top of page
Search
Jan 27, 20204 min read

Do you have 2020 vision?




No, I'm not talking about your eyesight (But get that checked if it's been more than two years 😄). I'm talking about what you want to accomplish this year, who you want to be, and why you're here. If you haven't yet given this some real thought, I recommend creating a vision board!


For anyone new around here, the start of this year has been anything but ordinary for me. I quit my job in Boston back in December without having another one lined up yet, and moved back in with my parents on Long Island for the time being. My plan is to find a new job in digital marketing in New York City to join my boyfriend who just started a four-year PhD program there. I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to live at home again, where I can save some money and catch my breath as I figure out what's next. My last job was not a great fit and I feel lucky to be in a position where I can hit pause before pursuing something that's more aligned with my professional goals, instead of rushing into something that wouldn't be right long-term.


All this to say, no longer having the structure of a 9 to 5, the stability of a paycheck, or the true independence of a studio apartment has brought with it a different set of mental health challenges, like questions of self-worth, fear of the unknown, and anxiety over having less control. On a micro level, I'm taking things one day at a time to try to keep those feelings in check. I take comfort in the fact that through self-reflection, I know exactly what I'm working towards from a bigger picture perspective. It's just a matter of taking the baby steps to get there.


This brings me back to the value of creating a vision board. As a visual representation of what you aspire for in life, a vision board is a great tool for helping you not only set goals and priorities but also work towards achieving them. It draws upon the concept of the Law of Attraction, which indicates that by putting a desire out into the universe, you are more likely to have it come true, because whatever you think about most is what you will draw into your life. By focusing your conscious and subconscious mind on your ambitions regularly, you can train your brain to think differently and attract new insights and opportunities. Being more aware of what you want for your future and constantly visualizing it will help you take the steps needed to successfully transform your life. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vision Boards (something I found at my local library) has more detail on this phenomenon and I highly recommend you check it out if you're interested. In a nutshell: A vision board can offer you the clarity needed to truly manifest your dreams into reality.


Thinking back to my 23-year-old self who was moving out to live on her own for the first time and dealing with what I saw as the beginning of true adulthood, I never would have pictured that I'd move *back* into my childhood bedroom, as if I were living in reverse. We're supposed to be moving forward, right? Aren't we supposed to become more self-sufficient, financially stable, sure of ourselves, etc. as time goes on? It's easy to feel like a failure for not meeting some perfect definition of how I thought the trajectory of adulthood was supposed to go. But if I've learned anything so far, it's that life doesn't follow a set "rule book." Contrary to what other people you know are doing or what you thought was even possible, there's not one right way of doing things or one route to your destination. Being successful involves rolling with the punches and persevering anyway. My vision board is helping to serve as an everyday reminder of that.


This 2020, I hope you'll join me in embracing change, squashing fear, insecurity, etc. and tackling your goals head on. There's no better way to get started than to create your own vision board. All you need to do is compile a series of words, photos, quotes, mementos, and/or magazine clippings that inspire you and represent your goals, and arrange them on some kind of poster or cork board. For a few thought starters on what to reflect on as you begin, ask yourself,

  • What is important to you?

  • Are there any areas of your life that you would like to change? Think in terms of finances, relationships, career, hobbies, health, the list goes on.

  • How would you like to spend your free time if money were no object?

  • What are you good at? What brings you joy?

  • What would you do if you weren't scared of the consequences? Of what other people think?


I'd love to see your vision board if you create one! For those on social media, tag @abrowneyedberry on Instagram and share yours with the hashtag #2020vision. Most importantly, make sure you display it in a place where you'll be able to look at it each and every day to help you reach your goals.


Commentaires

bottom of page