I vividly remember the spring of 2020.

COVID lockdown. Brand new, first time mom. Newly unemployed after my business partner and I closed down (and later sold) our tech company.

It was a time.

All my “normals” were gone.

In the midst of this transition, I decided to anchor on the opportunity in front of me.

I could design and create the life and career I’d been thinking about for years.

So, I dove in.

One of the tools that helped me most was to create a vision board.

(18 months later 80% of my goals came true)

Since it’s the start of a new year, I want to share this exercise with you because I know how powerful it is.

It’s a creative and reflective exercise that helps you clarify what you want from your next career step, identify your core values, and set concrete intentions for the future.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to create your own vision board for your career:

What You’ll Need:

• A large poster board or corkboard
• Magazines, printouts, or internet access for images
• Scissors, glue, and markers
• A quiet space to reflect

Step 1: Reflect on Your Career Goals

Before diving into the visuals, take some time to answer these questions:

• What kind of work environment do you see yourself thriving in?
• What skills or achievements do you want to be known for?
• What job titles or roles are you aiming for?
• What work-life balance looks like for you (e.g., flexible hours, remote work)?
• How do you want to feel in your next job - motivated, challenged, fulfilled?

Write down your answers as they will guide you in choosing images and words for your vision board.

Step 2: Gather Images and Words That Inspire You

Flip through magazines, browse online image libraries, or print images that resonate with your career vision. Look for visuals that represent:

• The type of office or work setting you want
• Inspirational quotes that motivate you
• Pictures that represent your goals (e.g., an award to symbolize achievement, a laptop for remote work, etc.)
• Skills or roles you aspire to (e.g., “Leader,” “Innovator,” “Team Player”)
• Symbols of financial stability, such as a dream home or travel destinations

Cut out or print any images, words, or phrases that capture what you want in your career.

Step 3: Arrange Your Vision Board

Once you have all your materials, start arranging them on your board. Here’s a suggested structure:

• Top Left: Career goals (e.g., dream job title, company values)
• Top Right: Skills you want to develop or highlight
• Bottom Left: Work-life balance and lifestyle goals
• Bottom Right: Inspirational quotes or affirmations
• Center: A powerful word or image that sums up your vision (e.g., “Success,” “Growth,” “Balance”)

Feel free to get creative! There’s no right or wrong way to do this - just focus on making it feel inspiring to you.

Step 4: Set an Intention and Reflect

Once you’ve completed your vision board, take a few minutes to reflect on what you’ve created:

• What do you notice about your choices?
• How does it align with your answers in Step 1?
• What steps can you start taking now to move closer to this vision?

Write down a simple intention for the coming months (e.g., “I will find a role where I can lead a team and grow professionally”). Place this intention somewhere on your vision board as a reminder.

Step 5: Display and Review Regularly

Keep your vision board in a place where you’ll see it every day - by your desk, in your home office, or even as your phone background if you’ve made a digital version. Revisiting it regularly will keep you focused on what matters most and remind you of the exciting possibilities in your future.

I trust that this exercise will help you channel your creativity and keep your goals front and center.

I’d love to hear from you!

Send me a note with a picture of your vision board to ask@thainblonk.com. I’ve got a FREE gift I’d love to send you to encourage you on your way.

When you’re ready, here are 2 ways I can help…

1. ​Transform your career in 2025: Join the waitlist for my signature coaching program and get exclusive FREE content from me now to start making moves in your career.
2. ​Optimize your digital presence and start landing interviews: Grab my LinkedIn Guide for Job Seekers and discover how easy it is to update your LinkedIn profile with my step-by-step frameworks and content pillars. This guide will help you get noticed and stand out to hiring managers and recruiters.