It’s always a good idea to think about what you want to experience in 2025, regardless of whether you agree with the cliche of "new year, new you" that appears every January. To bring your dreams into the open and possibly one step closer to becoming a reality, why not try something visual?

If you don’t know what a mood board is and how to manifest it. It's essentially a mood board, except instead of interiors or aesthetics, it's for you to visualise your life path. Consider putting all of your desired images and visual aids on one magnificent poster or board. Whether it's a new fashion business, a trip abroad, or other career goals, put it on your vision board.

“I find the role of vision boards quite inspiring. It serves as a powerful tool that aids in the achievement of goals. It works by acting as a visual representation of the dream a person wishes to achieve and gives an affirmation that it can be done. It is a way to train the subconscious mind to align your actions with your goals. Though they are not a substitute for hard work, they act as a complementary tool to target all your energy and effort towards your target and make your dreams come true,” says Aamish Dhingra, ICF- PCC Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of Cocoweave Coaching International.

One of the Gen Z, Rohan Sharma, believes in vision or mood boards. He says, “Every time I look at my vision board, it subconsciously signals my brain to react and work toward achieving your goals. It accelerates manifestation, keeps me focused, minimises distractions, boosts confidence, and enhances motivation. It also helps prioritise both short-term and long-term dreams, turning them into reality.” 

Just like Rohan, there are many individuals who believe in the power of visualisation and vision boards. However, some say that urging individuals to apply these cognitive processes to things like our finances is ineffective because much more specific, customised guidance is required for these areas that are difficult to control through visualisation alone. Here we will guide you on how to create your vision board as per your goals. 

Do vision boards work?

Vision boards can assist you in pursuing goals, but they won't make your dreams come true. These collages act as constant reminders of your dream and help you figure out what you want.

Creating a positive thought cycle is one of the main goals of vision boards. They help reduce stress and inspire focus by keeping your dreams visible. However, they only work if you actively pursue your goals. Whether it's saving for a trip or starting a new venture, consistent effort turns aspirations into reality. After making this board, you'll always be reminded of the beautiful things you want to do.

Getting started

Decide the mode: You can create your vision board digitally or on paper. You can think of it as a visual roadmap to your dreams. You can use platforms like Canva and Pinterest for digital boards or take an A3 sheet for a physical approach.

Gather inspiration and theme: Once you have decided on the mode of the vision board. Then, you can gather inspiration. Search the internet, magazines, or books for images that resonate with your goals. Dreaming of a career shift? Find visuals that represent your aspirations. Planning a trip? Add the best photos that capture your travel desires.

Remember, it’s not just about tangible goals, you can focus on your feelings too. You can include images that display the emotions you want to experience. 

Set realistic goals: It’s unrealistic to expect all your 2025 goals to materialise by January. Include images that reflect both your long-term and some achievable goals for the short term. This approach builds trust in the manifesting process and keeps you motivated. There’s nothing more satisfying than ticking items off your vision board as you make progress.

Set the layout: Put your board in a layout that you like. There is no correct method to perform this action because it is intuitive. Adjust your digital photographs or cutouts until you're happy with the layout, and if you'd like, add inspirational and informative quotes.

Once you’re done, place your board somewhere visible to keep your goals where you can see them often. This helps transform abstract dreams into actionable plans.

Be flexible

Stay flexible with your vision board. You can reassess it throughout the year, evaluating what’s working and what needs adjustment, maybe additional support or a new routine. It's okay to revisit and refine your board as needed to stay aligned with your goals.