As we embark on a new year, it’s natural to feel a sense of excitement and renewed energy. But it’s equally important to take a moment to assess our relationship with the world around us and make sure we're in alignment with our values and goals.

And what better way to do this than by creating a vision board?

But what is a vision board, you may ask? Well, it's a physical or digital collage of images, words, or quotes that represent your goals and aspirations. It’s like a visual representation of what you want in life, and this can be a powerful tool for focusing your attention on manifesting your desires. Creating one at the beginning of the year is like hitting the reset button on your goals and priorities.

Does visualising actually work?

Now, I know what you are thinking. “That's just a bunch of Pinterest-worthy quotes and pictures glued to a piece of poster board. How is that going to help me achieve anything?

Well, bear with me here. Vision boards have actually been scientifically proven to be effective in the realisation of goals. Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and former NHS medical doctor, explained that viewing images on a vision board (or what she refers to as an Action Board) can help the brain identify and seize opportunities that may have been previously overlooked. This is because the brain has a mechanism called “value-tagging” which stores information in the subconscious and filters out unnecessary details. In simple terms, when you visualise something, your actions subconsciously become geared towards realising it.

Making it work for you

But it's not just about sticking some pretty pictures on a board and calling it a day. It's important to be intentional and make sure that you are actually taking steps to realise these goals. The whole process can be quite transformative actually. Here are some helpful steps to guide you through the process:

1. Start by doing a recap: take some time to reflect on the past year. What did you accomplish? What didn't go as planned? What lessons did you learn? By taking stock of the past year, you can gain valuable insights that can help you to set more effective goals for the future.

2. If you haven't already done this, it could be a good idea to follow with categorising your goals into different areas of your life. For example;

• Personal aspirations: These are individualistic objectives aimed at self-improvement, self-care, and physical and mental well-being, or simply dedicating time to introspection. It could include things like slow travel or a natural retreat that offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Perma Social Club offers a transformative experience, PIC-SAINT-LOUP VÉCU AUTREMENT. A rejuvenating weekend getaway that promises to be relaxing yet fulfilling. From a botanical hike through picturesque landscapes to savouring delicious, locally-sourced wine and cuisine, this getaway has it all. Embrace the beauty of nature and invigorate your senses with an array of activities and flavours that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

• Career aspirations: here you could include your dream job, skills, or even networks that will advance you professionally.

• Love and relationships: you could use words, phrases, or even images to represent the desires you have for an existing relationship or an aspiring one.

• Environmental or green goals: this part comes highly recommended, given the Climate change and environmental crisis we are in, everyone has a part to play in the way we approach the environment. We will discuss this further.

By organising your goals and aspirations into categories, you can better prioritise. Allowing you to differentiate between short-term and long-term goals. You could then represent them according to that, with the most immediate goals being prominently displayed.

3. The next step is to create your vision board. You can use a physical board and cut out images and words from magazines, or you can create a digital vision board using a collage app or program like Horizons: Vision Board Goals or Canva.

4. Whether you create a digital or physical vision board it’s important to display it in a place where you'll see it every day. This could be on your fridge, in your office, or on your computer desktop. This can be a powerful reminder and can help to keep you motivated and on track. It can also serve as a source of inspiration when you're feeling stuck or unsure of what to do next.

5. Revisit and update your vision board: As you make progress towards your goals and your priorities change, you may want to update your vision board. This can be as simple as adding new elements or rearranging existing ones. Don't be afraid to make changes as needed – your vision board should be a reflection of your current goals and aspirations.

Create a vision board for sustainable living

Okay so here's the thing - resetting doesn't just have to be limited to personal goals. It should also be applied to the way we approach our daily lives and the impact we have on the world around us. As we bear witness to the devastating effects of extreme weather conditions, it’s undeniable that the world is currently facing an environmental crisis. This crisis serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that we can no longer turn a blind eye to the urgent need for change.

So why not use your 2023 vision board to identify some sustainable goals that will contribute to environmental conservation? It's important to remember that small tweaks can add up to make a big impact, so every little bit counts!

Here are some great examples and suggestions to help you:

• Walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation instead of driving alone

• Reducing meat consumption and opting for plant-based protein

• Reducing energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use

• Capture and stock rainwater to water your plants or vegetable garden

• Recycling, composting and using reusable bags, bottles, and containers

• Supporting sustainable agriculture by buying locally-sourced and organic foods

• Opting for sustainable tourism and ecotourism

• Educating yourself and others on sustainability

So there you have it, creating a vision board at the start of the year can be a total game-changer and also an effective way to establish sustainable goals. Not only does it serve as a visual reminder of your goals, but it also acts as a tool to constantly inspire and propel you towards achieving them. So, why not take a moment to curate your own vision board and make this year one of intention, purpose and most importantly, sustainability?

Happy goal-setting!

#sustainableliving #actionboard #sustainabletourism #peoplepermaculture #visionboard #permaculture #permatourism #sustainabletravel #ecotourism

By Sara Mwilambwe