Do you ever find yourself setting big goals at the end of the year, only to give up on them one week into January?
It's okay, you're not alone. Millions of people swear that this year will be their year, determined to accomplish all their goals. Whether it's finally going to the gym or saving money, they end up forgetting their goals and thinking, "Oh well, I'll just try again next year."
If this sounds familiar, making a vision board might help. A vision board acts like a blueprint for your future, combining different images, quotes, and symbols that align with your goals in order to keep yourself motivated. Looking at these visuals regularly helps you actually remember your goals, making it more likely that you'll take action and finally achieve them.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Why Do People Make Vision Boards?
People make vision boards during New Year's because it's the perfect time to reset and plan out what exactly they want this year. Once they have everything planned out and made their vision board, they put it somewhere they can see it every day, like hanging it above their bed or making it their wallpaper on their phone to act as a reminder and a motivator to act on it. According to Rio Salado College, putting your goals on paper and looking back on them repeatedly gives you "a visual reminder of what you hope to achieve and what you need to work toward."
But creating a vision board does way more than just offer motivation but also benefits your mental health. According to Henry Ford Health, making a vision board can help combat the negative or hopeless feelings that come with depression by giving something to look forward to, along with purpose. It can also ease anxiety and stress by setting realistic goals.
Dr. MacLean, a psychiatrist who studied the effects of vision boards in May 2025, says, “Setting measurable goals can make life’s demands feel more manageable...It gives you a sense of control and power that is often lacking when anxiety takes over” (Henry Ford Health).
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How to Make a Vision Board:
Now that you know what a vision board is, the point of making one, and how it can benefit your mental health, it's finally time to make one!
Set Smart Goals
Before you even think of opening Pinterest or brainstorming your design, you have to figure out what you actually want to achieve. But don't be vague and write something like "I want to work out." Goals like these are too easy to give up. I like using SMART goals (Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) to create actionable goals. That weak goal from earlier? It turns into "I will do a 30-minute workout 4 times a week (Sat, Sun, Tues, Thurs) to improve my energy levels."
Gather Your Pictures
Okay, now you can open Pinterest and save all the motivational quotes and pictures your heart desires. You're welcome. It doesn't even have to be Pinterest!
If you're doing a physical board and you don't feel like printing pictures, you can cut out photos from old magazines, book quotes (if you're that desperate), or even photos of friends. I like incorporating song lyrics into mine! Just find any pictures that reflect your goals, like if you want to save money, add a photo of a person who looks like you holding lots of money. Stuck? Look at my example below!
Design Your Board
Now that you have your pins saved and pictures printed, it is time to actually make the board. Arrange your images, quotes, and goals in a way that makes you excited and motivated when you look at them. You can do this on Pinterest Boards, Canva (my fav), or on a physical board or canvas.
It can be completely neat or messy, if you're into that. Just remember: it doesn't have to be perfect!
Put it Where You'll See It
Your vision board is basically useless if you can't see it, so put it somewhere that you'll notice it! You can put it as your phone/laptop wallpaper so you'll be motivated every time you use your devices or even on your bedroom wall as a constant reminder of your goals.
Take Action
Even though a vision board helps, you can't just sit around, look at a picture, and wait for your dreams come true. That's not how this works. Remember that you still have to put in the work in order to achieve your goals.
Still stuck or don't know what to put on your board? Check this video out!:
Video Credit: Lauren Norris
The Takeaway
So, if you're determined to achieve your goals in 2026, a vision board is a great tool to use to keep them in sight. It's not about doing it perfectly or constantly checking it; it's about making a visual representation that reminds you what you care about and what's most important to you. It's meant to inspire you to take the steps needed in order to make your dreams come true. Grab your photos, quotes, and favorite lyrics and make a vision board that's yours.
Here's to a new year where you turn your biggest goals and dreams into reality. Happy New Year!
