Over the years, I’ve dabbled in every possible way of setting and achieving goals. From bullet journaling to SMART goals, I’ve tried it all. But it wasn’t until I truly understood the power of vision boards that something shifted inside me. It’s not just about plastering images on a piece of cardboard; it’s a process of tapping into clarity, aligning the mind and body, and understanding the deeper connection between what we think, feel, and ultimately do.

When I talk about vision boards, I often hear people say, “Isn’t that just goal setting with pictures?” The short answer? No. Vision boards are much deeper, much more profound, and a completely different process from traditional goal setting.

Goal Setting: The Prefrontal Powerhouse

Let’s start with goal setting. It’s something we all know well. Write down what you want, create a step-by-step plan, and set deadlines. This method heavily relies on the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for planning, rationality, and decision-making.

Goal setting is logical, linear, and precise. It’s practical, yes, but it’s also limited. Why? Because it tends to ignore the most important part of our intelligence: the body.

Think about it: how many times have you set a goal, created the perfect plan, and still failed to follow through? That’s because goal setting often misses the emotional and physical connection we need to make lasting changes. Our goals stay stuck in our heads, while our bodies—where our instincts, emotions, and true wisdom lie—remain unengaged.

Vision Boards: The Brain-Body Connection

Vision boards, on the other hand, are all about clarity and alignment. They dive deeper into how the brain works and how it’s intrinsically linked to the body. Creating a vision board isn’t just about thinking; it’s about feeling. It’s about engaging your senses, activating your imagination, and aligning your desires with your emotions.

When you create a vision board, you’re not just listing what you want—you’re creating a visual and emotional map of what matters to you. The images, colors, and symbols you choose tap into the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, memories, and motivation. This process sparks a connection between your conscious mind and subconscious desires, giving you a deeper sense of clarity and purpose.

But it doesn’t stop there. Your body gets involved too. When you visualize your goals through a vision board, your body responds as if those goals are already happening. This is the mind-body connection at work. Your heart rate might quicken with excitement, or your muscles may relax with relief. These physical responses create a sense of embodiment—where your body aligns with your vision, making it feel real and attainable.

Why Vision Boards Are More Than Just a Tool

The beauty of vision boards lies in their ability to bypass the rigid, overly rational part of the brain and tap into something deeper—something intuitive and wise. They remind us that we’re not just brains on legs; we’re whole beings, with emotions, instincts, and a profound connection between our thoughts and bodies.

In my coaching practice, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative vision boards can be. One client came in with a clear set of goals but felt stuck and unmotivated. When we created a vision board together, she suddenly realized her goals were driven by external expectations, not her inner desires. The vision board gave her clarity and helped her align with what truly mattered.

Another client struggled with self-doubt and fear of failure. Through the process of visualizing her dreams, she connected with the emotions behind her vision—excitement, joy, and even peace. Her body began to trust what her mind was imagining, and she took bold steps toward her dreams with newfound confidence.

The Takeaway: Clarity, Connection, and Alignment

Vision boards and goal setting both have their place, but they serve different purposes. Goal setting is about action—creating a plan and following through. Vision boards are about being—getting clear on what you truly want, connecting with your emotions, and aligning your body and mind to move toward your vision effortlessly.

If you’ve been relying solely on goal setting and finding it hard to stay motivated, it might be time to try a vision board. Start by asking yourself these questions:

What do I truly want, beyond what society expects of me?

How do I want to feel when I achieve my dreams?

What images, colors, or symbols inspire me and align with my vision?

Let your answers guide you in creating a vision board that reflects not just your goals, but your deepest desires and values.

Why It Matters for Your Journey

At Blue Turtle, we believe in living with intention and aligning ourselves with our unique purpose. Vision boards are a powerful tool to help you get there. They don’t just show you the destination—they help you embody the journey.

So, the next time someone asks, “What’s the difference between vision boards and goal setting?” you’ll know the answer: Goal setting starts in the head. Vision boards come from the heart—and that makes all the difference.

Take the leap, create your vision, and let your body and mind guide you toward it. You’re more powerful than you think.

Check my next workshops and 1-1 coaching where I use vision boards tool here.

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