The Journey, Not the Destination: My First Vision Board Experience

As I prepare to welcome 2025, I decided to create a vision board for the first time. For years, I dismissed vision boards as frivolous, unnecessary, or even banal. But this year, I decided to give it a try—and I’m so glad I did.

I made this vision board with some of my closest friends via Zoom. Yes, Zoom! With one friend in the UAE, another in Washington State, and another one in Texas, it was the only way to connect across the miles. Yet, even with the physical distance, the experience felt deeply personal and transformative.

The Realization: Why I Pushed Back Against Vision Boards

As I worked on my vision board, I realized something profound: I had been pushing back against the concept of manifesting and judging people who proudly displayed their flashy vision boards. To me, the idea of manifestation often felt like smoke and mirrors—lacking the substance and evidence-based research that I rely on in my work.

But here’s the truth I uncovered: my resistance stemmed from my own insecurities. By dismissing these practices, I was denying myself the gift of prioritizing my own growth and giving myself the time and attention I deserve.

Takeaway #1: The Things We Judge Often Reflect Our Insecurities

The very things we judge and push back against are often mirrors of our mental blocks and insecurities.

Advice: Pay attention to those feelings and ask yourself why. You are often your own biggest barrier.

The Power of the Process

The intended purpose of a vision board is to manifest the things you want in the future. But what I found was something even more powerful. The mere act of taking time to be intentional, reflect on the past, and dream about the future signals to your soul and body that you matter. This act of self-love and intentionality happens in real-time as you create your vision board.

Takeaway #2: It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination

Creating a vision board isn’t just about what you’re hoping to achieve in the future. It’s about the process of appreciating what you have now and recognizing the gifts already in your life.

Advice: In order to live in the moment, take time to reflect and appreciate. Many of the gifts you’re seeking may already be in front of you.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

To truly benefit from a vision board, it’s essential to use a method that’s intentional and effective. Specific techniques can make this exercise impactful, helping you feel aligned, set clear actionable goals, and hold yourself accountable.

Takeaway #3: Use a Tried-and-True Approach

The key to creating a meaningful vision board is to follow a structured and thoughtful process.

Advice: Seek guidance from someone you trust or do your research to ensure your efforts are purposeful and grounded.

My Vision Board Blueprint

My dear friend Vanessa Gonzalez, a trained hypnotherapist, guided my friends and me through this transformative exercise. Below are the instructions she shared, which I highly recommend for anyone ready to embark on this journey:

1. Set the Scene

Set yourself up for success by creating a space that offers comfort, privacy, and focus. Gather the materials you need, whether it’s magazines and glue sticks or access to your favorite digital tools like Canva or Pinterest. The key is to have everything you need to be fully present in the process.

2. Reflect

Spend time answering the question: “What is the experience that I want to manifest in 2025?” Be specific and thoughtful as you reflect on the aspects of your life you want to enhance.

3. Visualize

Close your eyes and imagine your ideal future. What does it look like? How do you feel? This step helps you connect deeply with your intentions. For me, this was the most important step. Not only did I visualize my goals, but I also activated all of my senses. For example, if I want to manifest financial abundance, I think of the email I get from HoneyBook each time a client submits a payment, which says “cha-ching!” Activating my senses made this activity much more concrete and personal, helping me truly connect with what these goals mean.

4. Emotions

What are the emotions you will feel when you manifest these goals? Identifying these emotions will help anchor your vision in a deeper, more meaningful way.

5. Gratitude

After envisioning what you want to manifest for 2025, ask yourself: “How and when do I already feel the emotions I’m manifesting for next year?” This question is so powerful because it brings awareness to all the incredible things you already have in your life. It allows you to live in the moment and count your blessings.

6. Select Images and Words

Choose pictures and phrases that resonate with your vision. Let your intuition guide you as you select elements that feel aligned with your goals.

7. Assemble

Arrange the images and words on your board in a way that feels right to you. Remember, there are no rules—this is your personal vision. Create something that inspires you.

8. Commit

Place your vision board somewhere visible. Take a few moments each day to look at it and reconnect with your goals. This daily ritual will help keep your intentions front and center as you move through the year.

Final Thoughts

Creating my first vision board was an eye-opening experience that taught me to embrace self-love, intentionality, and the power of the present moment. If you’ve ever dismissed practices like these, I encourage you to give them a try. You might just discover a new way to connect with yourself and your dreams.

As we step into 2025, let’s remember: the gift is the journey, not the destination. May this year bring you clarity, alignment, and the courage to dream boldly.

Happy New Year!

#VisionBoard #Manifestation #IntentionalLiving #SelfLove #LeadershipJourney #DrAnaMaria #LeadershipCoach