One of the reasons many people meander through life with no purpose and focus is for lack of vision. Multitudes go through the motions, day in and day out. Tolerating the status quo, unhappy and surviving instead of thriving. Like ships without a captain, not having a clear vision can lead to arriving at harbors we never intended to dock in. Or worse, ship-wrecking as the inevitable storms of life toss us to and fro.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain
While having a vision doesn’t guarantee a storm-free life, it acts as an anchor on those days when we need to push through life’s challenges and curveballs. Instead of getting caught up in a rat-race, a vision helps us stay focused in our otherwise fast-paced lives that can feel like living in the matrix.
“You were created on purpose and with a purpose.” – Unknown
Sometimes we have big dreams and grandiose plans, but no meaningful purpose beyond what we want to have, be, or do in life. With no compelling WHY we climb the ladder of success, only to get to the top and become disillusioned because we feel unfulfilled despite the trappings of success that bring temporary happiness. (Yes, money can buy some form of happiness.)
“Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for – because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.” – Peter Marshall
One way to get clear on your WHY is with a dream board, also known as a vision board. Famous from the book The Secret, a vision board is not just some woo-woo thing New Agers swear by to manifest stuff. You might be surprised to learn that the concept is actually Bible-based. Designed correctly a purpose-based vision board acts as a compass that helps us with orientation and navigating through this exciting journey we call life.
“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” – Neil Gaiman
Here are 7 ways a purpose-based vision board can help you thrive.
- Help you get clarity on what you want to have, be, or do – so that you set clear intentions.
- Remind you of your big picture Why – so that you keep priorities right, pursue holistic success and escape the rate race.
- Inspire your creative imagination – so that you visualize the end goal in a non-threatening way that doesn’t trigger fear of failure.
- Motivate you internally – so that you can break down your dreams and desires into tangible achievable goals.
- Act as a catalyst – so that you’re excited about action steps that take your from dreamer to doer boosting your productivity.
- Help you stay focused – so that you don’t quit in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
- Help you live by design and not by default – so you enjoy a fulfilling life and pursue your potential.
Because we are human beings, not human doings, living a life of purpose is where real success and fulfillment begins. A vision board is just one of the many tools that can help you find your purpose. We think in images, not the actual the alphabetical letters. So creating a visual with images that include your compelling WHY helps to externally manifest the vision you conceive internally. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Do you have a vision board?