Staying Motivated- Using a Planner Vision Board

One thing that is a must for any planner I have is an inspirational vision board. Seeing as I use my daily planner every day multiple times a day, it only made sense to add a vision board within my midori as a nice reminder of my life goals.

Now, this is not a replacement of the full size vision board that I have hanging up in the bedroom, or the dream jar that I keep in plain view on the desk, but more of a gentle visual reminder to keep going at it, and keep sticking to the baby steps that will eventually lead to the bigger leaps I have planned.

In order to ensure that the visions I have in mind are achievable (that way it makes it less likely for me to give up on them), I use the SMART goal system:

S- Specific

M- Measurable

A- Achievable

R- Realistic

T- Timely


For each goal I set and add to the vision board, I make sure the images are clear visual representations of the specific end results I'd like to achieve, the actions leading up to them can be measured in some way, the goal is achievable and realistic, and allow myself a reasonable amount of time to accomplish these.

Here's an example of one of my biggest 2015/2016 goals I have setup for myself- minimizing. So as I added a picture of a clean, clutter free home onto my vision board, I set the intention that this would be accomplished by:

• Specific- Reducing the clutter, "junk," and necessary items within my home in order to live a simple and minimal lifestyle.

• Measurable- In order to achieve this goal, I will go through at least one section within the home each week, and eliminate any and all items that have not been used within the last 6 months- 1 year. I also have a checklist that will be checked off tracking progress (for example- closets, cupboards, storage room, drawers, etc.)

• Achievable- This is the action plan to ensure that the goal can be achieved. By allowing myself to dedicate at least one day a week to go through a small section at a time, this will help me tackle the overall goal little by little to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

• Realistic- If it doesn't serve a purpose or is no longer useful in the household, then it can go. That's the reality of it. With that in mind, this helps me break down the sections easier by asking "Does this item help me or make my life any better?" If not, then bye-bye.

• Timely- By giving myself one full week to find a specific section to tackle, this allows a fair amount of time to accomplish the goal accordingly.


Understanding that meaningful goals and ideas take time, having a vision board to look at every day helps me visualize the end results that I hope (and will) achieve with determination, dedication, and patience in the process.


Below is a corresponding video showing more of my planner vision board and how I incorporate it within my traveler's notebook: