Ever feel like you’re doing all the things for everyone else but losing yourself in the process? Maybe you’ve spent so long putting others first that figuring out what you want feels like trying to read a map upside down. A vision board could be your secret weapon to rediscovering your purpose and getting back in the driver’s seat of your life.
We will show you exactly how to create a vision board that doesn’t just look pretty but gives you the tools to start living the life you’ve been dreaming of.
What Exactly Is a Vision Board?
A vision board is your personal highlight reel in picture form—a collage of images, quotes, and words that reflect your goals, dreams, and the life you’re chasing. Think of it like your North Star, a visual reminder of what truly matters to you.
When we were working on The Selfish Company concept, this was the vision board we used. This is the feeling we wanted to capture. It’s not about the items on the board: it’s about the mood they elicit. Do we want Claudia Schiffer’s pink houndstooth Chanel hat? I mean obviously, but more than that, we wanted that fun and light Barbie mood with some 90s nostalgia.
Done right, a vision board pushes you to define your goals and reminds you daily why they’re worth the effort. And for midlife women, it’s a powerful way to reclaim focus. You’ve spent years juggling everything else for everyone else; this is your space to center yourself unapologetically.
Why Does It Work?
Here’s some brain science for you. Neuroscientists say visualizing your goals activates your reticular activating system (RAS). It’s the part of your brain that locks in what’s important and trains your subconscious to focus on opportunities that align with those goals. Translation? By looking at your vision board regularly, you’re giving your brain a clear directive to help turn dreams into reality.
As we talk about in our book, midlife isn’t about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself. The vision board is a perfect tool.
6 Steps to Create a Vision Board That Works
1. Get Clear on Your Purpose
Before you even touch a pair of scissors, take a beat. Ask yourself the ultimate question: “Who do I want to be?”
Not who society thinks you should be. Not what your career or family demands. You. What lights you up? What gives you that “hell yes” feeling? Jot it down. Not sure where to start? Break it into areas like health, relationships, finances, career, and personal growth.
This step isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. You’re setting the foundation for what you truly want, not what looks good on paper.
For help on that, grab our FREE workbook that helps you figure out what you want.
2. Gather Your Supplies
Here’s where the fun begins. Whether you love old-school magazines and glue or prefer an online tool like Canva or Pinterest, you’ll need:
A blank canvas (poster board, corkboard, or digital template)
Magazines, printed images, digital images, or even personal photos
Scissors, tape, glue, and anything else that sparks creativity (we have keychains, rings, and other things on ours.)
This is your “Glow-Up Guide” or “Dream Map,” so get creative and use what you love!
3. Choose Images That Really Speak to You
Now comes the fun part. When you’re scanning photos or scrolling through Pinterest, don’t just grab what looks cool. Instead, focus on images that stir something in you. Ask:
Does this image give me that gut yes feeling?
Is it tied to what I truly want, or am I picking it because it’s trendy?
When I look at this image, can I see it fitting into my life?
For instance, instead of generic photos of sunsets, find a shot of the exact beach where you dream of taking that vacation. It’s all about specifics. If you find yourself gravitating to a picture of a yacht and really aren’t into boating, think about why that image resonates. Is it about having freedom to travel? Is it about the security that comes with wealth? Find images that speak to the root of what you desire.
4. Add Words and Quotes That Fire You Up
Words are powerful. Pair your visuals with affirmations or quotes that give you a reality check and a confidence boost. A few ideas to get you started:
“Boundaries are a form of self-care.”
“I’m creating a life that reflects my worth.”
“It’s not too late—it’s my time now.”
Our book, The Selfish Season, reminds us to ditch the watered-down affirmations your heart doesn’t believe. Go bold. Be unapologetically you.
5. Map It Out with Actionable Categories
Try breaking things down by areas of focus, like:
Health/Wellness (healthy meals, workout goals, sleep improvement ideas).
Career/Finance (dream promotions, passive income goals, budgeting inspiration).
Relationships (intentional time with loved ones, reconnecting with old friends).
Make it something tangible to keep you moving forward.
6. Put It Where You Can See It
A vision board stuffed in the back of your closet? Useless. You’ve got to put it somewhere you’ll see it every day—your desk, bedroom, kitchen, or even near your treadmill if fitness is on the agenda.
And don’t just look at it. Take five minutes daily to really focus on an image or phrase. Remind yourself why you’re pursuing this vision.
What Happens Next?
Your vision board is done. Now what? The magic is in keeping the momentum going.
Celebrate Your Wins. Track even the smallest steps you take toward your goals in a journal or notes app.
Make It Part of Your Routine. Start or end your day with a quick look at your vision board.
Refresh as Needed. Life evolves—and so do your dreams. Treat your board like a playlist that you update as new goals emerge.
Make This Your Moment
Your vision board isn’t just about pretty pictures or lofty dreams. It’s a reflection of you—what you want, who you’re becoming, and the unapologetic life you’re stepping into.
If you’re still figuring it all out, that’s okay. The principles in The Selfish Season can walk you through this process step by step, helping you prioritize yourself and create a future that fits you.
Now grab your coffee, the stack of magazines you’ve been hoarding, and make yourself the priority. This is your season—time to own it.
Xx
