How do we do it?

I’ve created various forms of vision boards since the age of around 15. However, there’s a specific technique I learned in 2023 that is much more effective than the airy-fairy method I’d used before. It is inspired by a host of life coaches (my favourite being The Gem Goddess on Youtube). Here’s a five-step method that I used, specifically to align with my 2024 goal of building meaningful friendships and connections with like-minded people:

1. Get clear: I made a detailed list of the types of people I want to surround myself with. For example, the activities I want to do with them, the values we will share, the emotions I want to feel when I’m around them, how frequently we will see each other and how I’ll feel when I’m alone having built connection and belonging. I also noted why these meaningful connections are important to me.

2. Get visual: I searched for images on Pinterest, Google Images and in magazines of what I want these friendships, connections and sense of community to look and feel like energetically. I was very specific about selecting images of people expressing the emotions I want to feel, the body language I want to radiate and the types of connections I want to build. For example, I wouldn’t find images of friends going out clubbing together because I am a 25-year-old grandma and would rather go to a pottery painting workshop than a club.

3. Get creative: I created a physical vision board by printing and arranging the images I found in a specific notebook I use regularly. What made this experience even more meaningful was romanticising the process of creating the vision board by playing my favourite music, doing it at my favourite time of day and making sure I wouldn’t be interrupted. I took my time to carefully collate the images, being mindful of how they made me feel as I placed certain images next to each other.

4. Get imaginative: This is the most important step. Once I’ve made my vision board and placed it somewhere I see regularly, I actively treat the images as if they are memories that already exist in my life. Hear me out. Whether I’m actively meditating, daydreaming or simply going about my day, I really tap into the details of how these people, activities and changes that I want to see in my social life make me feel. For example, if I want to meet up with a like-minded friend who attends my yoga class for a coffee every Saturday morning, what would we talk about? Where would we go? What time? What outfit would I wear? Would I feel confident and self-assured or shy and timid?

5. Reaffirm: Then, I go back to step one (the detailed list of the types of connection I want) and read it as if it’s my present moment, as if these are things I already have. This isn’t as ‘woo-woo”’ as deciding to manifest your dream life and using the hashtag on TikTok while expecting things to happen. This technique of tapping into the energy until it feels real could take days, weeks or months of consistency and repetition. Over time, this vision will start to feel less far-fetched, and you will naturally be drawn to people, opportunities and situations that align with your vision. Become clear about what you want (within reason) and you will make it happen.

One Good Thing: how creating a vision board can help you focus in on your goals