At one point in our childhood we were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some of us who dreaded the question itself easily got stuck trying to answer, while others simply found themselves changing up their answers more than a million times. This dilemma especially rings very true for our high school seniors entering college for the first time. I for one think it’s super important to keep track of our dreams and aspirations. One of my favorite quotes by the beautiful Audrey Hepburn reads, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, ‘I’m Possible!” In other words, courageously tackle your dreams no matter how big they may be.
One thing I’ve noticed as a college student is that many people come to college and major in something they only took up because it makes them and their family feel secure, even though deep down they might have had a different picture painted. Another observation I have made is that many people frequently tend to settle. These people don’t take the time to dream because they limit themselves. This is a bummer because once you settle in one area of your life, you begin to settle in all other areas of your life as well. By settling I mean not taking risks or seeking real happiness. Perhaps people who settle would rather aim low than high because they fear they might disappoint or embarrass themselves. Whatever the case may be, it’s really sad to me because I believe that everyone should have confidence in their goals. Lastly, I’ve witnessed people listen to other people’s dreams, only to shut them down with the cold “reality.” It seems that everyone is trying so hard to be “realistic” that they forget to dream and strive for what they really want. The thing about “being realistic” is that you can easily fall into the habit of downing yourself and being negative. Luckily, I have a solution to these problems: A vision board.
A vision board is an oak tag that displays any images and/or words that create what you want your future to look like. Of course vision boards aren’t the only solution, but it can serve as a start. Making a vision board can be an individual activity, however, I think it would be more fun with other people. All you have to do is gather some buddies, oak tags or cardboard, some old magazines, scissors, lots of food, and music. Don’t knock it ‘till you try it!
The vision board will help you to see your future more clearly, and map out where you want to see yourself in the next ten years (or in any amount of time). You can also include affirmations on your vision board to help you along the way, and when you’re all finished, it is very important that you put it somewhere you can see it everyday. My last piece of advice would be to make your vision board you, because it isn’t for anyone else. Let it be as big and as cluttered as it needs to be because your dreams are worth it.
Look out for my new and improved vision board on my blog: Thingsyouhautetoknow.wordpress.com!