This article explores the enduring popularity of vision boards as a creative way to set and visualize goals at the start of the year. It covers digital vision boards created with platforms like Pinterest and Canva, printed versions made from online images, and traditional cut-out boards using magazines and markers. The piece also highlights social gatherings and online sharing that make vision boards a community-oriented practice, offering readers a practical and inspiring look at this goal-setting tradition.
Vision boards have been a popular creative practice at the start of the year since the late 2000s. Most of the time, the first step is to look for pictures that inspire you on Pinterest and save them to your computer. Canva then puts those pictures together, usually as a desktop wallpaper.
A Digital Start to the Year
Many people now create digital vision boards using platforms such as Pinterest and Canva. The first step is usually to look for pictures that inspire you on Pinterest and save them to your computer. Canva then arranges those pictures, which are often set up as desktop backgrounds.
Once completed, the design can be downloaded and set as a desktop background. On Apple computers, users can upload the image through System Settings under the Wallpaper menu. Windows users can apply the image by selecting it as their desktop background. The result is a customized wallpaper filled with images that reflect personal goals or inspiration.
Digital vision boards are popular because they are easy to update, cost-effective, and visible throughout the day.
From Screen to Print
Some people choose to print their digital vision boards rather than display them on a screen. CVS and Walgreens are two examples of retail stores that offer photo printing services. This makes it cheap to turn a digital design into a physical copy. Prices usually start at less than a dollar, depending on the size and format.
People can make a real vision board with carefully chosen online images without having to buy magazines.
Hands-On Creativity
People still use magazines, poster boards, and markers to make vision boards. One part of this method is writing down goals by hand or cutting out pictures. Some people think it takes longer, but it’s still a hands-on choice for people who like to be creative and do things with their hands.
Gathering and Sharing Inspiration
People often get together at the beginning of the year to make vision boards in a social setting. These events can be planned activities for the whole community or just get-togethers with friends.
People also share vision boards a lot online. Content creators often make videos showing off their boards and talking about their themes. This helps the practice spread on sites like YouTube.
(Picture by Maria Cornejo)
A Creative Approach to Goal-Setting
People still use vision boards as a creative way to write down their goals instead of in a notebook. People can still use the practice to think about, plan, and show what they want to focus on this year, whether it’s in person or online.
