I have a secret.
I’ve never read the book The Secret.
But, just as Al Gore invented the internet, I’d like to go on record and say that I invented the original “vision board” concept made popular by Oprah and the book The Secret a few years ago. In truth, the first vision boards were probably the Ten Commandments, but that’s a tale for another blog.
In a nutshell, the idea behind a vision board is to capture a visual representation of the things you want in your life and then keep it in a place you see day in and day out to make sure you are focused on your goals.
My first vision board was created about 10 years ago by my boss and I in my teeny-tiny office with no windows, but who’s complaining? My office had one wall completely wallpapered with a whiteboard. You would think my fearless leader and I would have charted our business vision on that wall, but instead we created a vision board designed to land me the perfect man. I listed out all of my requirements like: He can’t have a hairy back, kids, a mother living in the same state, or bad table manners.
Ok, so my first vision board did not work. I’m still single.
Moving on.
A couple of weeks ago my friends Angela and Monica mentioned attending a vision board seminar in their networking group for entrepreneurs called SMARTY. And since I really want to be a SMARTY, I decided to make a new vision board based on my new goals, too.
My updated vision board is a healthy balance of my ultimate personal, physical, and professional goals as well as the business goals of my clients. Let’s just say this was a really good workout–it’s amazing how inspiring scissors, a glue stick, and some old magazines can be.
Instead of pasting my visions on a white board or poster board, I pasted them on construction paper and secured the paper inside a glass vase. This saves wall space in my home office and allows me to keep my goals front and center on my desk.
So I guess I should correct my original statement to say: I re-invented the vision board, eh?
Before I go, do you want to hear another secret? If you have a vision board or decide to pull one together, don’t keep it a secret. Share your vision with your friends, your workout partner, your personal trainer, or colleagues that will hold you accountable, help you achieve your goals, and cheer you on!
Do you have a vision board? When was the last time you re-invented yours?
Now I really must go call Oprah and tell her my new secret: Creating a Fitness & Spice vision board is a really SMART exercise!
