So, you’ve heard about vision boards… maybe from that one friend who swears they manifested their dream house by gluing a picture of a mansion to some cardboard. But you’re running a business, balancing way too much, and wondering if a vision board could actually help you.

Spoiler: It can. But only if you make it work for you.

Let’s get one thing straight- vision boards are not magic. You’re not slapping a Ferrari and a beach house on there and waking up tomorrow with the keys in your inbox. What they are is a tool to help you focus, clarify your goals, and (bonus!) bring a little fun and creativity into your planning process.

Why Vision Boards Work (and Why They’re Not Woo-Woo Nonsense)

First, let’s talk science because this isn’t just about glitter and good vibes. There’s actual brain stuff going on here.

1. The Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The RAS is like Google, but for your brain. It filters out what doesn’t matter and focuses on what does. When you look at your vision board every day, your RAS starts spotting opportunities and connections that align with your goals. Ever pick a brand-new business name and suddenly see it everywhere? That’s your RAS at work. A vision board does the same thing, except instead of spotting cool names, it helps you notice potential clients, marketing ideas, or collaboration opportunities you might’ve missed.

2. Visualization = Confidence Boost

I need you to indulge me and just imagine this: You’re about to pitch a big propect client, and you’re nervous as hell. But if you’ve been visualizing yourself closing the deal… seeing it on your vision board every day… you walk in with way more confidence. Science backs this up: studies show that mental rehearsal can improve performance in everything from sports to public speaking.

Let me tell you about the time my vision board helped me land long-term, aligned retainer clients… the kind who actually light you up instead of draining the life out of you. A few years ago, I was stuck in the same old trap, saying yes to clients who paid well but didn’t respect boundaries or feel aligned with my values. So, I created a vision board. On it, I included a picture of a cozy coffee cup to represent laid-back, creative partnerships, the phrase “Creative Collaborator” because I wanted collaboration- not just transactions- and a photo of someone relaxing at home to remind me aligned clients would respect my time. Within a few weeks (ahem, months if I’m totally honest), I started saying no to the red-flag clients and leaving space for better ones. Not long after, the right clients came along… people who valued my work, respected my boundaries, and actually wanted to grow together. They’re still with me today, and every time I work with them, I think of that coffee cup on my vision board.

Sometimes, seeing your ideal clients daily is all it takes to remind you what you’re worth… and to stop settling for anything less.

3. It Forces You to Get Clear on What You Want

A lot of us think we know what we want, but when it’s time to write it down, our brains go, “Um… something about making money?” Vision boards make you dig deeper. What does success actually look like? Is it a fully booked client calendar? More time for creative projects? A vacation where you don’t check Slack once?

What to Include on a Vision Board (for Business or Life)

The key is to make it personal and meaningful… no generic magazine cutouts here.

1. Images That Light You Up

Think beyond yachts and mansions. For your business vision board, include things like:

• A screenshot of your dream Instagram grid (yeah, even that aesthetic flat lay).

• A picture of a conference you’d love to attend or speak at.

• A logo of a brand you want to collaborate with.

2. Words That Motivate You

Quotes, affirmations, or even single words can pack a punch. Try:

• “Time Freedom” if you’re dreaming of shorter work weeks.

• “Serve, Not Hustle” if you’re over burnout culture.

3. Personal Symbols That Hit Home

This is where it gets fun. Add things that only you will get, like:

• A photo of your dog if your goal is more time at home.

• A coffee mug because you want to finally launch that local workshop you’ve been brewing (pun intended).

How to Create Your Vision Board Without Overthinking It

If you’re the type who gets stuck making “perfect” plans, here’s your permission slip to just start.

Step 1: What do you want?

Ask yourself:

• Where do I want my business to be in 6 months? A year?

• What does success feel like? (Hint: It’s not just “making more money.”)

• What would free up my time, creativity, or energy?

Step 2: Get your stuff.

• For a physical board: Get a corkboard, scissors, and all the magazines you swore you’d cancel but didn’t.

• For digital: Open Canva, Pinterest, or even a Google Doc.

Step 3: Create sections (if you want)

Divide your board into areas of your life or business, like:

• Dream clients.

• Creative goals.

• Financial milestones.

Step 4: Add Visuals and Words

Place the biggest, most meaningful goals at the center. Surround them with supporting visuals. Bonus points if it looks messy (you’re a creative, not a Pinterest robot).

The Major Rule for Vision Board Success

A vision board only works if you use it.

The golden rule? Be intentional. Every image, word, or symbol should mean something to you…no filler. This isn’t about making something pretty; it’s about creating something that fires you up every time you see it.

Why Intentionality Matters

If you’re slapping random stuff on your board because it looks nice, it’s not going to motivate you. But if you add a picture of your dream co-working space because it means freedom from working at your kitchen table, now we’re talking.

How Vision Boards Have Worked for Others (Including Me)

I’ll leave you with a story: Last year, I added a photo of a book cover mockup to my vision board. I wasn’t sure how or when, but I wanted to write a resource for creatives. Fast forward to today, and I’m launching my first workbook… because every time I looked at that board, it reminded me to take one small step toward making it happen.

Another example? One of my clients added the word “delegation” to her board, along with a picture of a laptop and her kid. Within a few months, she’d hired us and finally had evenings free for family time (while her business continues to grow in the background).

Make Your Vision Board Work for You

Vision boards aren’t magic, but they are powerful when used intentionally. Whether you’re dreaming of landing dream clients, growing your income, or just having more energy to create, a vision board can help you focus and take action.

Ready to get started? Grab your scissors, your Canva account (there’s a free vision board template!), or whatever works for you. And if growing your business is part of your vision, Swoco Studio can help you build the marketing foundation to make it happen… no glitter required.