Do Vision Boards Actually Work? A Guide to Goals and Motivation

It's the start of the year and chances are you’ve heard someone rave about finishing their vision board for the year. Or maybe you've seen the aesthetically pleasing ones on Pinterest, you're wondering: Do they actually work?  
The short answer: Yes, but only if you use them intentionally and as part of a broader strategy. A vision board isn’t a magic wand - it’s a tool. Like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it.

Why Vision Boards Can Work

As an engineer with a penchant for exploration across various disciplines, I initially approached concepts like vision boards with a healthy dose of scepticism. My analytical mind sought empirical evidence before embracing such practices. This perspective shifted when I encountered an enlightening episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, where Mel interviewed Dr. Tara Swart Bieber, a distinguished British neuroscientist and medical doctor. For those interested in exploring this further, I highly recommend listening to the full episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast featuring Dr. Tara Swart Bieber. Mel Robbins

I have since embraced vision boards as a tool to help me focus on my aspirations and manifest my desired outcomes. This is why I think they will work for you too:

1. Focus and Clarity

Creating a vision board forces you to reflect on what you truly want. This process helps you define clear goals and intentions, turning abstract ideas into something tangible. By visualising these regularly, you’re more likely to keep them top of mind, influencing your daily decisions.

2. Positive Reinforcement

When you look at images and affirmations that represent your goals, they can inspire optimism and reinforce your belief that achieving them is possible. This positive mindset is a proven driver of motivation and resilience.

3. Behavioural Activation

A vision board keeps your goals visible, which can subtly influence your behaviour. Psychologists call this the Reticular Activating System (RAS). When your brain sees something repeatedly, it starts to filter relevant information and opportunities from your environment that align with those goals.

4. Emotional Connection

Vision boards don’t just appeal to logic; they evoke emotions. By using images and symbols that resonate with you, you build a stronger emotional connection to your goals. This emotional investment increases your commitment.

5. Manifestation via Action

While the term “manifestation” often gets misunderstood as wishing goals into existence, in practice, it’s about aligning your thoughts with purposeful action. A vision board can serve as a daily reminder to take small, consistent steps toward your dreams.

Why Vision Boards Might Not Work

Vision boards are not a mystical offering to the Gods of Law of Attraction. Set your expectations before grabbing the scissors.

1. Passive Expectation

A common mistake is relying solely on the vision board without taking actionable steps. Staring at pictures of Bali or a dream home won’t make them appear unless you combine them with concrete plans.

2. Overgeneralisation

Vague aspirations like “be happy” or “be successful” dilute focus. Vision boards work best when paired with specific, measurable goals.

3. Lack of Accountability

If you don’t track progress or have a system for evaluating your efforts, your vision board can end up as just another decorative item on your wall.

How to Make Vision Boards Effective

1. Set SMART Goals

While SMART is not the only framework to use, your vision board should be rooted in Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. For example, replace “get fit” with “run a 10k by October.”

2. Pair with an Action Plan

A vision board is a North Star, not a plan. Identify actionable steps for each goal. If your board includes “start a business,” break it down into tasks like brainstorming ideas, registering a name, or creating a website.

3. Review Regularly

Make time to revisit your vision board. Assess your progress monthly, and adjust as needed to reflect evolving goals.

4. Daily Visualisation

Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your vision board. Imagine achieving those goals and, importantly, how it feels. Emotional engagement strengthens your commitment.

5. Keep It Dynamic

Your life changes, and so should your vision board. Add or remove elements as your priorities shift.

Alternatives to Vision Boards

Not everyone resonates with vision boards, and that’s okay. Here are some other tools to consider:

1. Vision Journals

A journal dedicated to your goals allows for deeper reflection. Include sketches, affirmations, or even small clippings.

2. Mind Maps

Use a diagram to break down goals into actionable components. For instance, a central goal like “launch a podcast” can branch into “research equipment,” “write scripts,” and “book guests.”

3. Digital Tools

Apps like Trello, Notion, or Goalscape can organise your goals with deadlines and progress trackers.

4. Future Self Letter

Write a letter to yourself a year from now, describing the life you’ve created and the goals you’ve achieved.

5. Action Boards

Focus not just on the “what” but the “how.” Create a board with columns like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Completed” to track your efforts.

6. Affirmation Cards

Write affirmations about your goals and pull a card daily to focus on.

Resources to Explore

  1. Books
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear: Learn how small, consistent actions lead to big results.
    • The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: Includes techniques for visualisation and goal-setting.
  2. Podcasts
    • Huberman Lab Podcast: Dive into the neuroscience of habits, motivation, and visualisation.
    • The Goal Digger Podcast: Practical advice for entrepreneurs and dreamers.
  3. Documentaries
    • The Secret: While polarising, this documentary explores the power of visualisation (albeit with a heavy focus on “manifestation”).
  4. Apps
    • Canva: Great for creating digital vision boards.
    • Notion: Perfect for integrating visual and actionable goals.

Final Thoughts: Tools, Not Magic

Vision boards, when used intentionally, can be a powerful tool for staying focused and motivated. But they’re not magic. Success comes from pairing your vision with actionable steps, consistency, and a willingness to adapt.

Whether you’re a vision board enthusiast or prefer alternatives, the key is to stay connected to your goals and take deliberate action toward them.