The New Year’s Eve tradition of resolution-making dates back 4,000 years to the Babylonian celebration marking the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox. Vision boards can provide a fresh take on this age-old tradition.
Vision boards were most recently made popular by the book and movie The Secret. The theory behind vision boards stems from the Law of Attraction, the belief that by envisioning and concentrating on what you desire, you will begin to attract those things into your life. A vision board is a visual image of that which you intend to attract into your life.
Staying Positive
The Law of Attraction applies to both positive and negative thoughts. Take weight loss—a popular New Year’s resolution—as an example. If you continually repeat: “I’m so sick of carrying around these extra 20 pounds,” the Law of Attraction dictates that you will continue to hold onto that weight.
If you choose, instead, to think: “I’m looking forward to wearing my favorite dress again,” or “I’m excited to try mountain biking this summer,” or even, “I love the way I look when I weigh 140 pounds,” your chances of attracting that weight loss are greatly improved, because your thoughts—positive or negative—are what determine your experience.
Materials
To make a vision board, gather the following materials:
- Poster board: a matte finish is recommended
- Newspapers/magazines: ideally, you’re looking for print material with words or phrases to help illustrate you goals in bright color. For example, if you’re hoping to vacation in an exotic location, travel magazines provide the needed imagery.
- Glue, scissors, markers: preferably rubber cement and permanent markers to prevent bleeding.
Directions
- Reflect on the year that passed. What would you like to "call" into your life that was missing in the past year? Begin making a list of the things you desire. Consider career, family, love, abundance, leisure, health, etc.
- After looking over your list again, begin flipping through magazines. Look for images or words that will help you to illustrate your goals, and cut them out. You may also draw sketches or use photos.
- Once you’re ready, grab your poster board. In the center, write a title (Angie’s 2008: A Year of Abundance) or include a happy, smiling photo of yourself. Surrounding the title, place photos and words, glitter or stickers, or anything that gives you inspiration.
- Use markers to write your goals in positive, present-tense language: “I feel confident in my new job, I am in a fulfilling relationship, I am debt-free, I am respected by my children, I am walking on a beach in Hawaii,” and so on.
- Picture the year to come, and allow yourself to feel excited by your dreams. Place your board in a location where you can view it often to remind yourself of the good things to come.
Celebrate!
If you’re looking for an alternative New Year’s Eve celebration, consider inviting a few friends over for a vision board party. Before midnight, present your vision boards to the group, and encourage people to engage in a discussion about their dreams. This time when you pop the champagne at midnight, you’ll really have something to celebrate—a year of abundant joy!
Resources: Making Vision Boards With Children, Law of Attraction: Jack Canfield
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