When you interview for a job, one of the questions that most potential employers ask you is, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Well, after 2020, most of us are wondering that very thing.

As life slowly begins to move forward with the “new normal”, we are anxious to return to activities that we enjoy and haven’t done for a whole year. But until we are able to attend large events, like concerts and fairs, we need to focus on the activities that we CAN achieve. Those realistic accomplishments we CAN make in this new world of ours.

I’m sure that at one time or another most of us have had to put together a vision board (also known as a collage) for a class project. But, if you’ve never heard of one before, you’re not alone. A vision board is basically just a group of photos and positive words and phrases to help remind you what goals you would like to achieve in the coming months and even years down the road. With modern technology, you can even create vision boards online and either print it off or download it as a background image on your smart phone or computer.

The most important thing when creating a vision board is to make sure that you have it placed in an area where you will see it at least twice a day. When I put together a vision board, I post it on my refrigerator so that it’s the last thing I see before I head out to work and the first thing I see when I get home at the end of the day. You can even create a vision board on a mirror; just make sure that you leave enough room to see your reflection. The whole idea is to remind you of your life goals. By keeping those images in plain view on a regular basis, you can see each day those things that you want to achieve and get ideas on how are you going to attain them.

Now that we know what a vision board is, let’s take a look at some examples.

Let’s say you have some extra time on your hands every week and you’ve often thought about volunteering. But somehow, that thought drifts away during your daily routine and you never get around to it. Why not put together a VOLUNTEER vision board! Include pictures of different activities you might enjoy, while helping those in need in your community.

• Cooking or serving a meal at your local church or homeless shelter
• Picking up trash at your local park, waterway or roadway
• Assisting the elderly or visiting those in hospice care
• Writing letters or collecting snacks and toiletries to send to our troops
• Helping out at your local animal shelter
• Helping your local community club to clean up graffiti or make repairs for people in need

What about that dream VACATION you’ve always wanted to take? Right now, you may not even consider traveling, but one day you’ll be ready to get on that plane, train or boat and take that trip of a lifetime. Until you’re ready to pack your bags, why not put together some images of the things you’d like to see or do on your trip. Even better than simply posting pictures on a board; why not decorate a space in your home with photographs and artwork from your favorite destination! This way you can bring a little of your favorite vacation spot home until you have the opportunity to visit in person.

Let’s face it; we’ve all been a little more stressed out lately than usual. Now is a great time to remind yourself to take care of you! Kids, spouses and jobs are important, but you are important too. Ask yourself some questions. What’s important for your personal physical and mental health? Do you need more exercise? Do you need to take time to relax? How about better sleep? Drink more water? Why not make yourself a vision board as a daily reminder to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. I know that is something that we could all use right now.

Just got engaged? Why not put together a vision board for your upcoming WEDDING. Find pictures of a favorite dress, venue, decorating ideas, invitations and photography info and put it all in one place. You can even keep important phone numbers and other information about vendors on the reverse side so that they are always easily accessible.

Remember, vision boards aren’t just for adults! This is also a wonderful project for children and teens too! A vision board can definitely help your kids to concentrate on the things that they want for their future. In the example above, this child wants to be a zoo veterinarian. It not only includes photos of her favorite animals, but also the points that she needs to maintain good grades, work hard, get into college and volunteer at the zoo when she’s older to gain animal experience.

So whatever vision you have in your mind’s eye; try this technique to create a visual representation that will motivate you to achieve wonderful things in your life. Good luck and DREAM BIG!