Wow! All on Board

But this year, there’s a fresh twist to the usual resolution routine: enter the vision board. Once a quirky hobby for self-help enthusiasts, vision boards have suddenly become the trend du jour, with people everywhere crafting visual blueprints for their 2025 dreams. It’s not just about writing goals anymore — it’s about seeing, believing, and making them happen. What is it?

A vision board, often called a dream board, is a physical or digital collage of images, quotes, and phrases that represent one’s aspirations and desires. The idea is to visually surround yourself with representations of your goals, whether they relate to career achievements, financial and personal growth, travel, or health.

Influencers, both Indian and international, have played a pivotal role in popularizing this trend. Rida Tharana, a lifestyle blogger, shared how her vision board for 2024 included goals like travelling more, focusing on her health, and spending time with loved ones. “Looking back, I’ve ticked off almost 80% of what was on my board,” she said in one of her viral Instagram posts that has garnered 3.5 lakh likes.

Similarly, UK-based Tam Kaur’s success story includes achieving her financial milestones and cultivating healthier habits, all of which she attributes to her carefully curated vision board. Their candid sharing of personal experiences has inspired thousands to adopt the practice, making hashtags like #VisionBoardGoals and #ManifestYourDreams trend globally.

While some might question the merit of such practice, or trivialize it, research suggests there may be some truth to their effectiveness. Neuroscience highlights the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways through visualization. When individuals repeatedly see and think about their goals, their brains treat these visualizations as actual experiences, reinforcing motivation and focus.

Aditi Menon, a Mumbai-based psychologist, explains, “Visualization activates the brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS), which filters relevant information and opportunities in our environment. This makes people more focused to take actions that align with their goals.”

In a unique twist, vision board-making has also become a group activity. Across cities in India and abroad, people are hosting “vision board parties”—intimate gatherings where friends or family come together to create their boards. It often involves sharing image printouts, art supplies, and ideas, with your dear ones, over good food and a glass of wine, or hot chocolate.

“I have been making vision boards for two years now, and it has always been with the same set of people. It’s like being with your soul tribe and manifesting positivity,” says Vedika Shah, a student of management from Mumbai. “We share our goals, cheer each other on, and it’s incredibly motivating to see others dream big” she adds.

Dreams undoubtedly require hard work, and vision boards are no exception. Simply creating one doesn’t guarantee that your wishes will come true. Menon explains, “Visualization alone won’t achieve anything unless paired with consistent effort and adaptability.”

Additionally, the hyper-positivity surrounding vision boards can lead to disappointment or guilt if goals remain unachieved. “There will be times when life doesn’t unfold as you envisioned. You may face circumstances that never made it onto your vision board. That’s why, even when creating one, it’s wise to leave room for setbacks and unfulfilled wishes — it’s a healthy and realistic approach” she says.

The appeal of vision boards lies in their simplicity and accessibility. In an era marked by uncertainty and digital distractions, the tactile act of cutting, pasting, and creating offers a grounding experience. Moreover, it aligns with a broader cultural shift toward mindfulness and intentional living. Whether one sees it as a serious psychological tool or just a fun creative exercise, the vision board trend is undeniably reshaping how people approach goal-setting. In 2025, vision boards are likely to remain a go-to ritual for individuals seeking to manifest their dreams. Whether done solo or in a spirited group setting, they offer a unique blend of creativity, focus, and optimism — a fitting way to usher in a new year filled with possibilities.