How to Create a Vision Board That Actually Works

PLUS MY EVIDENCE: the most exciting things my vision boards have brought to life

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BY JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published November 8, 2024

Making a vision board is hands down my favorite way to wrap up the year, it's like a cheat code for communicating with the universe. If you're new to manifesting or vision boards, hang with me and keep an open mind. These boards are such a powerful way to tell God or the universe what kind of life you want to create. Dream BIG, get specific, and go all in, you never know what kind of opportunities are just around the corner. The photos below are a few of my all-time favorite things that came to life because of my vision boards. I’ve manifested cars, homes, tickets, opportunities... you name it.

This one still blows my mind. I made the vision board below in 2022, and the very next day, we found our condo. Not only did it check every single box: modern, two bedrooms, attached garage, in our price range, but it was ours within two days. We applied that night and signed the lease the next morning. The speed at which it all came together is exactly why I’ll always believe in the magic of vision boards.

Back when my husband and I first started dating, I added the photo on the left to my vision board, then totally forgot about it. Fast forward a few years, and the photo on the right was taken on our wedding day. It looks like I had saved wedding inspo, but I found it years before and only rediscovered it after we were married. That little detail just makes it feel extra special to me.

This photo went on my vision board in 2021 because I was obsessed with this Bella Hadid hockey game look. Later that same year, I was given incredible tickets to a VGK game and got the chance channel that vibe. Sadly the best part (my black suede pointed toe boots) didn't make it into the photo, lesson learned, never trust a guy to capture the full fit.

In 2024, I added a simple desert photo to my vision board with the caption: Move to Arizona. Beside it is the photo I snapped as we drove our moving truck into Arizona six months later. Sure, you could say it was just a goal I went after and made happen, but it felt like so much more. We flew down, toured homes, and found our house on our very first day. We made an offer, secured it the next evening, and closed within two weeks. Somebody was definitely greasing the wheels for us on this one.

How to Make An Effective Vision Board

To create an effective vision board, start by setting clear intentions and goals, get specific about what you want to manifest, what do you want your life to look like? Choose images that make you feel something, so every time you look at your board, you’re reminded of what makes you feel excited, peaceful, or motivated. Adding affirmations or powerful phrases alongside the images can reinforce your intentions and connect your visual goals to your thoughts.

This can be as simple as creating a Pinterest board with all the things you'd like to see in the next year. You can take it a step further by turning those images into your computer or phone background, keeping it in your face all day long. Personally, I love printing mine out and glueing them on a poster board. There's something powerful about being able to touch it, move it around, and decide whether to tuck it away or keep it front and center that is so fun.

Just try it, what do you have to lose? Worst case, you end up with a board full of cute photos that make you smile. Best case? The universe delivers exactly what you've been dreaming about. Sometimes, all it takes is a little belief and a clear vision to turn your goals into reality.

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