Earlier this week my mentee asked me, “How Do I begin making a dream board?” I’m no stranger when it comes to dream boards, but her question made me pause and question my usual approach. I found that self reflection and accountability– 2 very critical pieces of the puzzle- were missing from my process.
If you, like me, are ready to take your dream board to the next level this year, follow this guide:
Step 1 Before: Self Reflect
There is a reason it is, “Ready, Set, Go” and not vice versa.
Before you get going with your dream board, get your mind Ready & Set with self reflection:
- Ponder these questions:
In the past year,
- What are you most proud of yourself for?
- When did you feel most creative?
- What was your biggest mistake?
- Did you make enough time for yourself?
- Who is one person you met that inspired you?
- How have you changed since last year?
- Where do you want to be at this time next year?
2. Reflect upon these 8 areas of life and ponder these questions:
- Career
- Family
- Physical
- Personal
- Financial
- Social
- Spiritual
- Educational
- Do I have Balance in these 8 areas?
- Am I investing in all these 8 areas?
Step 2 During: Make the Dream Board
- Decide which type of dream board suits you best
- Decide which medium (Pinterest, traditional poster board, Canva, etc.) suits you best
Step 3 After: Write the Vision & Make it Plain!
Usually when I finish my dream board, I take a minute to admire my work then it goes to collect dust in the attic along with all my other dream boards from previous years.. **sigh**
Hold yourself accountable this year:
- Keep your Dreams Top of Mind
- List your dreams on a Google doc, screenshot, and save to your ‘Favorites’ album
- List your dreams on a sheet of paper and tape it on your wall somewhere you can see it daily
- Visualize your dreams! What will you feel when you reach your goals? Who is with you? (Ex: “I want a mansion” Visualize: Where? whats the Interior Decor like? Is there a Veranda? Foyer? Floor to ceiling windows? etc..Get as clear as possible! more on this here)
2. Make Accountability Connections
What’s the fun in doing this alone? Identify 2-3 trusted friend(s) & share your dreams! Don’t stop there- Set up 3 & 6 month check-ins via Google meet to re-connect and reflect. In a round robin, ask these questions:
- How do I feel about my progress thus far with my dreams?
- Has anything changed in my dream board?
- What’s helping you stay committed to your dreams?
- Is anything stopping me from fulfilling my dreams?
- What small action step can I do to overcome that “thing” standing in my way?
- Going forward, How can we each show up and encourage one another?
3. Remember the Bigger Picture!
Dream boards are a beautiful thing, but don’t let your plan limit what God is trying to do in your life!
God’s ways are beyond our ways- Stay Open and Flexible. The most unlikely people and places may have the answers you’ve been looking for…!
Stay focused on HIM and you’ll never miss the way. (Read here for more on setting your heart on things above).
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”-Matthew 6:33
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails”-Proverbs 19:21
Additional Things to Consider
- Does your dream board align with your deeper sense of purpose for your life?
- How will fulfilling your dreams create a better world for others to live in? (Remember this to keep you committed to your dreams!)
- What is the “Why” behind the dreams you have listed? As this blog says, ” Desires alone are not enough, they need to be back up with a real intention”.
- Do you have a Verse, Word, or Affirmation(s) for the year? (Remember this to keep you committed to your dreams!)
- What behaviors/mindsets do you need to “unlearn” in order for you to fulfill all your dreams?
What other wisdom on Vision Boards do you have? Leave it in the comments below!
You were born to live a BIG and FULL life- Get Ready, Set, and Go, friend!
From my heart to yours,
Grace
