Grit, Gratitude, & Grace Newsletter

Reader

Let me tell you about the vision board I created in February 2024—right after I lost my job and my wife was diagnosed with cancer.

I know what you're thinking: A vision board? Really? While your life was falling apart?

Yes. Especially then.

Because here's what most people get wrong about vision boards: They think it's about manifesting a perfect future through magical thinking. Cut out pictures of sports cars and beach houses, put them on poster board, and somehow the universe delivers.

That's not how it works.

But vision boards DO work—when you understand the psychology and neuroscience behind them.

"Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blueprint, and begin to build." — Robert Collier

Why my vision board wasn't about cars and houses

When I sat down to create my vision board, I didn't put up images of material success. I couldn't think that far ahead.

Instead, I put up:

A picture of a man holding his wife's hand (presence)
The word "PRESENT" in bold letters
A sunrise (new beginnings, even in darkness)
The scripture "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9)
An image of someone writing (finishing this book)
A photo of vegetables (nourishing Florena's body)

These weren't fantasy outcomes. They were daily reminders of who I wanted to BE and what I could CONTROL.

Every morning, I'd see that board. And every morning, it pulled me back to what mattered when anxiety tried to drag me toward "what if" scenarios I couldn't control.

The science of why vision boards actually work

Research shows that visualization activates the same neural networks as actually performing the task. When you visualize success, your brain creates neural pathways that prepare you for action.

But here's the key: A vision board only works when it does three things:

Focuses on identity, not just outcomes
Triggers daily action, not passive waiting
Connects to your core values, not society's definition of success

Most vision boards fail because they're all outcome, no identity. All destination, no daily direction.

"Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Your 5-step framework for a vision board that works

Step 1: Start with a clear, calm mind. Don't create your board in chaos. Meditate for 10 minutes, take a walk, or sit in silence. Connect with what truly matters to you—not what Instagram says should matter.

Step 2: Identify your core values first. Before grabbing magazines, write down your 3-5 core values. If you don't know what you value, your board will reflect everyone else's values.

Step 3: Choose images and words that evoke emotion AND action. Don't just pick pretty pictures. Choose images that make you FEEL something and that remind you of specific daily actions. A yoga pose reminds you to move your body. A sunrise reminds you to wake with gratitude.

Step 4: Include who you're BECOMING, not just what you're GETTING. Character traits. Qualities. Virtues. "Patient." "Present." "Courageous." These matter more than stuff.

Step 5: Place it where you'll see it EVERY morning. Visibility is everything. Bedroom wall. Bathroom mirror. Home office. Somewhere your eyes hit it daily. This constant visual reminder keeps your brain focused on what matters.

Your challenge this week

Block 90 minutes this week. Gather materials: poster board, magazines, printouts, markers, glue.

But before you create anything, spend 30 minutes answering these questions:

What are my core values right now?
Who am I becoming this year?
What daily actions align with that person?
What do I want to feel each day?

THEN create your board.

Because a vision board isn't about manifestation. It's about daily recalibration.

It's about seeing the person you're becoming every single morning—and letting that image guide your choices all day long.

Mine didn't bring me a new job immediately. But it kept me grounded. It reminded me of my values. It pulled me back to what I could control.

And eventually, everything started shifting—not because of magic, but because I stayed focused on becoming the right person, not just getting the right outcome.

WHEN YOU'RE READY

Here's how I can help you:

The complete vision board creation process—including the psychology of visualization, step-by-step instructions, and how to use it for sustainable transformation—is in "Mindset Metamorphosis: A practical and transformative guide in mastering your mind for growth and success."

Chapter 1 walks you through creating a vision board that actually works, backed by neuroscience and tested in the fire of real adversity.

If you want transformation that goes deeper than Pinterest-perfect pictures, this book will show you how.

Remember: Feed your mind. Fuel your actions. Find your fire.