Discover the power of vision boards and a word of the year! Learn how this simple practice can help keep you focused and on track to achieve your goals in 2025.
Years ago, I had a ritual that grounded and guided me as I moved through each year: choosing a word of the year and creating a vision board. This process was more than a fun exercise; it became a powerful tool for focus and intention-setting. Back then, I would spend days reflecting on what I wanted to achieve, who I wanted to become, and how I wanted to feel. Choosing the perfect word for the year was like setting the theme for my life’s next chapter, and I made sure to post it everywhere I could see it—on my mirror, in my planner, even on sticky notes around the house. Vision boards, filled with images that represented my goals, hopes, and dreams, complemented this practice. They worked because our brains respond so well to visuals; pictures have a way of bypassing logic and inspiring action.
But somewhere along the way, life got busy, and I let go of this ritual. For 20 years, I didn’t choose a word or create a vision board. And while life went on, I often felt like I was missing a sense of clarity and direction. Three years ago, I decided to bring it back, and I’ve never looked back since.
Rediscovering an Old Habit
When I restarted this practice three years ago, I picked a word for the year and carefully curated a vision board filled with the things I wanted to accomplish and experience. This time, I took it a step further: I made the board my lock screen and printed it out to hang above my desk. These simple steps ensured that I was constantly reminded of my goals and intentions. And it worked. Having those daily visual cues kept me focused and motivated throughout the year.
The following year, I created another vision board but skipped printing it out. I noticed the difference. Without that constant reminder in my physical space, I didn’t stay as connected to my goals. While it still helped to have a digital version, I learned how critical it is to have tangible, visual reinforcements in places where I’ll see them often.
My Word and Vision for 2025: Momentum
As I sat down to reflect on the year ahead, one word kept coming to mind: Momentum. It perfectly captures what I want for 2025. This past year has been about laying the groundwork—rebuilding my Shopify store, refining my business offerings, and finding a better balance between my teaching career and entrepreneurial dreams. Now, I’m ready to build on that foundation, to keep moving forward, and to gather speed as I achieve my goals. Momentum is about consistency, progress, and a commitment to keep pushing, even when things get challenging.
To support this word, I created a vision board that captures all the things I want the year to hold for me. It’s filled with images that represent growth in my business, joy in my personal life, and the adventures I want to experience. There’s a mix of vibrant, inspiring visuals—from sales graphs and creative ideas to moments of relaxation and exploration. I’ve already made it my lock screen, and this time, I’ve printed it out and placed it above my desk where I’ll see it every day. I’m determined to make 2025 a year of building on my progress and achieving new heights.
Why Vision Boards and Words Work
So why does this process work so well? The human brain is wired to respond to imagery. A vision board acts like a compass, guiding your subconscious mind toward the things you want to achieve. It’s not magic, but it is a way to focus your thoughts and energy, which, in turn, shapes your actions. Choosing a word for the year works similarly—it’s like a mantra that reminds you of your intentions and priorities.
When you see your word or your vision board every day, it becomes easier to make choices that align with your goals. It’s a gentle, constant nudge toward the life you want to create.
Tips for Creating Your Own Vision Board and Choosing Your Word
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Reflect on Your Goals: Spend some time thinking about what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. What areas of your life need the most attention? What do you want more of? Less of?
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Choose a Word That Resonates: Your word should encapsulate the essence of what you want to focus on. It could be something like Growth, Balance, Freedom, or in my case, Momentum.
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Gather Inspiring Images: Collect pictures, words, and symbols that represent your goals and dreams. You can cut them out from magazines, print them, or create a digital collage like I did.
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Display It Where You’ll See It: Make your vision board a daily reminder. Use it as your phone or computer wallpaper, and hang a printed version in a prominent spot.
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Stay Connected to Your Word: Write your word on sticky notes, in your journal, or on your mirror. Let it be a touchstone for your decisions and actions throughout the year.
Moving Forward with Intention
As I look ahead to 2025, I feel excited and ready to embrace the momentum I’ve been building. If you’ve never tried choosing a word or creating a vision board, I encourage you to give it a shot. It’s a simple yet powerful way to set your intentions and stay focused on what truly matters to you.
What’s your word for the year? What would you put on your vision board? I’d love to hear about your plans and dreams for 2025—share them in the comments below!
