Why Making an Anti-Vision Board Can Help You Hone in on the Life You Want

Photo: Getty Images/ Alpgiray Kelem
Typically, a vision board is made with images and words that represent your dreams and goals—in other words, it focuses on the positive things you want to bring into your life. But there's a case to be made for swinging in the complete opposite direction. An anti-vision board, if you will. We were turned on to this idea by Blume co-founder Taran Ghatrora, who discussed how creating one helped her get out of a rut on the Lessons Learned Podcast.

When creating an anti-vision board like Ghatrora did, you want to imagine 10 years from now where you don't want to be, barring things that are beyond your control. Then make a list of what you would have to do (or not do) for this worst-case scenario to come true. From there, you can note what changes you need to make to avoid such an outcome on your anti-vision board.


Experts In This Article

"I think this could be great for helping people with their boundaries, red flags in relationships, people-pleasing, and other negative patterns," says psychotherapist Aimee Daramus, PsyD, LCP. "Anyone who’s trying to up their game in relationships could use this. Anyone who wants to avoid gaslighting, who wants to be aware of exploitative work situations." She adds that it also could be adapted for anyone trying to change negative patterns or avoid social pressure.

If you're someone who tends to spiral into negative thought patterns, Dr. Daramus says you could try making an anti-vision board for your negative thought patterns and pair it with a traditional vision board. "It’s easier to move away from something negative if you know what you want to move toward instead," she says.

And remember, you can have fun with it. "The anti-vision board could be epic in the hands of someone with a great sense of humor about it," Dr. Daramus says. "Definitely feel free to be silly or use some gentle self-satire."

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