Dream Big, Act Bigger: The Power of Vision and Action
The Power of Vision and Action
Vision Board
As I wrap up the first quarter and set my sights on the second, I like to take some time to revisit my vision board and check in to ensure I'm still on the path to success. Over the years of creating both successful and unsuccessful vision boards, I've learned that a vision without action is useless.
So, I’ve found it helpful to create both a vision board and an action board. All the steps I need to take—no matter how big or small—are posted on my action board.
In my experience of both creating vision boards and guiding others in the process, I like to focus on 9 different areas of my life. Depending on how many areas you want to include, it can easily become overwhelming, so I encourage you to simply allow yourself to dream. There are no limits to how big your dream is. Once you’ve written out your dreams and begin working on your vision board, things will naturally start to organize themselves. As you put it into action, your focus will narrow even more, making everything come into sharper view.
When creating my vision board, I’ve found that a great starting point is to include all the things I’m currently grateful for. This provides a solid foundation to ground yourself in the present moment while also calling in the things you wish to manifest.
Once you’ve dreamed big, pick one area of your life that you want to focus on. Now it’s time to start on your action board.
Action Board
I like to focus on an area where I feel the most drive. Interestingly, sometimes it's not my strongest area but rather my weakest, where I’m the most excited to improve and grow stronger. Choose the area of your life where you’re most willing to be accountable, dedicated, and consistent.
Once you’ve picked that area, set three goals to help manifest your vision. There are seven key mistakes I've made in the past when writing down my goals, mistakes that have delayed my progress, left me stagnant, and made me feel hopeless. Three of these mistakes include:
Thinking the goal is the end destination, not realizing it’s just a checkmark along the journey.
Overlooking the beauty of the journey itself.
Setting superficial goals.
So, when setting goals, make sure they are ones you're truly willing to commit to. It’s also important to use the SMART framework when setting goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
These tasks can be projects or daily habits; they will be unique to you and your needs. But the key is to ensure that it’s something you're committed to following through on.
Once you’ve created your goals in detail, write out how you’ll know when you’ve accomplished each one. Maybe it’s by obtaining a certificate or receiving an award. This accomplishment should be based on what you want for yourself, not on satisfying others. Cultivating this mindset is essential before starting your journey.
Great! Your action board is complete, but we’re not done yet!
Now, it’s time to put everything into your planner. Whether you use an old-school paper planner like me or a digital one, write down the action steps you’ve set for yourself in a place where you can see them daily. This is a great way to hold yourself accountable and align with what you truly want. As you work towards your goals, it’s important to check in with yourself as often as needed to ensure you're on the right track.
When I teach this process to others, I’m often met with the response, “What’s on paper and what happens in life are very different.” And my response is always, “Tell me about it!” But that isn’t enough reason to veer off the path you’ve created for yourself. When setting goals, always leave room for the unexpected and unknown. And when I say "leave room," I don’t just mean time; I mean embracing it. The more you embrace life’s unpredictability, the more easily and clearly you can navigate the journey you’ve set out on.
Stay tuned for my Vision Board Workshop, where I will walk you through the process step by step: creating an effective vision board, crafting a complementary action board, sharing the 7 pitfalls to avoid when manifesting your vision, and navigating challenges with confidence.