extra weight and the issues that perhaps undergirded my holding and keeping the weight on. My point: It’s essential to dig deeper before hoping for change.
Our culture often promotes the idea that transformation can be instant, but it’s a process that requires introspection and action. Mel Robbins emphasizes focusing on the small steps rather than just the end goal. In his work, “Mind Magic”, Dr. James Doty starts the first chapter of his book stating, “The Universe does not give a fuck about you”. As harsh as that seems, that statement was made to remind us that ultimately we have to take charge and create our own paths. The Universe does not rule over our decisions for shifts and change.
This year, I've shifted from a vision board to an “Action Board.” It’s about clarity, honesty, and actionable steps toward what truly matters to me. I encourage you to get yourself a good journal or a .99 notebook, a good pen or pencil, and time to reflect on your intentions, confront your shadows, and commit to the work needed to make your visions a reality. Here are the steps I followed for this year:
- Find Your Word: I took time to pinpoint my word for 2025. What’s your word? This word should reflect where you want to grow and evolve. For me, it’s “Self-Investment.” After years of pouring into others, it’s time to nurture myself. Dig into your chosen word; let it guide you toward your best self.
- Decide what areas need an upgrade or change: I identified the life areas needing a shift. This year, love is off my radar. I’ve spent enough time focusing on love; now it's my turn to work on personal growth. My areas for 2025 were Health, Spirituality, and Leisure, to name a few. Consider your own areas. Some buckets to keep in mind are Career, Community, Self-Care, Health, Travel, Relationships, and Spirituality. Which ones call for your attention?
- Get granular on what you actually want to accomplish: I outlined what I wanted to achieve in each area. Keep it manageable! For instance, I want to travel, so I made a list of destinations, the purpose of wanting to travel to these places, and what I need to do to save for those trips. Clarity is key; it directs your energy where it’s needed most.
- Describe, describe, describe: I scripted the end goal for each area. I did not want a long narrative as I needed my mind to grasp the vision in a bite size portion, like a mini cupcake! For example, my affirmation for my weight loss journey is: “I am comfortable in my body; my body is healthy, there is a vibrancy that reverberates. My body releases unwanted weight, inflammation, and toxins.” Your script should make the goal feel attainable.
- Let Shadow speak: People have different opinions about this, but I hold to the “Sankofa” concept; if you don’t look back you can’t move forward effectively. Letting your Shadow speak is not about lunging into sadness or self-denigration. In this part of my Action Board process, it was me acknowledging the limiting beliefs that often hold me back and sabotage my forward steps. It was a tough personal dialogue to witness but giving it space to air was crucial for me to actually understand the barriers that have kept me stuck in being unable to manifest. Embrace this struggle; it’s part of the process.
- Add dates to your action steps: In listing your action steps you are actually spending time and creating a system that will support your actualizations. You are working through and itemizing the needs to fulfill that goal. If it’s weight loss, will you need to bring your workout clothes to work so that you can change and go to the gym thereafter, Monday thru Friday? Does it require you to meal prep on Sundays? And if so, what are the foods that will support this endeavor? What will be the mainstay grocery list that you will work from to make it easier for you to achieve? Do not be vague about this part of the process. I would suggest that the reason we don’t manifest in areas of concern is we have never developed a system to get to our destination.
- NOW add imagery: Standing from a very clear place of what you want, where you are trying to go, the limiting beliefs that will undoubtedly raise their heads, and the dated action steps needed, you are ready to pin your imagery and affirmation. Include images of you doing the action steps. This will reinforce your commitment to the actions you are taking to see the shift in each of the identified areas. You are creating systems to support your goals- this is key!
I am suggesting that we have to be okay with taking thoughtful time in this process. Let’s take this next year, to cease the self-abuse of creating another board that we have not been thoughtful about enough to assess if we are ready to move in various areas. Sometimes, we simply aren’t- and THAT’S OKAY. What we can do, is meet ourselves where we are and inch toward the self-progression that is not rooted in grind culture, but is grounded in love for ourselves, mind, body, soul, and spirit.
Love you real good,
Jeanetta