I Thought Visionboarding Was a Waste of Time—Until I Tried It

For the past seven years, my life has been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, mistakes and achievements. We started with just €3K in revenue, then €20K, €300K, and eventually €700K a year and more. But this past year was different—our first year with no growth. In fact, profits took a hit, and before I knew it, the year was over.

The lessons? Plenty, of course. But the suddenness of it all left me reflecting on something deeper. As I looked back, I realized many of our team meetings had been focused on problems rather than possibilities. And as CEO, isn’t providing a clear sense of direction my responsibility?

I see it this way: It’s easier to steer with the wind at your back and the stars above. In a storm, though, without a clear direction, how do you guide your crew or yourself? This past year felt like sailing through a storm. We didn’t sink; we even found some treasures. But we can’t escape without a vision that goes beyond what we’ve done before. That’s why, for the first time, I chose to try visionboarding.

What Is Visionboarding?

At its heart, visionboarding is about creating a visual map of your dreams and goals. It can be a physical board filled with clippings and sketches or a digital Photoshop canvas, like the one I chose to create. Tools like Canva can also help. The purpose: to see your future and make it feel real. In this fast world, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters. To-do lists and meetings fill your days, but they seldom allow for dreaming. A vision board is an anchor—a reminder of your why and where you want to go.

Why Visionboarding Matters in 2025

This year feels pivotal. The rapid changes in technology, markets, and society mean clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Here’s how visionboarding can help you navigate 2025:

• Define & visualize your vision.
• Stay aligned with your values and goals.
• Boost your motivation and focus.
• Recognize and manifest opportunities.

Seeing your goals daily keeps you attuned to the steps you need to take. Plus, there’s something about visualizing success that makes it more achievable. (For a deeper look into the science, a quick Google search including “Reticular Activating System (RAS) Activation +Visionboard” helps.)

How to Create Your Vision Board

It’s all about making it work for you. Basically, try to get clear on what you want and curate matching imagery. Here’s how I approached mine:

1. Reflect Before You Start. Take time to journal and ask yourself questions like:These reflections will guide your vision board’s content.
   • What do I want to achieve this year?
   • What should be different in my life or business?
   • How do I envision my summer?
   • Who are my priorities this year?
   • What do I want to own, experience, or become?
2. Gather Your Materials. Whether you’re creating a physical or digital board, gather what inspires you. I spent a day on Pinterest, searching for images, quotes, and aesthetics that spoke to my goals. (Pro tip: Add “aesthetic” to your search for extra inspiration!)

1. Organize Creatively. There’s no right or wrong here. Trust your instincts and let your creativity flow. Add what feels meaningful and leave out what doesn’t.
2. Incorporate Inspiration and Realism. My board includes revenue goals, people I want to prioritize, and skills I want to develop. It’s a mix of dreams and actionable steps.
3. Display It Where You’ll See It. Your vision board should be a constant presence. Mine is my MacBook wallpaper now—every time I open my laptop, I’m reminded of my goals.

Real Talk: My First Visionboarding Experience

I’ll admit it—I was skeptical at first. Isn’t this just arts and crafts? Why would it have any real impact? But the process alone surprised me. Visionboarding isn’t just about pictures; it’s about clarity. It’s about reflecting on what you want and bringing it to life visually.

The result? A roadmap that feels personal, motivational, and actionable. Every time I see my board, it reaffirms my priorities and gives me a sense of direction I didn’t realize I was missing.

Conclusion

Visionboarding might seem like a small, dreamy, even trivial exercise, but its impact can be profound. It’s not just about dreaming; it’s about turning those dreams into visual goals that remind us every day. It's something to keep us in line. As we step into 2025, take a moment to envision your future. Where do you want to go? What does success look like to you?

So, what’s going on your vision board this year? I’d love to hear about it—share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to dream big and build boldly.

This is just one entry in An Entrepreneur’s Logbook. Stay tuned for more reflections, strategies, and lessons from the journey. Let’s make this year extraordinary—together.