3 Key Elements of Vision Boards

Vision boards are a collection of images or words glued to a poster board that displays where a person wants to go, goals that they wish to achieve or material items that they’re striving to acquire. However, when created and used properly, vision boards can really change one’s life.

In addition to the general images and words, there are three key elements that should be included in a vision board project. These are:

• A picture of you;
• A power word or two; and
• Images that convey emotion
  
  

Be the centerpiece of your vision board

The first element — a photo of the vision board’s creator — is critical. Vision boards created by an individual should have a positive image of the creator as the centerpiece of the vision board.

If the vision board is created by a couple, a family or a group, an image of the group should be the center focal point. It is important to have this image as it gives “ownership” to the creator. For individuals, it is important to be reminded, it is your vision and you must be a part of it.

Include a power word

The second key element is the “power word.” This concept is new to many vision board users. The power word can be a term that’s used to describe the theme of the board or it can be a phrase, motto or mantra. It must be positive and the term or word must be in the future or present tense. A couple examples are “Happiness Abounds” and “I enjoy being my ideal weight of 150 pounds.”

Choose images that reflect emotion

The third and final element of the vision board that is key: images that reflect emotion. The images need to show happiness, satisfaction, accomplishment, etc. As humans, we often “mirror” the attitude and energy of those around us. This is true of images as well. If we are surrounded by the “negative,” one’s attitude will become negative. If an individual focuses on the positive, he or she will have a positive attitude.

When creating a vision board, it is important to take a few moments to examine your feelings. How will you feel when you have lost weight, bought that new car or secured a new job? These emotions should be depicted on the vision board.

These three key elements –- you, power words and emotions — will add power and success to your vision board.

Love Books? Must-Have App That Can Save You Time & Money!

I love books! I love “e-books” and print books.  You can never have enough books.  But, many times I  purchase a book and never read it. Or, get started and find it isn’t what I need or want at the time. I was just introduced to my new favorite app (website also) called Blinkist.

Photo courtesty of publicdomainpictures.net

Blinkist provides a very cool service — 15 minute or so overviews of books.  Cliff notes for the electronic age! Blinkist provides the summary in both a printed and audible option.  You can even do both — read along!

It is available for computer and as an app – making it very convenient to use.

Convenience is great and Blinkist is upfront noting that the summary does not replace reading the entire book. I completely agree, however, I felt like George in Phenomenon being able to review three books before going to work this morning!

What I am finding Blinkist most useful for is to help me determine which books are a fit for me and my current needs. This morning before work, I was able to listen to three books.  Of the three, The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, one was on my shelf, not yet read.  It is now at the top of my “To Read” list.  Another on my shelf, borrowed from a friend, is being returned. It just wasn’t a fit for me. And, the third, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less  by Greg McKeown is on my Amazon wish list for purchasing.

The books are non-fiction and cover a vast array of subjects including business, health and fitness and personal finance. Blinkist boosts a booklist of over 1500 titles. Categories include:

• Entrepreneurship and Small Business
• Personal Growth and Self-Improvement
• Biography and History
• Health and Fitness
• Relationships and Parenting

Blinkist offers a free three-day trial and then an annual subscription service for a very reasonable $79.99. I found this very reasonable when I calculate the number of books I purchase each year…and the number that I never read or regret purchasing.

Also, with the short summaries as audios, I was able to listen to a “book” while walking my dog!

If you haven’t checked out this service, give it try for 3 days – FREE!  Hear the summary of the books sitting on your shelf or wish list, you never know what you might learn!