Lead The Year Before It Leads You
7 Steps to Create Your Vision Board
As we move into another year, now is the right time to take stock of how far you have come, what you have learned and what you have yet to do. This is a great time to think about how you’d like the next year to go. It’s your time to dream big.
Designing a clear vision gives you a steady point of reference—something to return to when decisions feel heavy or distractions pull you off course.
How Do I Get Started?
The best way to spark creativity and harness your dreams is to create a vision board. A vision board is a simple, visual tool that captures the direction you want your life and work to move in, using images and words that reflect values, priorities, and the way you want to show up. Personally, it helps clarify what truly matters, bringing focus and confidence to everyday choices. Professionally, it supports intentional leadership by aligning goals, behaviors, and energy with long-term purpose.
When created thoughtfully, a vision board becomes more than inspiration—it serves as a practical guide that keeps you grounded, aligned, and moving forward with intention.
Join Me for a FREE Vision Board Session
In this article, I will outline a set of easy steps you can follow if you’d like to create your vision board on your own. I always find it more exciting to do this with friends and colleagues as the banter is so much fun! In fact, if you are interested in participating in a virtual VISION BOARD MEET-UP, click here to let me know and I will add you to the invitation list. I am hosting a FREE one-hour session via Zoom to come together and create. In the session, I will guide you through the steps, using some thought-provoking questions to get you started on your vision board. When you send in your interest via my contact form, please put VISION BOARD MEET-UP in the subject line so I will know you are interested. Please also let me know your preferred days & times of the week and I will do my best to accommodate you.
7 Easy Steps to Create Your Vision Board
Before you begin, here’s what you will need:
Something to write/type on: a journal, a notebook, index cards, post-its, your laptop, or iPad. And don’t forget a comfortable spot, inspirational music and a bevvy of your choice.
Let’s Begin!
ONE — Start with INTENTION (not images). Think in feelings + outcomes, not just achievements (e.g., energized leadership, calm confidence, meaningful impact).
Answer these questions as they will help you reflect, get grounded and set the foundation for your vision.
At the end of this year, what do I want to feel most proud of—personally and professionally?
When I’m at my best, how do I want people to experience me this year?
What do I need to focus on—and what do I need to let go of—to make this vision real?
“A strong vision board reflects who you’re becoming, not just what you’re chasing.”
TWO — Choose one or two focus areas. Too many directions dilute clarity. Some areas to consider are:
Spirituality
Personal growth
Career or leadership presence
Relationships, family, friends, community
Health, energy, or balance
Getting crystal clear about your focus is vital to help maintain the joy, energy and drive to honor your vision throughout the year. One activity that may help you achieve that clarity, is to decide on your ONE WORD. I have a similar article, you may choose to consult to help you crystalize your ONE WORD. This is a word that you choose as your foundation and compass throughout the year. Your one word will provide the clarity and contents of your vision board. I know it helped me tremendously! Click here for the One Word article. Feel free to bookmark it for later.
THREE — Select images that spark emotion.
Pick visuals that make you pause—not just ones that “look good.”
Faces, environments, words, symbols
Colors that match the energy you want (calm, bold, creative, grounded)
If it doesn’t move you, it doesn’t belong.
Creator’s Note: You have options here!
You may choose a digital board on Canva, PowerPoint, etc. in which you are selecting stock images or using your own digital photos.
You may choose to create a board comprised of images you have cutout from magazines, flyers or your own photos. You might also consider selecting small personal items, trinkets, keepsakes that reflect your vision.
You may choose to combine these two formats. It’s your board after all, so the choice is 100% YOURS!
Dream it
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Dream it 〰️
FOUR — Add a few powerful words or phrases.
Less is more.
3–7 words or short statements
For statements: use present-tense language (e.g., I lead with clarity and courage)
Words anchor the images and give your board a voice.
FIVE — Arrange with purpose, not perfection.
There’s no “right” layout.
Place what matters most in the center
Let your intuition guide spacing and flow
This is about meaning, not aesthetics.
SIX — Make it visible and alive.
A vision board only works if it’s seen. Place it where you’ll notice it daily.
Revisit your vision board weekly and ask: What’s one small action I can take toward this?
Vision without action is decoration.
SEVEN — Revisit and evolve.
You’re allowed to grow.
Update images as goals clarify
Let go of what no longer fits
A living vision keeps you aligned, not stuck.
As you step into the year ahead, remember that vision isn’t about perfection or pressure—it’s about choosing direction with intention. When you take time to clarify what matters most, your decisions become easier, your energy more focused, and your leadership more grounded. If you’d like space to pause, reflect, and design your vision alongside others, I invite you to join my free Vision Board Meet-Up. And if you’re ready to go deeper or want support crystallizing your vision for the year—personally, professionally, or as a team—I’d love to walk alongside you. Reach out anytime to start the conversation.
About Carrie Reed
Carrie Reed is a Leadership Development Strategist with more than 25 years of experience as a trainer, coach, and advisor to leaders and teams. She is the CEO of McHale Group, LLC, where she partners with organizations to create clarity, alignment, and extraordinary performance through thoughtful leadership development and strategic planning. Carrie is also the founder of Women’s Wizdom, a one-stop destination offering inspiration and practical guidance for women—and those who love them! Known for her warm, grounded approach, Carrie helps people turn vision into meaningful action while staying true to what matters most.