There's something about seeing a goal in images that makes it feel (more) real, and that's why I created my first vision board in December 2011. I had some pretty major goals that I wanted to accomplish in my life in the coming year (my 35th), but more than anything, I wanted to have my first child.

My husband and I had been trying unsuccessfully for a few years, but seeing it on my vision board was first time that I really believed in my heart that it would happen, even though I'd wanted it to happen so badly before. It turns out that this simple shift in my mindset made all the difference in the world. Within two months of creating my vision board, I found out that I was pregnant. Toddler boss ("Riley Claire") was born in October 2012. 

Since then, I've made a vision board each December that tells the story of what I want the upcoming year to look like in various areas of my life. The only rule I have when I make my board is that I don't put any limits on my goals. In a world where literally anything is possible, the only thing that can stop me from creating the life of my dreams is my own imagination. We (my imagination and I) are locked into an ironclad agreement: As long as it keeps going, so do I. So far, so good.

Just a few weeks before I made my December 2014 vision board (above), I attended the Martha Stewart American Made Awards & Summit. I took the photo below when I got off the elevator the night of the big cocktail party, and here's what I wrote in my blog post about the event: "I'm guessing that it's the entrance I'll use when I go back to visit during the work week (totally speaking that into existence!)."

When I made that statement, I had no idea how it would happen. I just knew that I wanted it to happen, and I was willing to put in the work needed to make it a reality. I put Martha Stewart on my vision board, and in just a few months, I saw this entrance again. Only this time, I walked through the doors as a partner with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in the Martha Stewart American Made Market and as a contributor to MarthaStewart.com. 

I attribute toddler boss's birth, the Martha Stewart partnership and every other goal that I've reached since I started making vision boards to three steps. First, I THINK IT: I plant a seed in my head that something I want in my life can happen. Next, I SPEAK IT into existence: Once my brain sends the signal that it can happen, I tell myself that it will happen. I do this out loud because I know that there is power in my own voice.Then, I OWN IT: I start visualizing the goal in my head, and I give it a space on my vision board. As the seed continues to grow, I water it every day with actions, determination and hustle. I proceed as if success is inevitable, because it is. #notesfromthegrind

Along the way, I see signs of affirmation in the people, places and things I come into contact with throughout my journey that let me know I'm moving in the right direction.

This is not rocket science and it's not reserved for a select few. With a vivid imagination, the courage to follow it and the relentless effort to act on it, you can design and live the life you want too. Here's how...

Materials:

• Poster board or foam board (preferred)
• Old magazines (but ones that actually interest you)
• Scissors
• Glue stick

General Tips:

Do it when the time is right for you. I love making my vision board in December in anticipation of the feeling of renewal that comes with the arrival of a new year. Others like making vision boards on their birthdays for the same reason. There's really no right or wrong time, so long as you make your vision board when you are really ready to put in the work to design and pursue the life of your dreams.

There's strength in numbers. Last year, I hosted my first vision board party for a small group of friends. It was such a powerful experience to share our individual goals out loud (some for the first time) and to pledge our collective support to help each woman reach hers. Think about who's in your support circle and consider hosting your own vision board party for everyone.

Set the mood. Good food, wine, music, candles...whatever you love, make it a part of your vision board experience too.

Directions:

1.  Before you start, take an honest look at where you are right now in the areas of your life that are most important to you (e.g., personal growth, health/wellness, spirituality, family/friends, love, career, etc.). On a level of 1-10, how happy are you in each area? What do you want that area of your life to look at its optimal level?

2.  Cut out images, phrases, words and symbols that embody what you want your ideal life to look like in the areas that you identified above. Without fail, every time I do a vision board, I find exactly what I'm looking for because it's been looking for me too.

3.  Tell a story. Once you find what you want to put on your vision board, take time to organize it in a way that tells a story, your story of how everything on the board fits together to create your ideal life.

4.  Make it stick. Once you've decided on a layout that tells your story, use the glue stick to glue the pieces onto the board.

5.  Don't feel pressured to finish in one sitting. Just as your life is one grand evolution, so is your vision board. Give yourself 2-3 weeks to complete your board, starting with the assessment in Step 1. Add to it in the coming weeks and months ahead as needed. 

6.  Display your vision board in a place where you can see it every day. This could be above your desk, beside your nightstand or any other place where you are guaranteed to see it often. Since most of us spend hours at the computer, consider snapping a pic of your vision board and making it your screensaver too.

Want more tips? Check out the short video that I did with my fellow mompreneur, Anjali Varma here.

I'd love to know how this exercise works for you as you design your ideal life through your vision board. Please leave a comment to share your progress!

Hey Haute Mamas! I'm Riche Holmes Grant, a modern mom + mompreneur who designs smart + stylish products that make your mommy gig easier. 

When I'm not busy taking orders from my #miniboss, I'm contributing to MarthaStewart.com or in the kitchen whipping up delicious family-friendly creations in my BambiniWare Apronini.

Get my FREE book on How to Make the Best Food for Your Baby here!

I live in the Washington, DC area with my husband and daughter. Follow our adventures on Instagram via @BambiniWareLife!

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