I am a huge believer in vision boards! 

I have done one, every year, for the last 5 years. Prior to 2020, I even created a small weekly vision board in my planner to keep me focused on my goals for the week/month/future. Past vision boards up at my studio, and my current board is hanging on the wall across from where I sleep. It is the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I lay my head down. 

I also believe that having a personal photoshoot should be on everyone’s to-do list, if not yearly, at least every couple of years. It’s incredible how empowering a photoshoot can be.

Our brains are incredible machines. 

Our brains go after whatever we focus on the most. I am sure you have heard the importance of positive thinking. You can actually reprogram your brain waves with daily gratitude and positive affirmations. It’s totally true! There is actual science behind it now. 

The idea behind a vision board is that we have goals, but if you only think about your goals, they technically just stay a dream. If we write down our goals, then we are more likely to stay on the path to reach our goals. But, if we give our mind a visual that it sees every single day, to go along with the goal in our mind and the written words, our brain will basically, if possible, make “it” happen for us! 

I have literally seen it happen not only for myself but for many of the women I know personally. We have texted each other with stories of how we realized something just happened and it was exactly what we had on our boards!

Positive visuals of ourselves are powerful.

Back in the day when I managed a cosmetic studio, I would see everyday women and girls come into the studio looking for a new lipstick or a foundation. Even back then, I loved taking care of others, and we were encouraged to pamper anyone who walked through the door. I always invited them to sit down to try on said shade and if they had time, why not do a complimentary steam facial and makeover. As we sat and chatted, I could see their slumped shoulders start to relax. Slowly they let their guard down and we got to talking. Playing with creams, colors, and new products. 

When it came time to look in the mirror, they always were taken back by their transformation. 

They felt seen. 

They felt beautiful. 

They left the studio with a sparkle in their eyes and a skip in their step. 

So let’s take this idea of a vision board to a whole new level.

We are living in a very stressful and anxiety-driven time. I have heard from many clients that not only are they having a hard time coping with the world events, but their kids are too. Self-esteem is at an all-time low. Many work from home, do school at home, many times in sweats or half made up. 

Since makeup only lasted one afternoon or evening we need to find a way to keep that feeling and inspiration alive.

Having a killer image of yourself boosts self-confidence.

Now that I take photos for a living. I pride myself on helping clients see the very best in themselves even if they don’t feel their best. I work hard to learn the best lighting techniques, best posing positions and love coaching my clients to help them let loose so we can capture the best version of themselves.

When clients come in for branding photos or headshots, they may not have their dream job, promotion or even landed their first client. But, having a killer headshot actually boosts their confidence in going after that job, landing those clients, or taking the leap into starting their own business. I have seen this happen! 

Imagine seeing yourself at your best every single day.

Imagine having your portrait taken, being posed, and lit in the most flattering ways. Then taking your favorite image and printing it so that you can see it on a daily basis. Think of how happy your brain will be when even on your worst days, you can actually see yourself at your best.

It can be a small picture on your nightstand or a portrait on the wall. 

Seeing yourself, as your best self gives you confidence, even if are not feeling it. Sure you can have a memory of your best day, when you were dressed up, and had your hair done, but in your mind, it’s just a dream. 

You can post the photo on social media and relish in the comments everyone has made, but we know how social media and the endorphins it creates are fleeting. 

It will be more beneficial to our brains to have a physical photograph printed and seen in our homes as a daily reminder of our best selves. Remind our brains that we are beautiful. We are seen. See that sparkle in our eyes when we are having a hard time keeping our heads held high. On the darkest days, this vision of ourselves can be the perfect reminder that we can do the hard things.

I am willing to challenge myself, are you?

I know how hard it is to get in front of the camera. Especially since I am not at my ideal weight and I haven’t colored my hair in over a year. But, I am willing to take the leap for myself and take some photos and have one printed. I want to put this theory to the test and see just how powerful it is! Who is willing to join me?

Let me know if you are ready to create your own vision of your best self. I would love to help you when you are ready.