It’s pretty much mid-January and that means talking about last year is well, so last year! It’s 2026—time to turn your goals into reality. For me, that always means starting the year off with a vision board. If you’re like me you’ve found yourself thinking: “how to make a vision board?” at the beginning of ever year. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s easier thank you think.
A few years ago, I found a new tradition that I do every year and have enjoyed a lot more that trying to come up with and sticking to New Year’s resolutions: I create a vision board. The way I see it, a vision board is part scrapbooking and part manifesting because you are cutting, gluing, and pasting things from books, magazines, or printouts from Pinterest and also creating something that will visually remind you of your goals.
I’m not saying it’s magic, but if you put an airplane or suitcase on your vision board, be prepared to be buying a plane ticket in 2026. Vision boards aren’t about perfection or manifestation buzzwords—they’re about clarity. By putting your goals, values, and hopes in one visible place, you’re more likely to stay focused long after January fades.
Something about a vision board makes me more excited, motivated, and inspired than any resolution I’ve ever set. If you’re ready to give your goal setting process a little refresh, here’s how to make a vision board for this new year. I’ve included simple step-by-step instructions, modern digital options, and vision board ideas you can customize for your own season of life.
Read More:
- 2026 Parenting Trends We’re Excited to Embrace This Year
- How to Have Your Best Year Yet—Without Resolutions
- 35 Thoughtful New Year’s Affirmations for Kids
What Is a Vision Board (And Why It Actually Works)
A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, intentions, and priorities. It combines images, words, and ideas that reflect what you want more of in your life—whether that’s better work-life balance, stronger routines, financial growth, or more time with your family.
Seeing your goals regularly helps keep them top of mind. Instead of living on a forgotten to-do list, your intentions become part of your everyday environment—on your wall, desk, or even your phone screen. For many people, that daily reminder is what turns abstract goals into real momentum.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Goals and Intentions
Simply put, setting an intention is making sure that your heart and mind are aligned on the same goal. Have you ever done something because you had to but you didn’t really want to? That’s coming from your mind. Or have you have done something because you really wanted to do it even though no one was forcing you? That’s all from your heart.
The intention-setting sweet spot is when your heart and your mind can agree on something. These are the types of goals you’re most likely to stick with and want to keep pursuing no matter how hard things get. Because, if we’re being honest, all goals at some point have a challenging spot. It doesn’t matter if your goal is to save money, travel to Bora Bora, buy a home, make new friends, learn to crochet, or start a business—you will experience a hard moment at some point.
Having an intention behind the goal is what will have you dusting off your pants and getting right back in the game going toward your goal. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help set your intention (answer these when you have some quiet alone time):
- This time next year, what would I like to have accomplished?
- How will achieving this goal make me feel?
- If I don’t reach this goal exactly as I imagine it, what will I think or feel?
- What will achieving this goal allow me to do, think, feel, or see?
Step 2: Gather Your Vision Board Supplies
Now that you’ve set your intention and have a goal (or a few), it’s time to grab your craft scissors, some glue, and have some fun! Before you go out and buy a bunch of magazines just to cut them all up, check around your home to see what you already have on hand. Even if the magazines are a few years old, they may have some hidden treasures that you can put on your vision board. Also, Pinterest is a great resource (and a rabbit hole—you’ve been warned!) to find a lot of inspirational things to make your goals visually appealing.
Your vision board can be physical, digital, or a mix of both.
For a physical vision board:
- Poster board, cork board, or notebook
- Magazines, printed photos, or quotes
- Scissors, glue, tape, or pins
For a digital vision board:
- Canva templates
- Pinterest boards
- A phone or desktop wallpaper
- Notion or notes apps
Choose the format you’re most likely to look at regularly.
Step 3: Choose Images and Words That Inspire You
Look for images, phrases, or symbols that genuinely resonate—not what you think should inspire you. The best vision boards spark emotion and motivation, not pressure.
This could include:
- Photos that represent routines or habits you want to build
- Words that reflect your values or priorities
- Quotes that motivate you on hard days
If it makes you pause and feel something, it belongs.
Step 4: Put Your Vision Board Where You Can See it and Use it All Year Long
A vision board works best when it’s paired with action. Revisit it weekly or monthly and ask yourself:
- What small step can I take toward one of these goals this week?
- Does anything need to be adjusted as life changes?
Raise your hand if in previous years you’ve written down a goal and then completely forgot about it. Just so you know, my hand is raised too. That’s because if we’re not frequently reminded of what we’re working towards, we will forget about it and fall back into old habits and routines. If your goal is to run a 5k, seeing the race’s logo every time you head out the door to train might be motivating. Or if you’re wanting to level up in your career, seeing the quote “the key to success is to start before you’re ready” may give you a little pep in your step on Monday mornings.
The goals that you have on your vision board could determine where you’d like to place it. If you want to learn to cook more, put it in the kitchen or right next to the refrigerator. Want more romance? Placing it next to your bed might be a good spot. And for an extra reminder, put a photo of it as your phone’s lock screen or background—you’re bound to see it that way too!
Vision Board Ideas for 2026
Use these themes and ideas as inspiration and tailor them to your own goals:
- Self-Care Vision Board: routines, boundaries, rest, mental health
- Career Vision Board: skill growth, leadership, flexible work
- Family Vision Board: quality time, traditions, shared goals
- Health Vision Board: movement, nourishment, balance
- Digital Vision Board: phone wallpaper or Canva template for daily visibility
How to Make a Vision Board: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be creative to make a vision board?
Not at all. Vision boards are about intention, not aesthetics.
Can I make a digital-only vision board?
Absolutely—and many people prefer digital boards because they’re easy to update.
When should I update my vision board?
Anytime your goals change, but a quarterly refresh works well for most people.
Laura Adom, Contributing Writer
Laura is a writer living in Columbus, Ohio with her two kids and husband. She is passionate about sharing the unfiltered truths of navigating the twists and turns of motherhood and womanhood. She loves belly laughs, tacos, coffee, ice cream, teen drama TV shows, and Moana (even before becoming a mom).
