Vision Board or Craft Project?

As 2014 approaches are you creating a vision board or developing resolutions for the New Year? I am asking this because I have been reading posts, tweets and text messages about how people are excited to put 2013 in their rear view mirror and begin to look ahead at all 2014 has to offer. It made me wonder for the people who did create a vision board or developed resolutions this year have they looked back at it? Did any of the goals they wanted to accomplish manifest?  My vision board is an accomplishment board, because many of the things that I envisioned, have come to realization. 

I believe that creating a vision board is only the first step in making your dreams a reality.  I know many of you get together with friends, family and other new year resolution hopefuls at vision board parties to change the fate on they upcoming year.  These parties are tons of fun, because everyone is in great spirits eating, drinking and inspiring each other as they design boards that highlight their hopes and dreams.  The problem with most of these boards is that they are not the end of your vision but the beginning and without action these boards are just a craft project.  A collage that gathers dust after the excitement wears off.  I discussed the success of my vision board with one of my accountability partners and I came up with 5 D’s to make a cool craft project into successful vision board...

1. Design a Vision Board  - Create a vision board that showcases your goals for the upcoming year (this does not have to be January 1, you can do this at any time of the year). This board can be developed with magazine cut outs, hand written thoughts or anything your want to put on the board.  Make sure your board highlights your vision and not what others may want for you.
2. Display the Board - Your goals and dreams need to be in front of you every day.  If you travel a lot for business like I do, take a picture of the board and carry it with you, so you are constantly reminded what you are working towards. You can even make your vision board your screen saver, so that you see it everyday.
3. Devise a Plan/ Timeline - Develop a plan to help make your vision board become an accomplishment board.  A timeline with specific dates will keep you on track of making your visions come to fruition.
4. Designate an Accountability Partner  - Find someone to hold you accountable for your plans and goals.  This person must know your plans, have seen your board and will hold you liable if you veer from the plans.  You do not need a yes partner (someone that will let you slide when life gets tough), you need someone that will push you when you are ready to give up and remind you of everything you want to accomplish.
5. Decide to Act – There is not point in creating a vision board, developing a plan, asking someone to hold you accountable if you are not actively pursing your goals.   
6. 

I know many people believe that by creating a vision board you are putting in the atmosphere the things that you want to accomplish and the universe (or as I believe - GOD) will help you attain them.  However, I believe that creating a vision board is the first step and when you act on the things that you want, God will help you bring your dream/vision to reality.  It is like exercise…In order to lose weight or have a tone body you have to exercise, believing you will have the body you want will not make it happen.

Start the New Year off right by following the 5 D’s which will make your vision board come to Life faster.   You and your accountability partner will be excited to look at you board at the end of next year and see all of the things that you have accomplished.

God Bless

A. Mayartis J