The Science Behind Vision Boards: Why They Actually Work & How to Use Them

Have you ever wondered why vision boards have become such a popular tool for personal development? Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these powerful visual tools actually do work with your brain's natural wiring to help manifest your goals and dreams.

I personally have had great success using vision boards, but I also learned in the process to be very careful about what images I choose to include in them. Over about 16 years of teaching a Vision Board Seminar on January 1st from about 1990 to 2006 I discovered that a part of me was easily impressed by pictures.

The following is one example of how I have used vision boards, especially when moving from country to country. I taught mini seminars in California, Japan and Saudi Arabia and had the pleasure of people returning to tell me the results they had. Months after we purchased a house in Washington State, I looked down the side of our house at the view of our lake from that angle and suddenly put two and two together.

I rushed inside to find an old vision board I had brought back from Saudi Arabia and there in the center was an image of a house with a similar lake view peeping between the trees and the end gable. I had always wanted to live in a house with a view of a lake and I had completely forgotten making that vision board about two years previously and several thousand miles away during a different lifestyle.

Let's talk about why vision boards aren't just pretty collages – they're powerful tools that work with your brain's natural wiring. Think about when you're planning to buy a new car. Suddenly, you start noticing that model everywhere on the road. That's not coincidence it's your brain's spotlight system at work, something scientists call the Reticular Activating System. Vision boards basically hack this system, training your brain to spot opportunities aligned with your goals.

Let's explore the fascinating science behind why vision boards are more than just a creative exercise.

The Power of Visual Processing

We think in pictures - not words and letters. Your brain has a remarkable superpower: it processes images 60,000 times faster than text. This isn't just an interesting fact – it's the key reason vision boards can be so effective. When you create a visual representation of your goals, you're speaking your brain's preferred language, creating instant, powerful connections that mere written lists can't match. This helps our unconscious mind to recognise hidden signals or clues.

Your Brain's Spotlight System

Ever noticed how, after deciding to buy a specific car, you suddenly see that model everywhere? This isn't coincidence – it's your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work. This mental spotlight system helps your brain filter important information from the constant stream of data it receives. Vision boards effectively "program" your RAS to spot opportunities aligned with your goals, turning your brain into a success-seeking missile.

The Athletic Connection

Elite athletes have long used visualization techniques to enhance their performance. Vision boards work on the same principle. When you regularly view images representing your goals, your brain creates neural pathways similar to those formed during actual experiences. It's like creating a mental rehearsal space for your future success.

Beyond Pretty Pictures

Creating a vision board is an act of intentional focus. When you carefully select images and arrange them on your board, you're doing more than decorating – you're making conscious choices about what matters in your life. This deliberate process helps clarify your true desires and priorities.

The Physical Advantage

In our digital age, we're bombarded with notifications and reminders that we easily dismiss. A vision board's physical presence in your space creates a different kind of reminder – one that engages multiple senses and creates a stronger imprint on your consciousness. Every glance reinforces your goals and strengthens your commitment.

Emotion Meets Intention

The true power of vision boards lies in their ability to combine logical goal-setting with emotional connection. When you see images that represent your dreams, you're not just thinking about your goals – you're feeling them. This emotional engagement creates a stronger motivation to pursue your objectives.

Getting Started

Ready to create your own vision board? Here's what you'll need:

• A board or sturdy paper as your foundation
• Magazines, photos, or printed images
• Scissors and glue or tape
• Markers or pens
• Any decorative elements that inspire you

Remember, there's no "wrong" way to create a vision board. The only requirement is that it resonates with your personal aspirations and dreams.

The Bottom Line

Vision boards are more than just arts and crafts – they're a sophisticated form of brain training used by successful people across generations. By combining visual processing, emotional connection, and intentional focus, vision boards create a powerful tool for personal transformation. They are also fun, easy to create - there are a few guidelines but no hard and fast rules! Families, individuals, and teams can assemble and put them to work. 

When you create a vision board, you're not just decorating your wall; you're programming your brain for success. You're creating a daily reminder of your dreams and aspirations all while engaging your brain's natural ability to work toward those goals.

Ready to start your vision board journey? Remember that your board is uniquely yours. Let it reflect your unique and unrepeatable dreams and aspirations, and watch as your brain begins to align with the future you envision.