As a high-achieving professional, you’re most likely an expert at setting goals and striving for success. But have you ever considered using a vision board to sharpen your focus and enhance your results? While it may sound mystical, the power of vision boards is grounded in neuroscience.
Last year, I updated my vision board, curating images of everything I aspire to—personally and professionally. From career achievements to health, adventure, and relationships, these images represent my future desires. But it’s not just a collection of pictures; it’s a tool that fuels my motivation, pushes me toward my goals, and provides clarity on the life I want to create.
The Science Behind It
Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart explains that looking at images on a vision board primes the brain to notice opportunities you might otherwise miss. This is due to the brain’s “value-tagging” process, which filters out irrelevant information and prioritizes what matters most. Images, it turns out, are more powerful for this than words or lists. The brain assigns a higher value to images, and the more you view them, the more significant they become. Viewing your vision board during an emotional state of relaxation or rest can enhance this effect, as your brain is highly impressionable in those moments.
Harnessing Visualization
Visualization plays a key role in the effectiveness of vision boards. The brain doesn’t distinguish much between what is real and what is vividly imagined. By imagining yourself achieving your ambitions—whether it’s writing a book or leading a successful company—you set the stage for making it a reality. Studies show that visualizing actions, such as flexing muscles, can even lead to physical improvements!
Consistency is Key
Like with any high-performing strategy, repetition is essential. The more you expose yourself to your vision board, the more familiar and attainable your aspirations will feel. Over time, this reduces the fear response typically associated with new challenges, making you more likely to take calculated risks and seize opportunities.
The Positivity Boost
Creating a vision and putting images on a board isn’t just about future planning; it’s also a mood booster. The process of reflecting, journaling, and designing your board taps into positive emotions that energize your brain and enhance your creativity.
But remember, a vision board alone won’t take you to the finish line—you still need toput in the effort and action. Yet, don’t shy away from thinking big. By aligning your aspirations with your brain’s natural processes, you increase your chances of making those big dreams a reality.
