My Favorite Vision Board Tools

I still remember the first time I created a vision board.

It was during my secondary school years, in my hometown in Vietnam. I had a big dream—to study abroad. That dream felt far away, but something in me believed it could be possible. So I gathered old magazines, cut out inspiring words and images of students, books, airplanes, and faraway places, and carefully arranged them on a piece of paper. I didn’t know it then, but that moment was the beginning of a practice that would shape my life.

That simple board stayed tucked inside my school notebooks. I looked at it often, quietly imagining the life I wanted to build. And years later, when I finally got my scholarship and flew across the world to study, I realized—so much of what I had visualized had come true.

Since then, my vision board practice has evolved. I’ve created them on the floor of dorm rooms and cozy apartments. Sometimes they’re on paper. Sometimes they’re digital. Sometimes a mix. But the heart of it remains the same: a space to see what I long for and gently walk toward it, one small joyful step at a time.

In this post, I want to share with you my favorite vision board tools—physical and digital—and how I actually use them now to stay aligned with my goals in a fun, grounded, and mindful way.

✨ My Favorite Vision Board Tools

Let’s dive into the tools I use now—both digital and physical. I’ll share what I like about each and how I integrate them into my routines.

1. Canva: My Go-To for Digital Vision Boards

Canva is my absolute favorite for making aesthetic, clean, and personalized digital vision boards.

Why I Love It:

• Easy drag-and-drop design

• Massive image and quote library

• Free version is powerful enough

• You can create boards in different styles (e.g., mood board, collage, grid)

• Works on both desktop and phone

How I Use It:

I usually create a new digital vision board every 6 months or at the start of the year. Here’s my process:

1. List my goals (health, work, relationships, mindset, experiences)

2. Search for photos and affirmations on Canva or Pinterest

3. Design a collage in Canva (size it for phone wallpaper or desktop)

4. Download and set it as my lock screen on my phone or desktop

👉 Bonus tip: You can also print your Canva vision board and put it in your journal or mirror.

2. Pinterest: My Digital Dream Cave

Pinterest is where I gather inspiration and build the emotional feel of my dreams.

Why I Love It:

• Endless ideas for every goal

• Beautiful visuals and curated mood boards

• Private boards for more personal themes

• Easy to update and revisit

How I Use It:

I have separate Pinterest boards like:

• “Dream Home Vibes”

• “Career & Purpose”

• “Healthy Strong Body”

• “Future Travel Goals”

• “Energy & Style”

Whenever I feel inspired or need a boost, I scroll through these boards. It’s like watering my dreams with visual joy.

3. Paper + Magazine Cut-Outs: The OG Vision Board

Nothing beats the tactile magic of cutting, pasting, and creating with your hands.

Why I Love It:

• Physically engaging (very grounding)

• Mindful and meditative

• Sparks creativity

• Fun to do with friends or solo

How I Use It:

Once a year—often around New Year or my birthday—I do a vision board session with paper. I usually prepare:

• Old magazines, scissors, glue

• Blank A3 or A2 cardboard

• Candle, music, tea for a cozy setup

I let intuition guide me. Sometimes I don’t know why I choose a word or image—but it always reveals something deeper later on.

👉 Pro tip: Add a photo of yourself smiling in the center of the board—it helps you see yourself in your dream life.

4. Evernote or Google Docs: Clarity + Checklists

I use Evernote to write out more detailed, goal-oriented vision plans.

Why I Love It:

• Structured (good for logical thinkers)

• Links vision with action

• Helps track progress

• Great for journaling and weekly check-ins

How I Use It:

I break my goals into categories and include:

• A “Why” statement (Why this goal matters)

• Visuals (images or screenshots)

• Milestones and checkboxes

• Monthly reflections

I also include affirmations and journal prompts like:

• “What would this look like if it felt easy?”

• “Who do I need to become to live this vision?”

5. Phone Wallpapers: Micro-Doses of Inspiration

This is the most underrated tool that works so well.

Why I Love It:

• You see it every day (without extra effort)

• Reinforces vision through repetition

• Easy to swap and refresh monthly

How I Use It:

I take a screenshot of my Canva or Pinterest board and:

• Set it as my phone lock screen

• Or crop a favorite quote and use it as a home screen background

That way, I’m subconsciously reminded of my goals every time I check my phone (which is often!).

💛 How I Use My Vision Board Daily

Creating a vision board is just the start. The magic happens when you live with it.

Here are 5 simple ways I use my vision board now:

1. Morning Alignment Ritual

Each morning, I take 2–5 minutes to look at my vision board and ask:

• “What’s one small thing I can do today to move toward this?”

• “How would the future me show up today?”

I breathe deeply, smile at the images, and begin the day with purpose.

2. Monthly Revisit and Reflection

On the first Sunday of each month, I:

• Open my Notion board

• Reflect on what’s shifting

• Update my vision if needed

It’s a grounding ritual that helps me stay aligned and excited.

3. Use It as a Meditation Focus

Sometimes during my evening meditation, I focus on just one image from my vision board—like a peaceful home, a happy relationship, or a running finish line—and visualize myself there. Not to force an outcome, but to feel it with peace and presence.

4. Anchor Affirmations

From the vision board, I pick 1–3 anchor affirmations for the week. I write them on sticky notes or repeat them during walks. A few favorites:

• “I am open to the joy and magic of life.”

• “My dreams are valid and unfolding in perfect time.”

• “I am strong, grounded, and aligned.”

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Whenever something on the board comes true—even partially—I CELEBRATE!
A happy dance, a journal entry, a voice note to myself.

Celebration anchors progress and builds belief. It makes the process joyful, not just the outcome.

Your Dreams Are Worth It

At the heart of it, vision boards are not about perfection.

They’re about possibility.

They invite you to ask:

“What kind of life am I excited to build?”

“What lights me up?”

“What matters most to me now?”

You don’t have to have it all figured out. But when you start seeing your dreams every day—and walking toward them with love and trust—things shift.

I’ve used vision boards to:

• Manifest scholarships

• Land dream jobs

• Build beautiful relationships

• Complete Ironman races

• Design the life I truly love

And I believe deeply: if it’s on your heart, it’s for you.

So gather your tools—Canva, paper, Pinterest, or whatever feels good—and begin.

Not someday. Today.