We’re expected to map out all sorts of new goals, to accelerate our benchmarks and, most importantly, to craft new visions.
But what if our vision is blurry? Or we just don’t know where to start: from ideas to manifestations?
Here’s a suggestion: How about a vision board?
Sure, it’s one of the oldest techniques in the book. Depending on how you approach it, it can also be one of the most powerful tools of visualization.
Introducing 3 approaches to vision boards:
A vision board is a great way to align our purpose, values and emotions.
Research now shows that it is a great methodology to release dopamine in the brain – that neurotransmitter that creates signals between the brain cells. For example, when something good or unexpected happens, dopamine helps you feel motivated.
The key then is not only to stimulate dopamine in the brain through visualisation, but to use that to set goals.
Recently, Claris Coaching has gained more knowledge about the role of the reticular cortex and the reticular activating system (RAS) – the part of the brain that helps us focus. As we stimulate this part of the brain with our vision and emotions, it then becomes a scanner, sourcing what we are most attracted to.
In case you’re new to vision boards, here is the drill:
1) Go through your magazines and tear the images that grab your interest. Words, images, headlines, anything that strike your fancy.
2) Then it’s time to eliminate and consolidate. Add some writing to mark your ideas clearly.
3) And there you have it.
The trick is to find the vision board approach that suits you.
New York Times bestseller and coaching Jack Canfield has nailed down 3 approaches to vision boarding, which we think are just brilliant.
1. “You know what you want” vision board:
– You’re very clear about your desires.
– You want to change your environment or surroundings.
– There is a specific thing you want to manifest in your life. (i.e. a new home, or starting a business)
Instructions:
– Look for the exact pictures which portray your vision.
2. “The opening and allowing: vision board:
– You’re not sure what exactly you want.
– You have a vision of what you want, but are uncertain about it in some way.
– You know you want change, but don’t know.
Instructions:
– Go through each magazine. Tear out images that delight you. Don’t ask why. Then, as you start to eliminate, hold that same openness, but ask yourself what your picture might mean. What is the picture telling you about you?
3. “The theme” vision board:
– It’s your birthday or New Years Eve or some significant event that starts a new cycle.
– You are working with one particular area of your life. Ex: work & career.
Instructions:
– This one has clear parameters and intent. Before you begin the vision board, take a moment to hold the intent and the theme in mind. When you choose pictures, they will be in alignment with the theme.
Give vision boards a try! It’s proven to sharpen your focus through activating your subconscious, the laws of attraction as well as building internal motivation.