By Brenda Weathers Hargroves
I love to create vision boards and I know virtual is the latest thing, but I’m old-fashioned. Give me poster board, scissors, magazines, glue, and I’m happy. When finished, I hang them on my office wall to make sure my goals and dreams are readily visible.
Unfortunately, life’s clutter often supersedes things that are in plain sight. You know personal stuff like balancing family and work, not to mention that the world is going to hell in a handbasket (Come to think of it, what does a handbasket have to do with it?). Anyway, with all that’s going on, we don’t take the time to return to those desires and aspirations that made us feel warm and fuzzy when we first envisioned them.
You might find yourself pleasantly surprised when you revisit the words and pictures so carefully placed on your board. Maybe you, in fact, accomplished images you visualized. Hats off to you if you did. And if you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your successes. We’re always so focused on doing and getting, we forget to congratulate ourselves for our triumphs. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional pat on the back.
Is there a goal on your board you haven’t achieved?
Does it still matter to you?
Is the goal attainable?
If so, what’s stopping you? What are you afraid of?
A wise woman I know once said, “Fear is only serving you if it’s keeping you from being eaten by a lion.” And this Mark Twain quote sits prominently on one of my boards: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
I recently read insightful observations made by 87-year-old actress, Judi Dench, that gave several of my goals a new meaning. Regarding my desire to live and learn, she said, “Your ability to choose your battles will be fine-tuned to perfection.” As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that arguing to prove my point is not always worth it. Sometimes it’s best to say nothing and remain firm in my conviction.
Questioning what defines us plays a major part in determining our goals. I love Ms. Dench’s statement, “Prioritise the uniqueness that makes you you, and the invisible magnet that draws in other like-minded souls to dance in your orbit.” Focusing on the ideals that make me the person I am and encourage others to want to be included in my circle serve as the driving force that brings out the best in me.
‘Live your best life’ is the underlying mantra behind everything I do. Having reached retirement age, I am much more aware of how important it is to wake up each morning, thankful for another opportunity to live each day to its fullest. We often forget what a blessing this is. Ms. Dench so aptly proclaims, “Your desire to live each and every moment will transcend all other wants.”
Besides Ms. Dench, others have made statements directly related to things that are important to me. These affirmations strengthen my convictions. I encourage you to find words that do the same for you. Get that imagination working, define your dreams and create a vision board to serve as your daily reminder.
Then what?
Commit to reviewing your goals – monthly, quarterly, every six months – whatever timeframe you choose. (I know. It might be the same time next year - that pesky life clutter.)
Celebrate your successes.
Assess the relevance of goals you’ve not yet completed.
Make any necessary adjustments.
Get back to work!
Check out this post for more on vision boards: Goin’ Off Trak: Vision Board – Valuable Tool For Personal Growth.
Great quotes and practical advice.