“Imagination is everything. It is a preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein.
The way I see it, leading a meaningful life is not optional. Having meaning in your life is essential because it helps you contend with adversities that the years will inevitably bring.
Without proper engagement, our life can sink into a black hole. Time will pass but nothing will really happen.
Building a vision for our lives emboldens us. As Tony Robbins says, “Where focus goes, energy flows.”
People around the world, including great leaders, put together vision boards for their lives. This is a visual depiction of the things they want. From a new puppy to being named the Dux of the School, you can add any type of image to represent your vision.
Hang your vision board where you can see it every day and inspire yourself to set plans and keep striving to reach your goals.
A vision board is a powerful tool but it can be confusing to know what to include. I have put together an infographic to act as a vision board checklist and give you guidance. This includes different categories, including your sporting or career goals, your health and fitness goals, your financial goals and more.
Before you take a look at the infographic, dig a little deeper to figure out how to determine your visions for your life.
How do you find a vision for your life?
1. Spend time with yourself.
If you want to get to know somebody, you spend time with them. If you caught up with someone every week for an hour, you would find out what makes them laugh, what makes them happy, and what they care deeply about.
The constant distractions of today’s world mean we rarely spend time alone with ourselves. Try to find some time to do this. Allow yourself to ponder your purpose and what you really want out of life.
2. If you can’t come up with a vision for your life, serve another person’s vision.
Not everybody has to be a leader in the traditional sense of the word.
Find someone who inspires you to become a better person and help them make their vision come to pass. Placing yourself in such environments changes your perspective and can trigger you to do more with your own life. When you stick close to someone who is doing great things, you gain wisdom and insight from following their directives.
3. Explore
If you haven’t found your calling, it’s probably because you haven’t seen it in operation. Now’s the time to experience something new, go to a theatre production or a sporting game, read a magazine about an industry you have never heard of.
Be curious. Dr Dre’s uncle smuggled him into a club when he was really young. When he saw the DJ scratching on a turntable, it “messed him up”. In other words, it was an awakening experience.
The earth is always humming, trying to tell you who you are. Listen, explore and live with a sense of wonder for what is around you. A single moment can inspire a completely new path.
Vision board checklist
✓ Gather your supplies (canvas, images, glue, pens etc)
✓ Choose your categories (e.g. personal goals, family goals, travel goals, financial goals)
✓ Get creative! Cut out or print images of what you want, include inspiring quotes and add pictures of the people who you most admire.
There is no real right or wrong for your vision and you can use this vision board checklist as a guide. Don’t forget that your vision board may change from time to time as you achieve your goals or gain clarity about your direction in life.
