From AI to handmade, vision boards gets a modern upgrade

As vision boards reappear on desks and bedroom walls at this time of year, the way people create them is becoming more varied than ever. Some still enjoy the tactile charm of magazine cut-outs and handmade collages, while others turn to Canva templates, digital wallpapers or even AI-generated images to visualise their future selves. This mix of old-school craft and modern tech reflects how people prepare for a fresh start.

What is a vision board?
A vision board is a curated collection of images and quotes that represent what an individual wants to achieve. It turns dreams into something visible and tangible, serving as a daily reminder of intentions and motivating consistent effort.

“December is when most of us are processing the year — what worked and what didn’t,” says clinical psychologist Suchita Srivastava. “A new year feels like a fresh possibility, so people make vision boards to hold onto that hope. When the brain sees something repeatedly, it begins adjusting behaviour to match it,” she says.

‘VISION BOARD OFFERS A SENSE OF HOPE’
Sanchari, a vision board coach, explains, “Earlier, people tore out magazine pages; now they use AI to build images that look exactly like their future selves — where they’re living, what they’re doing, how they’re feeling. It makes goals feel real, not distant.”

For Ananya Vats, a product manager, a vision board began as an artistic exercise and soon became an annual ritual. “It isn’t tied to the New Year for me, but that time of reflection and beginning does make it meaningful. I’ve made versions on Canva, too and printed them out, used them as my laptop wallpaper, even my phone lock screen. It keeps my intentions in front of me every day,” she shares.

“The vision board made my choices visible. When you collect the things you like, your preferences, what you’re drawn to, without overthinking, you start seeing patterns. A tattoo I had on my vision board for almost six months eventually became real. So did choices around my career, how I wanted to dress, the lifestyle I wanted to build,” shares Anaggha Nethra, a social impact professional. Creating a board gave Prishita Amin, a strategist/creative writer, hope and focus. “It’s a beautiful, artistic way to carry forward your intentions into the next year. Even if you don’t achieve everything, the act of making it sets a tone. For me, it also keeps me hyper-focused and motivated, blending creativity with purpose,” she says.

‘ACTION IS THE KEY TO MAKING A VISION BOARD’
However, Suchita adds that for some people, a vision board can become anxiety-provoking. She points out, “They may overanalyse their goals and focus on what isn’t working, leading to negative reinforcement. If long-term planning feels heavy, start small — plan for a week or a day. Tracking small wins reduces pressure while still building momentum.” Suchita also emphasises that it is important to know what works for a person before making a vision board. “People often treat vision boards like magical wishlists,” says Sanchari. “They think they’ll make a board and things appear. But action is key — the board is an accessory, not the outcome. If you want a home or anything, don’t paste random pictures. Be exact,” she points out.

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here