Build an Aligned Vision Board with Purpose

Build an Aligned Vision Board with Purpose

Hi everyone! Welcome back to Classes with Katelyn. Today we’re diving into one of the most creative and transformative practices in your Define Planner—creating your Vision Board.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t just about cutting out pretty pictures and gluing them onto a page. This is about getting clear on what you want, why you want it, and how to make space for it in your life.

Your vision isn’t random—it’s rooted in who you are and what matters most to you. That’s why today’s class ties in all of Section 1 of the Define Planner:

  • Define Myself

  • Define Your Year

  • Personal Mission Statement

  • Balance Your Plate

These four pieces help you create a Vision Board that’s not only beautiful—but truly aligned with the life you’re building.

Step 1: Reflect with “Define Myself” (8–10 min)

Let’s start with the Define Myself page. This is your chance to check in with who you are right now—your strengths, values, and what brings you joy.

Ask yourself:

  • What do I love about myself?

  • What qualities do I want to nurture this year?

📌 Examples
Values: Creativity, honesty, connection, resilience
Strengths: Resourcefulness, empathy, deep listening
Joys: Dancing, traveling, brainstorming new ideas

Write a few of your words or phrases on a sticky note and keep them nearby—we’ll use them as anchors for your board.

Step 2: Define Your Year (8–10 min)

Next, turn to the Define Your Year page. This is where your Word of the Year comes into play. Your word is your compass—it helps shape the visuals and phrases you’ll include.

📌 Examples of Words of the Year:

  • Steady – for someone craving calm and consistency

  • Bold – for someone stepping outside their comfort zone

  • Align – for someone wanting to live with more intention

  • Flourish – for someone ready to grow with vibrancy, thrive, and choose environments that support that growth

Take a moment to choose your word and jot it down at the top or corner of your Vision Board—it’ll guide your creative choices.

Step 3: Anchor with Your Personal Mission Statement (10–12 min)

This is your “why.” Your mission statement reminds you of what drives you and grounds your intentions.

📌 Examples
Short: “I strive to lead with kindness, show up with courage, and grow into the best version of myself.”
Longer:
“I want to live a life filled with purpose, growth, and service. I want to challenge myself to keep learning, to follow through on what I start, and to lead with empathy. My mission is to create impact through my work while also protecting time for rest and personal connection.”

Now, highlight 1–2 themes that stand out to you. These can serve as pillars for your Vision Board:

  • Growth → images of learning or new opportunities

  • Connection → visuals of friendship, conversation, or community

  • Rest → calming imagery or space for self-care

Step 4: Rebalance with “Balance Your Plate” (10–12 min)

Time and energy are finite—so let’s be intentional about what we’re making space for.

Look at your Plate page. Ask:

  • How am I spending my time right now?

  • What’s missing?

  • What needs more space?

  • What might I need to let go of?

📌 Example Plate
Work = 50%
Family = 20%
Personal care = 15%
Creative expression = 5%

Now reflect:

  • Want to prioritize creativity? Include visuals of art, writing, or new hobbies.

  • Want more rest? Add reminders like:
    “Rest is productive.”
    “Make space for joy.”
    “Protect your energy.”

Step 5: Create Your Vision Board (20–25 min)

Now that we’ve reflected, it’s time to build! Use your sticky notes, chosen words, mission themes, and balance reflections as your guide.

📌 What to Include:

  • Words and phrases that spark something in you (“Joyful,” “This is the year,” “Make it happen”)

  • Photos of places you want to visit

  • Visuals of your goals (a calm home, a yoga pose, a finished book, a stage)

  • Symbols that reflect your values (a sunrise, a bookshelf, open hands)

Layout Tip:

Consider dividing your board into themed sections:

  • Top left – Career & Creativity

  • Top right – Wellness & Self

  • Bottom left – Relationships & Community

  • Bottom right – Rest & Lifestyle

And don’t forget: it doesn’t need to be perfect. Let your board reflect your intentions—not just outcomes.

Bonus Tips While You Create:

🎶 Put on soft music
🧠 Don’t overthink it—go with what pulls you
🗣 Remind yourself:

  • “Does this image connect to my mission?”

  • “Is this tied to my Word of the Year?”

  • “Am I building a life that excites and sustains me?”

Final Thought

Your Vision Board is a mirror of the future you're ready to move toward. It's a creative way to ground your purpose, reconnect with your values, and bring your goals to life—one image at a time.

Whether you hang it up, tuck it into your planner, or revisit it monthly, let it be a tool that reminds you who you are and what you're working toward.

✨ Here’s to building a life with intention, joy, and vision.
You’ve got this.

Back to The Define Blog