Writers and Vision Boards: Visualize Success

Attention all you writers, dreamers, and goal-chasers out there! Listen up because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of vision boards and how they can take your writing dreams from "someday" to "nailed it!" 

These babies are more than just a pretty face – they're a powerful tool that can help you clarify your goals, stay motivated, and manifest your wildest writing aspirations. So, grab your favorite pair of scissors and a stack of magazines, and let's get visioning!

Vision Boards: More Than Just a Pretty Collage

First, let's get one thing straight: vision boards differ from mood boards. Sure, they both involve a bunch of images and text slapped onto a poster board, but that's where the similarities end. While mood boards are about capturing a certain aesthetic or vibe, vision boards focus on your specific goals and aspirations.

Think of it this way: if a mood board is like a Pinterest page for your dream living room, a vision board is like a roadmap to your biggest, boldest, most audacious life goals. It's a tangible representation of what you want to achieve, whether writing the next great American novel, landing a six-figure book deal, or becoming a bestselling author with a loyal fan base.

Why Vision Boards Are a Writer's Secret Weapon

Okay, now that we've established what vision boards are (and what they're not), let's talk about why they're such a game-changer for writers. Here are three reasons why you need to hop on the vision board bandwagon:

1. Visualization is the Name of the Game

You know how athletes picture themselves scoring the winning goal, or musicians imagine themselves nailing that solo? Well, the same principle applies to writers. By visualizing your writing goals, you're tapping into the power of visualization and training your brain to see yourself as a successful, accomplished author.

When you can see your dreams laid out in front of you, they start to feel more real, more attainable. And when you can literally reach out and touch your goals (even if they're just images on a poster board), you're more likely to take action and make them happen.

2. Your Vision Board is Your Roadmap to Success

Let's be real: the journey to becoming a successful writer can feel like a long, winding road with no end in sight. But with a vision board as your trusty companion, you have a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the twists and turns.

Instead of getting overwhelmed by the big, scary goal of "become a bestselling author," your vision board breaks it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Maybe you include images that represent taking a writing class to hone your skills, joining a writers' group for support and accountability, reading books in your genre to study the craft, or finding a beta reader to give you feedback on your work.

By breaking your big goal into bite-sized pieces, your vision board makes the journey feel less daunting and more doable. And when you can see the path in front of you, you're more likely to take those first few steps and keep trucking.

3. Motivation, Thy Name is Vision Board

Let's face it: the writing life can sometimes be a lonely, frustrating, and downright demotivating experience. But with a vision board as your cheerleader, you have a built-in source of inspiration and motivation to keep you going when the going gets tough.

When you're feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just plain blah about your writing, all you have to do is glance at your vision board and remind yourself why you started in the first place. Those images, quotes, and aspirations are like a shot of creative adrenaline, reigniting your passion and pushing you to keep putting words on the page.

Plus, let's be honest: creating a vision board is just plain fun. It's like a grown-up version of arts and crafts time, and who doesn't love getting their hands dirty with some glue and glitter? The more you enjoy the process of making your vision board, the more likely you are actually to use it as the powerful tool it is.

How to Create Your Own Writer's Vision Board

Now that you're convinced that vision boards are the bee's knees, let's talk about how to actually make one. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own writer's vision board:

Step 1: Choose Your Format

Before you start cutting and pasting, decide on the format of your vision board. Do you want to create a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual board? A daily board might include images and quotes that inspire you to write every day, while an annual board might focus on your bigger, long-term writing goals.

Step 2: Get Clear on Your Priorities

What do you want to focus on with your vision board? Is it honing your craft, building your platform, or achieving a specific writing goal (like finishing your novel or getting published)? Get clear on your priorities and let them guide your vision board creation process.

Step 3: Gather Your Supplies

Now for the fun part: shopping! Head to your local craft store (or raid your own stash) and gather your vision board supplies. You'll need a poster board or foam board, scissors, glue or tape, and a bunch of magazines, printouts, or other images that inspire you.

Step 4: Get Your Craft On

It's time to channel your inner kindergartener and get crafty! Cut out images, quotes, and words representing your writing goals and aspirations. Arrange them on your board in a way that feels inspiring and meaningful to you. Don't be afraid to get creative with different colors, textures, and layouts.

Step 5: Display Your Masterpiece

Once your vision board is complete, it's time to put it somewhere you'll see it daily. Hang it above your writing desk, prop it up on your nightstand, or snap a photo and use it as your phone background. The key is to keep your vision front and center so you're constantly reminded of what you're working towards.

Making Vision Boards a Part of Your Writing Routine

Creating a vision board is a great first step, but to really reap the benefits, you need to make it a regular part of your writing routine. Here are a few ideas for incorporating vision boards into your daily practice:

• Create a mini vision board for your daily writing goals and place it next to your computer or writing space. Before you start writing each day, take a few minutes to look at your board and set your intention for the day.
• Make vision boarding a weekly or monthly ritual. Set aside an hour or two at the beginning of each week or month to create a new vision board that reflects your current goals and aspirations.
• Use your vision board as a tool for reflection and self-evaluation. At the end of each day or week, take a few minutes to look at your board and assess your progress. Celebrate your wins, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your board as needed.
• Share your vision board with a writing buddy or accountability partner. Having someone else to cheer you on and hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator.

Vision boards are more than just a fun, crafty activity – they're a powerful tool for writers who want to realize their dreams. By tapping into the power of visualization, creating a roadmap to success, and staying motivated along the way, vision boards can help you achieve your writing goals faster and with more ease.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies, get clear on your priorities, and start creating the vision board of your writing dreams. Who knows – with a little creativity and a lot of hustle, you might just be the next bestselling author on the block. Happy visioning, writers!