Curiosity was piqued by the Law of Attraction in 2006, and my first vision board party turned into an unanticipated lesson in soft skills and personal growth. I came to see that the process was more than just artistic as I cut and pasted pictures of Paris, laughter, and sunsets; it was also about introspection, making decisions, and interacting with others. While creating my vision, I taught the value of clear communication and follow-through; the collaborative environment fostered social etiquette. However, when my vision board was moved from my counter to a dusty closet corner, it served as a reminder that objectives necessitate persistent action in addition to visualization—a value that is equally important in professional settings, business etiquette, and personal development.

Additionally, I never again glanced at that vision board.

During this same period of my life, I happened to be in a restaurant with a table full of strangers who appeared to know a lot more about wine than I did. The wine list was handed to me for some strange reason. At first, I felt honored to have been selected to choose the wine since I wanted to become skilled at this. I mean, my vision board featured a bottle of great wine, right?

• It was my time.
• However, I froze.
• In actuality, I had just applied for my first wine internship.

Merlot and Port were the only known wines I had been drinking up until that time (I know some of you are familiar with these wines).Obviously, it’s not even wine.

I couldn’t distinguish between a Beaujolais and a Bordeaux.

And how do you pronounce them? I wasn’t even near it. It probably sounded like “bee-u-jo-la” and “bord-ee-yu.” 

Did you use the phonetics I hacked? Give it a try. Funny. 

In a moment of social panic, I blurted to the waiter, “Oh, this one, please,” and did the traditional “point out a random wine on the list” (based on price).

(I was obviously quite skilled at faking it.)

I silently but firmly promised myself after that night that I would learn more about wine so that I would never feel foolish when presented with a wine list.

You see, the vision board I created with my pals at the party was lovely and motivational, but it didn’t teach me anything about wine. I had to take action. Thus, I carried out the action I now instruct my clients to take.

• I acted on inspiration.
• I didn’t sit around repeating affirmations like “I am a wine connoisseur.”
• I also didn’t expect knowledge to be transferred into my brain while I stared at wine bottles.

Furthermore, I didn’t create another vision board that was exclusively focused on wine.
Rather, I looked into several sommelier courses. And I signed up after making a significant time and financial commitment and taking a large risk.

The next thing I knew, I was seated in a class full of folks who shared my curiosity about wine. I graduated after a number of awkward incidents, such as when I exclaimed, “I love rosé wine,” pronounced like the flower rather than correctly.

As my passion for wine grew, I started writing restaurant reviews (and getting paid to eat and drink—magnifique!), going to fine dining and wine festivals across the nation (where I got to sample the best wines and limited-edition wines—for free), and developing wine programs (so others could experience what I had).

My life transformed when I took inspired action.

The Issue with Vision Boards

I received an invitation to return to the same vision board celebration a few years later. I chose to go because I wanted to see how everyone’s lives were doing. I didn’t bring a poster board or magazines this time. But I did have a bottle of wine with me.

(I will never decline the chance to have wine with a wonderful group of women!)

A few years ago, I witnessed the same group of women discussing the same kinds of aspirations and cutting out the same kinds of photographs.

• However, I saw that this time, something was really different.
• Their lifestyles had not changed in the previous two years.
• Mine had drastically changed.
• They had made vision boards.
• The vision had come true for me.
• Since then, I haven’t made a vision board.
• The pictures don’t have the power. You possess it.

Now, listen to me before all of you vision board enthusiasts lose your minds.

This is what I think:

• I genuinely think that the law of attraction exists.
• The law of action is something I also believe in.
• I think that for a woman to change, she must be aware of the path she wishes to take.
• Making the commitment to love your life now is a key component in developing your vision. 

But since delving deeply into the realm of personal growth…

Too many people, in my opinion, sit around talking and acting as though they are working on their dreams.

• They attend classes, but they never put in the actual work.
• Without answering a request, they created a dating profile.
• They read financial literature, but they never take the time to sit down and do the math.
• They never try to make any of the delectable dishes on their bookmarks bar.

They read financial literature, but they never take the time to sit down and do the math.

Without ever trying to prepare any of the delectable dishes in their bookmarks bar.

They read blogs about fashion, but they never purchase new clothes.

They go to retreats or conferences, but they never put a single item they’ve learned into practice.

Indeed, these are often the same individuals who make stunning vision boards but never carry out their ideas.

People I know have been making vision boards for years, and their lives haven’t changed.

Why?

Instead of their doing the job, they expected the vision board to do it.

I refer to this as a “distraction action.”

I had a terrific time with my first (and last) vision board experience. Being with individuals who were upbeat, laughing, full of possibilities, creative, and full of lovely imagery was enjoyable.

You should definitely make a vision board if that is something you want! (since it’s always excellent to feel good.)

Let me offer you a solution, though, if you’re annoyed that your vision board isn’t functioning. 

Do this instead of spending six hours creating a vision board.

If creating a vision board takes a lot of time (around six hours for me), you might want to think about using that time to actually LIVE out your vision if you’re serious about realizing your aspirations.

• Desire a lovely house? Get some paint so you can paint your room.
• Desire a better position? Send out some emails and polish your résumé.
• Want a man? Don your finest attire and head out. 
• Do you want to go to the beach? * Decide on a date, purchase a bikini, and devise a plan to make it happen.
• Do you want more customers? * Quit hiding and begin sharing your message with the world.
• Desire to reduce your weight? * Go to the gym and put on those shoes.
• Do you want to go to Paris? * Start looking for tickets online.

Here we are, my friend.

I implore you. Although constructing vision boards might be enjoyable, they frequently don’t lead to significant advancement. Focus on establishing specific, attainable goals rather than merely imagining your ideals. Divide your huge goals into manageable chunks and act consistently each day. This is the process of transforming goals into reality. Achieving success requires action rather than wishful thinking. Let go of the dream collage and begin creating a plan of action.