“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl is a book that left a strong impression on me when I first read it. It left an even stronger impression on me the second and third time I read it. After reading it, I began thinking about the importance of purpose in life. I have come to believe that as humans, we all have an innate need for purpose in our lives. This purpose may be spiritual or religious in nature, it may be personal in nature, or it may be a combination. Businesses managers often talk about knowing your “why.” Your “why” in life or business is what keeps you going. It is what drives you to succeed. At times throughout life, one might begin to lose this “why” and may begin to feel lost or off balance. During these times it is essential to re-evaluate purpose in your life.
Sometimes this feeling of misdirection may feel overwhelming or even hopeless. This is when it can be valuable to create a vision board. What is a vision board? www.makeavisionboard.com defines a vision board as “a tool used to help clarify, concentrate, and maintain focus on a specific life goal.” A vision board can be words, quotes, pictures, symbols, or anything that is inspiring and motivating to you. Some people create these on a poster board using a combination of pictures, quotes, words, and symbols to visualize goals and remember their “why.” Other people write letters to themselves as reminders for these goals and “whys.” There is not a right or wrong way to create a vision board. The important part of it is that it means something to you; that it is inspiring to you.
If you find yourself feeling off balance or lacking direction, I challenge you to create a vision board of your own. Look at it everyday for one month. Keep thinking about the board throughout the day, focusing on your goals. Pay attention to how you feel during this month. Notice anything different?