How Vision Boards Can Inspire Students in Schools

Think back to your school days. Before social media you would flick through magazines and be inspired by pop stars.

What if, instead of just daydreaming about your future, you could actually create a visual representation of it? 

This is the idea behind vision boards for students—turning dreams into something they can see and strive toward.

I have had the pleasure of working with young people in a charity setting and here are some of the reasons young people love connecting to imagery.

Goal Setting Made Fun: Students gather their favourite images, words, and colours, assembling them into a board that represents their goals. Suddenly, the abstract concept of "what do you want to be when you grow up?" becomes something they can touch and see.

A Burst of Creativity: Each board is unique, reflecting the student’s personality and dreams. As they craft their boards, students tap into a well of creativity that goes beyond the classroom.

Focus and Motivation: With their vision boards as a guide, students find it easier to stay on track. That big, daunting goal now feels within reach, because they see it every day.

Confidence Building: There’s something empowering about seeing your dreams laid out before you. Students gain confidence as they visualise success, which spills over into their studies and social lives.

A Mirror for Self-Reflection: Creating a vision board encourages students to think about what really matters to them. It’s an exercise in self-discovery, where they explore their values, interests, and aspirations.

Positive Thoughts, Positive Outcomes: The boards are filled with images of success and happiness, reinforcing a positive mindset. This positive thinking becomes a habit, shaping how students approach challenges.
A Sense of Community: When students share their boards, they learn about each other’s goals and dreams. It creates a sense of support and understanding, creating connections that go beyond the classroom.

Critical Thinking in Action: Deciding what to put on their boards involves prioritising goals and making choices. It’s a subtle way to develop critical thinking skills that will serve them in all areas of life.

A Safe Space for Stress Relief: The process of cutting, pasting, and creating is therapeutic. It offers students a break from academic pressure, providing a creative outlet that’s both calming and inspiring.

A Vision That Grows with Them: These boards aren’t just for today. As students grow and their goals evolve, their boards can be updated, serving as a constant source of motivation throughout their school years and beyond.

They can help Structured reflection, Positive Reinforcement, Visual Inspiration, Empowerment Through Ownership: It is up to us to inspire them to see themselves as the unique individuals they are, encouraging them to play around to set their own goals and reflect on what they love and want to achieve. This helps them take ownership of their dreams and builds confidence in their abilities.

Incorporating vision board workshops into your schools strategy can lead to significant improvements in communication, creativity, and overall performance. Consider making them a regular part of your schools development programs. If you would like me to come and run a taster, feel free to contact me.

Or if you are a parent Take a look at the Kids Desk Pads Take a look 

Here is a bit of why do they work?

This all might sound quite far fetched, but vision boards are in fact rooted in neuroscience.

Neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart explains: "Looking at images on a vision board primes the brain to grasp opportunities that may otherwise gone unnoticed. That’s because the brain has a process called ‘value-tagging’ which imprints important things onto your subconscious and filters out unnecessary information.”

“The brain assigns a higher ‘value’ to images than written words on a ‘to-do’ list,” says Swart, “And the more you look at those images, the more those images move up in importance.” 

Remember when you wanted something you start noticing it all around you. Eg: a make or model of a certain car.

How can i do a vision board ? First of all having someone like myself hold that space for you can be very powerful, but if you don’t need my help.

Take Time to Have Fun: Don't pressure yourself to have all the answers right away. Instead, approach your vision board with a sense of curiosity and playfulness. Allow yourself to experiment and explore different possibilities. Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately.

Listen to What Comes Up: Pay attention to any insights or feelings that arise as you create your vision board. Is there a particular image or word that elicits a strong emotional response? Listen to your intuition and use these insights to guide your journey of self-discovery.

Turning Hobbies into Income: If you find yourself drawn to certain hobbies or interests, consider how you could potentially turn them into sources of income. Your vision board can serve as a visual reminder of these passions and inspire you to take action towards pursuing them professionally.

Reignite Forgotten Hobbies: Your vision board can also help you reconnect with hobbies or activities that you may have set aside in the past. Use this opportunity to reignite your passion for these interests and make time for them in your life once again.

Overall, a vision board is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. By allowing yourself to play with images, journaling, and exploration, you can uncover new insights about yourself and gain clarity on the path forward.

My workshops provide a supportive environment where you can explore your goals, aspirations, and values while creating your own vision board. Alternatively, if you prefer a more individualised approach, I offer personalised 1-to-1 sessions tailored to your specific needs and goals.

You can also take advantage of my resources, including vision board kits and planners, to aid you in your journey of self-discovery and goal-setting. These tools are designed to empower you to clarify your vision, set meaningful goals, and take actionable steps towards creating the life you desire.

If you're ready to take the next step towards reconnecting with your vision and embracing this new chapter of your life, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to support you every step of the way.