I’ve heard about the power of visualization for years – dating back to my synchronized swimming days when our coaches would have us visualize our routine before a big meet. To be honest, I never really felt like it made a difference. But recently I’ve heard about it more and more – in business training, my favorite podcast, and books like You Are A Badass.
So, this year, as I tackled my 2019 planning, I thought it would be fun to give it a try and create my first vision board. Since my apartment is so tiny, I knew I wanted it to look reasonably nice for when guests are over, so I bought some fun supplies to make it pretty.
A simple white frame, cute paper background, cork board for behind the paper, and gold push pins. The supplies are still en route, so it’s not 100% done yet, but I thought I would share the direction and some of my intentions for 2019.
How To Create Your Own Vision Board
Because I’m a nerd, I did some research first on how to create your own vision board that’s also an effective one. I didn’t want to just slap pictures up on a cork board with no direction behind it. I found this video on YouTube that I thought was helpful.
One of her main points is to focus on how you want to feel – not material things you want or specific tasks. The idea is that to attract the things you want, you must first feel the feelings you think those things will bring. It’s the theory behind the Law of Attraction.
Dialing In On Priorities
Separately, I always look to dial in my intentions for a given time. I can’t do it all and stay sane. I have to pick what’s most important and focus. My priorities may change or shift, but I at least want to start the year with a few themes in mind.
As I was looking for vision board images (this is the site of free – and beautiful images I used), I had my three focus areas for 2019 in mind – self-care (mental and physical health), financial security, and growing my side hustle.
Keep Calm And Stay Active
Alright folks, you heard it here first. 2019 is the year I quit hitting snooze 15 times and waking up 3 minutes before I need to have my computer up and running for work. It stresses me out and is just not working for me.
I find that when I wake up with the sun and have a relaxed start to my day, I have more energy throughout. Both to get quality work done for my day job and for other healthy habits like running.
Spend Money On Things That Matter … Save The Rest
While I’m typically pretty good about managing my finances, I know that if I spent (and saved) my money differently, I’d feel more secure. Maybe I could one day buy a place of my own! I spend a lot of money dining out, traveling, and on new gadgets and the latest styles. While some of those things are important, others could easily be cut.
Instead of going at money saving from a limiting perspective, I want to focus on surrounding myself with objects and experiences I really love – and stop wasting on the rest.
Write More … Maybe Even A Book
Maintaining the blog over the past year reminded me how much I love writing. And, maybe more than writing, editing. Every post gets reviewed a few times before I have it exactly the way I want it – I find peace in these revisions. In growing my side hustle in 2019, I want to make a concerted effort to write more. Maybe even start a book – although, about what, I have no idea.
Each month this year, I will make sure my monthly goals tie back to these three intentions. My hope is that by having them in front of me on a daily basis, I will remember that competing ideas are either distractions, or I need to reevaluate my priorities.
Have you ever made a vision board? If so, do you have any tips and tricks to share?
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