EnVISIONING a New Year

There’s something magical about the fresh start a new year offers—a chance to turn the page and walk into a new chapter of our lives.

Over the holidays, I took some time to reflect on what I want this year to look like. One exercise that helped me get focused was creating a Vision Board. Not only was it fun, but it also brought back fond memories of something I loved doing as a teenager.

Back then, I’d spend hours sitting on my bedroom floor with a stack of magazines, cutting out pictures that inspired me, words that struck a chord, and assembling them into collages. Sometimes, I made these as gifts for friends, filled with images and words that captured the essence of our connection.  It was always such fun to create, and I must say the final result was always quite beautiful and meaningful.

Did you ever do that? If not, maybe this is the year to give it a try.

While spending time in Vermont with my family over the holidays, I decided to revive this tradition. Armed with magazines, glue sticks, scissors, and poster board, I announced we’d all be making Vision Boards for 2025.

To my delight, everyone joined in—and it was so fun to see what each person put on their board. My oldest son even said, a few times, “Mom, this is such a great activity—I love this!” It was heartwarming to hear.

So, what exactly is a Vision Board?

A Vision Board is a visual representation of your goals and aspirations—a collection of images and words that tell the story of what you want to accomplish this year. 

Unlike a written to-do list, it taps into the power of visual imagery to resonate deeply with your subconscious mind.

Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist, explains that visual images engage parts of our brain in ways that written lists often cannot. 

Here’s an example: Think about those times when you're considering buying a new car. You might be driving down the road, and see a car that captures your attention. Let's just say it's a Subaru. All of a sudden, you notice Subaru's all over the place. You may have barely noticed them previously, but now they seem to be everywhere you look.

That’s your brain’s Reticular Activating System at work, helping you notice what’s relevant to you.

A Vision Board works the same way. By curating images that reflect your goals, you prime your brain to spot opportunities and take actions aligned with those aspirations.

The Science Behind It

Visual images travel through the brain differently than written words. 

They bypass logic, tapping directly into our emotional and intuitive centers. This creates a stronger, deeper connection to what we want, keeping our goals at the forefront of our minds.

Dr. Swart also suggests that if you spend time looking at your Vision Board before bed—rather than scrolling through your phone—it can further strengthen your subconscious connection to those goals. The next day, you’re more likely to notice triggers and act on opportunities that align with your vision.

Why It Matters

In a world where we’re bombarded by images we didn’t choose, a Vision Board gives you the power to curate your focus. It’s a proactive way to surround yourself with reminders of what truly matters to you.

Ready to Get Started?

Creating a Vision Board is simple, and you can do it in an afternoon. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set the Scene: Gather supplies like magazines, scissors, glue, and a poster board. Create a calm, inspiring environment—light a candle, play your favorite music, and get comfortable.

2. Reflect on Your Goals: Before diving in, spend a few minutes journaling or thinking about what you want to focus on this year. Consider areas like health, relationships, career, hobbies, or personal growth.

3. Find Inspiring Images: Flip through magazines or print images from online that resonate with your goals. Look for words, photos, or colors that evoke the feelings you want to cultivate in 2025.

4. Curate with Intention: Arrange your images and words on the board in a way that feels meaningful to you. There’s no right or wrong way—just trust your instincts!

5. Display Your Vision Board: Place it somewhere you’ll see it every day, like your bedroom, office, or kitchen. Spend a few moments each morning or evening connecting with it.

6. Stay Open to Change: Your goals may evolve over time, and that’s okay. You can always add to your Vision Board or create a new one mid- year if inspiration strikes!

7. Share Your Vision

If you decide to make a Vision Board, I’d love to hear about it! Reply to this email or tag me on social media (@anne.engelhealth) with a photo of your creation. 

Here’s a peek at mine! 

While images are the heart of a Vision Board, I find that words and phrases deeply resonate with me, so I like to include those as well. My board reflects how I want to spend my leisure time, the steps I’ll take to prioritize my health, and the ways I hope to grow my business this year.

Hope you find some time to give it a try. It’s a roadmap of inspiration for the new year.