How to Create a Vision Board That Actually Works, in 6 Easy Steps

Another year, another long list of resolutions that are filed away in a notebook and promptly forgotten. While the idea of “New Year, New You” is nice in theory, it’s hardly a full-proof plan to help you reach the finish line. That’s why “Dream Bigger” podcast host Siffat Haider suggests a different approach: the strategically crafted vision board. It all starts with choosing a theme and direction for the year ahead, being crystal clear about what you want to achieve, then working backward to develop a realistic plan in order to get there. 

While lists are lovely, here’s  Haider’s best advice on how to create your own vision board that will keep you inspired all year long.

Start with your Instagram “Saved” folder.

Siffat recommends saving images that inspire you throughout the year, so when it’s time to create your vision board, much of the heavy lifting is already done. “I will do this by going through Pinterest and Instagram,” Haider shares. “So if I saw an image that was particularly inspiring, I will save it and then I’ll have a screenshot so that later on when it comes time to make my vision board, I know what I want to put on there.”

Keep it real.

While Siff leverages social media for vision boarding, she stresses the importance of selecting a mix of images that feel attainable. “I like to pick [photos] that look like it could be me in the picture,” Haider explains. “So the angle that the photography is being taken in, it’s almost like I snapped it with my iPhone or someone snapped it of me. I need it to feel believable.”

Add your own accomplishments for an extra dose of inspiration.

To make your vision board feel even more personal, include a few of your proudest moments. This will help you stay motivated throughout the year! Haider explains one of her best tips: “I really like to throw in images that have already happened, which you want to level up and make it more normal.” Whether it’s your bank account or another financial goal, adding the all-time high to your vision board and continuing to look at it all year will help you level up and make it become your new normal.

“As an example, I had put on this year’s vision board a screenshot from last year’s Black Friday Shopify sale because that was our best performing month, and I really wanted to make that number a very casual number for me,” Haider continues. “And you know what? That actually did happen, like so much so that that figure that was like monumental to me last year is no longer an out of the ordinary number anymore.”

Create your vision board.

Once you’ve gathered all of your images, it’s time to actually make the thing. You can go old-school with magazines and glue, but Siff recommends preparing with Canva: “It’s extremely easy to use!”

Use Canva templates to create the base with the correct dimensions for your phone and computer, then start arranging your images and resize as needed. “It is really the easiest thing that you can do,” Haider reminds us—so don’t overthink it.

Use it as your desktop and phone background.

One of the best ways to accomplish your goals is to keep them top of mind, which is why Siff recommends setting your vision board as your desktop and phone background. “I love to have access to it and see it just subconsciously.”

Looking at your vision board every time you use your phone or computer, regardless of how brief the glances are, is a great way to subliminally keep your goals top of mind as you move through the new year.

Supercharge your vision board with an action plan.

While the vision board is the perfect first step to unlocking your highest self, it’s not a one-and-done plan. “I don’t think that you can just have a vision board with no action plan,” Haider explains. She recommends pairing your vision board with a manifestation roadmap. Read more about how to set goals that drive real results for your year ahead, and listen to Haider’s 2025 winter glow up series here.