Why You Should Ditch the Vision Board this year…
Ah, January. The season of fresh starts, big dreams, and (if you’ve scrolled Instagram lately) vision boards as far as the eye can see. You know the ones: dreamy collages of yachts, tropical vacations, multimillion-dollar homes, and a six-pack (abs or beer, your choice). Vision boards promise inspiration and clarity—a way to manifest the life you’ve always wanted.
But here’s the thing: vision boards alone rarely work. Why? Because they’re all about the dream, not the how. Enter the Action Board—vision boards’ cooler, more grounded, and infinitely more effective cousin. Let’s dive into why it’s time to upgrade your approach this year.
The Problem With Vision Boards
Vision boards can be fun. They’re creative, they look gorgeous pinned up on your wall, and they’re full of possibilities. But here’s where they fall short:
They’re All Dream, No Do: Vision boards focus on what you want without a clear plan for how to get there. Sure, you might envision yourself sipping cocktails on the Amalfi Coast, but without steps to save for that dream, it’s just a pretty picture.
They Can Feel Disappointing: When you review your vision board at the end of the year and realize most of it hasn’t come true, it’s easy to feel discouraged. This isn’t because you didn’t manifest hard enough—it’s because there was no action tied to your intentions.
They Lack Realism: Vision boards often encourage us to think big, which is great—but too much emphasis on fantasy can make goals feel unattainable. Without tangible steps, those dreams stay out of reach.
What’s an Action Board?
An Action Board is like a vision board but with substance. It combines the inspiration of a vision board with the practicality of a to-do list. It’s your roadmap to turning dreams into achievable, bite-sized steps. Think of it as the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go.
Why Action Boards Work
They Keep You Grounded: Action boards force you to look at your current reality and identify what’s realistically achievable in the short and long term. This doesn’t mean shrinking your dreams—it means building a plan to reach them.
They’re Tangible: By breaking goals into specific, actionable steps, you create a clear path forward. This makes your dreams feel less overwhelming and more like something you can work toward every day.
They Activate Your Brain: Here’s where neuroscience comes in. Creating an Action Board engages your Reticular Activating System (RAS)—the part of your brain that filters information and helps you focus on what’s important. By reviewing your board regularly, you train your brain to notice opportunities, make connections, and stay aligned with your goals. This process helps build new neural pathways, making your intentions feel more achievable and your actions more natural.
They Celebrate Progress: Action boards allow you to track your journey. There’s nothing more satisfying than looking at your board mid-year and realizing you’ve already ticked off several steps toward your goals.
Inspiration from Dr. Tara Swart
This approach to goal-setting is inspired by the work of Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and leadership coach. Dr. Swart’s research highlights the power of visualization combined with actionable steps. She explains that pairing intention with consistent review activates the brain’s RAS and builds neural pathways that make success more achievable. An Action Board is not just about dreaming but creating the mental and emotional alignment needed to take real, meaningful steps forward.
How to Create an Action Board
Ready to get started? Here’s how to build an Action Board that actually works:
1. Reflect on Where You Are
Start by using tools like the Wheel of Life (Google it or download one here). Rate areas like career, relationships, health, and finances on a scale from 1 to 10. This helps you identify where you’re thriving and where you want to focus your energy.
2. Set Intentions, Not Just Goals
Before you dive into specifics, reflect on how you want to feel. Do you want to feel stronger, more financially free, or more connected? These intentions will guide your actions and keep you motivated.
3. Choose 1-3 Key Areas
Instead of trying to tackle everything, focus on a few key areas where you’d like to see the most change. Too many goals can feel overwhelming.
4. Get Specific
For each area, write down 1-3 actionable steps you can take. For example:
Goal: Save $5,000 in six months.
Action Steps: Set up a high-interest savings account, create a weekly budget, track spending with an app.
5. Make It Visual
Now comes the fun part! Find images that represent your goals and intentions. But instead of generic inspiration, choose visuals that resonate with your specific steps. For example, a photo of a piggy bank might represent saving, or a sunrise could symbolize new beginnings in your career.
6. Add Your Action Steps
Leave space on your board to write down your goals and action steps. You can use sticky notes, markers, or a digital tool like Canva to make it visually engaging.
7. Review Regularly
Place your Action Board somewhere you’ll see it daily (your fridge, desk, or even the bathroom mirror). Spend 5-10 minutes reviewing it each day, visualizing your progress and staying aligned with your steps.
The Bottom Line
Vision boards are great for dreaming, but if you want to make real changes in your life, an Action Board is where the magic happens. It’s about more than just imagining—it’s about doing. And trust me, there’s nothing more empowering than seeing your goals come to life because of the steps you took to make them happen.
So, let’s leave dreamy collages in 2024 and step into 2025 with intention, clarity, and action. Are you ready to build your Action Board? Let’s get to work!
