Today’s goal is all about creating or revising your dream board. But first…
Several hours and three coats of paint later, I finished painting the master bedroom sliding door last night. And reinstalled the blinds so that my wonderful husband can sleep past sunup. (I, of course being a mother, can fall asleep anywhere and sleep through broad daylight, children playing, etc.) Now, I just have to clean and paint the screen door and this project will be finished. Good thing too, because although I like painting, I’m not too fond of painting doors.
Yesterday, I did do a bit of multitasking and talk on the phone while painting, however (thank goodness for wireless headsets – I use the Plantronics CS351N with headset lifter!), but there was plenty of time to think as my mind wandered.
Which brings me to today’s goal – create or revise your dream board.
What is a dream board? It’s a visual representation of your goals. I’ve used a dream board for nearly all of my career and find them to be very effective. Here’s the idea in a nutshell. Think of your goals, dreams, aspirations, achievements that you want to reach this year (I usually recommend doing a dream board every year (or at least updating it) but you can also put long term dreams down) and beyond. Now, go find a visual picture that reminds you of that goal or dream.
For example, if you want to take an exotic vacation, you can find a picture of some deserted beach with blue sea and white sandy beaches. This to you would be a visual representing your exotic vacation. Next, cut out (or print) the photo, and paste it on a small poster board, or tack it on a bulletin board.
Then, post the “dream board” somewhere where you will see it every day. This triggers your sub-conscience to focus on the goal that is represented by the picture you posted. It’s really amazing to look back every year to see what has been accomplished. Throughout the years, I would say that 90% of my dream boards have been achieved, and the 10% of things that have not yet been achieved are more long term goals (like the house in Florida!).
I do a bit of a twist for the dream board, and I actually send myself a card with my “dream board picture” on it. Inside the card, I write down why I want to achieve this goal, and what it will mean to me and my family when I do achieve it. I write down my reasons in present tense, as though I am experiencing the goal already. For example, if you want to get a new car, inside the car you would say something like, “I am enjoying my new XYZ car. I love the feel of the leather as I slide into the drivers seat and the new car smell all around me. My family is seated comfortably in the spacious interior…etc…”, continuing to describe the car in detail so that when you read the car, you are transported to sitting inside that new car. You can do this for each goal.
I send myself a card for each goal and then I post the cards up – those cards become my “dream board”.
It’s been a little while since I’ve updated my dream board, so today’s goal is to update my dream board, and send myself a few cards 
I would highly encourage that everyone create a dream board. I believe it is powerful to put your dreams and aspirations on paper. Your eyes see the dream board and all of your goals every day and can focus on achieving them.
Go make yours! Until tomorrow…
To your success,
Dr. Laura
P.S. If you would like to experience SendOutCards, the service I use to send all of my cards to friends, family, and also build relationships with clients, customers, hosts and teammates, just CLICK HERE to send a free card on me! You can even send yourself a card for your dream board! Have fun!
I really like this idea. I wonder if it’s best keeping it to five or less images in total so as to avoid the Dream Board looking at all cluttered, which may be subconsciously counterproductive.
DRL
You know David, I just realized after reading your comment that I tend to have less than 10 items on my dream board at any time. I’ve done this unconsciously, but maybe there is some reason behind it now…I do not like clutter, so perhaps that’s all that I want to see? Great idea. I like keeping things simple.
To your success,
Dr. Laura