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- "If it happens, it happens" is a lazy default: Why you should envision what your life will look like in the future.
"If it happens, it happens" is a lazy default: Why you should envision what your life will look like in the future.
If you're not regularly thinking about what you want your future to look like, you're leaving your life to chance
Shawn Johnson
January 12, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
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Happy Sunday, !
If you’re reading this, I hope you’re enjoying a relaxing weekend and have found the time to allow your mind and body to rest. Find a tasty beverage, sit in a comfy chair with your feet up, and enjoy.
But before we get into the newsletter, here are some treats for you…
In this week’s Pay or Quit Podcast, co-host Tony Cline and I lay out 3 principles to becoming rich. Listen here or click the thumbnail below!
If you’re a big fan of learning on YouTube, like I am, check out my channel @ShawnAustinJohnson
In 2015, I created my first vision board at the advice of my then-business coach. To be honest, it felt a bit wishy-washy at first, but I quickly realized that a well-thought-out vision was exactly what I needed to propel my aspirations into reality.
If you’ve ever worked for a company that doesn’t have a vision for the future or they have one, but it’s turned into more of a cliche than an action plan, you know how going through the motions feels. On the other hand, if you’ve worked for a company that is clear in its vision and the vision is a central piece to the direction they’re going, you can see the power of future thinking.
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.
Why Vision Boards Are More Powerful Than Goals Alone
Goals are great—they give you direction and purpose. But vision boards go beyond that. They engage your emotions and imagination, helping you visualize the life you want in a tangible, meaningful way.
Engage Your Emotions: A vision board helps you see and feel your goals. When you picture yourself achieving them, you create an emotional attachment that fuels your motivation.
Expand Your Thinking: Goals often reflect what you think is realistic. Vision boards encourage you to think beyond your current limitations, helping you dream bigger.
Stay Focused: Seeing your vision board daily keeps your goals at the forefront of your mind, helping you make choices that align with your dreams.
Example: Instead of just setting a goal to "earn $1M this year," a vision board might include images of investments you’ll need to make, what your business will look like, or the strategic hires you’ll need to make to free your time to grow.
How to Create an Effective Vision Board
Building a vision board is as much about the process as the final product. Here’s how to do it right:
Reflect on Your Dreams: Think about where you want to be in 1, 5, or 10 years. What would success look like in your career, relationships, health, and personal growth?
Make It Personal: Include items that resonate emotionally. Pictures of loved ones, quotes that inspire you, or even a sticky note with your life mantra can make it uniquely yours.
Organize with Intent: Place the most important aspects of your vision in the center, with supporting elements around it. This gives you a clear focal point.
Gather Images: Whether you’re using a physical board with magazine cutouts or a digital platform like Canva, collect images, words, and symbols that represent your vision.
Pro Tip: Use categories like Health, Wealth, Relationships, and Personal Growth to ensure your vision board captures all aspects of your life.
The Emotional Advantage of a Vision Board
What makes vision boards so effective is their ability to connect with your emotions. When you see images of your goals every day, you start to internalize them as achievable. This emotional connection can help you:
Stay motivated during tough times.
Visualize success vividly, making it feel more attainable.
Develop a positive mindset that attracts opportunities and keeps you moving forward.
Example: If your vision board includes a photo of a tropical beach, that image can serve as a powerful reminder of the freedom and joy you’re working toward, keeping you motivated to save, invest, or grow your business.
“One study that surveyed more than 1100 people and 500 entrepreneurs found that 82% of participants who used a vision board had accomplished more than half of the goals depicted on their board at the time of the survey.
This research demonstrates the power of imagery and how people who visualize themselves achieving their goals have more confidence in their ability to be successful than those who don’t.”
How to Stick to Achieving Your Vision
Place It Where You’ll See It Daily: The more you see your vision board, the more it becomes ingrained in your mind.
Set Regular Check-Ins: Every month, revisit your vision board to assess your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Break It Down: For each element on your board, create actionable steps. For example, if your vision includes buying a house, set milestones like improving your credit score or saving for a down payment.
Stay Inspired: Add new images or quotes to keep it fresh and exciting.
Example: Create a recurring calendar reminder to reflect on your progress and celebrate small wins. This keeps your vision alive and relevant.
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