EP #3 - Dream It, See It - How to Create a Vision Board That Inspires You
[00:00:00] Tanja: Today we will be diving into creative and empowering and science backed way to set intentions for your life - creating a vision board. I'm not sure whether you are one of those that has one created already in the past but I certainly do and I love the work behind it.
[00:00:21] So maybe you have heard of vision boards but aren't sure where to start or you wonder if they are really worth the effort. They are, by the way. And I'll share the science behind them. My top 5 tips for making one, and address a big question for those of you trying to conceive - Should you include a baby on your board?
[00:00:45] Let's explore it together.
[00:01:26] So, vision boards aren't just arts and crafts, they are really rooted in psychology and neuroscience. And here is how they work, actually. Visualization activates the brain. When you create and regularly look at your vision board, your brain's reticular activating system gets to work.
[00:01:50] This part of the brain helps you focus on opportunities that align with your goals. Number two, the positive imagery reduces stress. Studies show that visualizing positive outcomes can lower stress hormones and increase optimism. Helpful during challenging times, like a fertility journey, of course. We have been working with our team a lot on the visualization with our clients, and they can truly see a significant difference when they use visualization for their fertility journey.
[00:02:32] And number three is also goal clarity boosts action. A vision board helps you define what you're working towards, making it easier to align your actions with your intentions. I really love the vision board because the vision board helps me to actually remind me each and every day of the âwhyâ, âof what I'm pursuingâ, âon the focusâ. You know, I'm a person who likes to go to the left, to the right, up and down, and sometimes I can be all over the place.
[00:03:10] When I look at my vision board in the morning, first thing, I really can gain much more focus. It really helps me to stay focused throughout the whole day because I know exactly why I'm doing this. So, now that you know why vision boards can be powerful, let's dive now into the âhowâ to make one that truly inspires you.
[00:03:38] Tip number one, set the mood. There is so much science behind this as well, but I would say the easiest way to get into it is start by carving out enough time and space. Light a candle if you want to, play your favorite music and make it a really special moment. This isn't just about pictures, but it's also about connecting to your dreams. Itâs really to get into the right energy.
[00:04:13] Number two, clarify your intentions. Before you start, ask yourself, âWhat do I want to feel and achieve or invite into my life?â Really take a moment to reflect on this because it's so empowering and so connecting to your heart. So, for example, if you might want to focus on health, or joy, relationships, or personal growth, these are all really important topics, so take the time to reflect on it. And maybe you even write a few bullet points, sketch it first, so that you get like a great picture of your brainstorming here.
[00:05:00] Tip number three, gather inspiring materials. Collect great magazines that inspire you, or print images, or even sketch your own. Use colors, use different material if that's important to you. Don't limit yourself to specific outcomes. Just look for anything that sparks joy or represents your goals. It should really connect on all levels, including the material that you're using.
[00:05:32] Tip number four, organize by themes. So, you can divide your board into different sections like health, relationships, career, personal passions. This makes it easier to see the full picture of your life and you ensure to have it all covered.
[00:05:52] Number five, keep it visible and dynamic. Place your vision board somewhere you'll see it really daily. For me it's behind my office door because I usually close it and then I have the door that is covered with a great big piece of paper and I have my vision board on that.
[00:06:16] Also, what I want to share with you, not just because you did your vision board, then it's kind of like set in stone. Mine is transforming throughout the year. So, my 2024 vision board looked very different in December than when I started in January and the same will happen to my 2025 vision board now. I know that already now.
[00:06:41] So use a really big space, big enough to add things on along your journey. That's so super helpful and keeps inspiring me on my journey. I can strongly advise to do the same for yours. So, now it's a time I also want to address something that is sometimes a little bit more a sensitive topic in our discussion, that is fertility specific.
[00:07:10] The question is very often, posed our clients, âShould I put a baby or a pregnancy on my vision board, yes, or no?â Well, the answer to that is there is no right or wrong really. It's about what feels right for you. And maybe here are some perspectives to consider when you're thinking about it.
[00:07:35] If it feels empowering, including like baby related images, like a nursery or family photos that can help you focus on what you want to work towards, then definitely put it on your vision board. The most important is that it feels empowering and it feels good for you. I had clients who did that. They had a baby bump up there. They had baby photos up there. And it really helped them to stay connected, even in moments when it got really challenging or hard for them.
[00:08:13] For others, they said they had it up there, but then it felt so overwhelming and so upsetting and they started to cry each time they were looking at the baby photos or the pregnancy bump.
[00:08:26] So we discussed on how to actually really take it down and replace it with symbols of health, or love, of nurturing, or something that was really touching their heart, that really represented the journey, not the outcome. So, you can include anything that feels really peaceful and empowering and strong to you on that vision board that you know it's part of that journey, but it doesn't necessarily overwhelm you.
[00:09:00] It could be also working with colors or symbols, whatever feels right to you. Remember your vision board should inspire hope and not pressure. So, creating a vision board is really powerful way to connect with your dreams and intentions. Whether it's about welcoming a baby or nurturing your own well-being or focusing on joy, this is your space to dream freely.
[00:09:28] You own your vision board and nobody else. So, grab your scissors and glue and let your imagination run wild. And remember, the board is just the start. It's your actions and mindset that brings those visions to life.
[00:09:48] I'd love to see your vision board or hear about your process. So please, please share it with us. Tag me on social media with Fertility Vision Board or share your thoughts in the comments. Let's inspire each other because that's how we grow. Thank you for listening to this podcast show today, thank you for taking the time. And maybe even share it with your best friend. I'll see you next time and I can't wait to hear more about your journey.
[00:10:21] Thank you for being part of this. Have a wonderful day!
