Goal Setting with a Vision Board


During the summer months, I reflect on our family goals and do some financial planning. I often use a vision board for brainstorming ideas and goal setting. Creating a vision board does not have to be a long or complicated process! A vision board can be as simple as a piece of poster board that contains a collage of images that inspire. This year my vision board has a lot to do with family travel and planning our budget to save for more trips together in the years ahead. This will involve putting off those instant gratification purchases while we save and plan. Are you familiar with the Marshmallow Experiment? I’ll be waiting for my second marshmallow. Having a vision board on display helps me to stay on task and keep the end goal in mind!

When I was a kid, my family was fortunate to enjoy lots of trips together, both nationally and internationally. One summer, my dad took off several weeks from work and together with my mom they planned an epic road trip adventure across the country. This time together had a lasting impact on me. We packed the mini-van until it was practically overflowing, loaded a cooler in the back with sandwiches and snacks, and began the drive from New Jersey to Montana stopping several places along the way to see the sights. Together, we rode horses in Glacier National Park, went whitewater rafting down the Colorado River, witnessed Old Faithful in Yellowstone, and so much more.

 

Looking back now, there were several family trips like this that helped to shape who I am today. During long road trips, I learned how to get along with my younger brother and turn our waiting times into games to pass the time. I learned to be considerate of others when staying at hotels or campgrounds and not to make too much noise. I learned how to improvise travel plans when things don’t quite go according to plan, to look on the bright side, and to always have a plan B. Seeing great national landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Hoover Dam taught me that with creativity, good leadership, and perseverance anything is possible.

Goal Setting with a Vision Board
In the months ahead, I will be sharing more about my journey to save for long term goals and about tips I learn along the way. I hope you will join me! What Inspires You? Share how you were inspired to be who you are today, and join the growing community of @PrudentialBYC #WomenInspired

 

Comments

  1. I love the kid who says, “I chose to wait because…patience….patience is good.” so cute! And then it makes me wonder which of my kids would wait. I think the older two would, but my four year old would probably eat the marshmallow and then leave the room and look for more, lol.

    • Ha! Alissa, I was thinking the same thing about my own kids. Not sure my little one would have “passed” this test. Marshmallows are oh-so-tempting! 🙂

  2. Summer is a great time to reflect on finances and life in general! Can’t wait to hear more of your tips and thoughts!

    • Thank you, Melissa! In a way, Summer provides a lot more distraction with so much to do outdoors that it made it easy to do things like drop cable television and there are lots of free activities going on in our community. Great for saving some money!

  3. I so agree – very important to plan for our futures properly!

    • Yes! It is crucial, isn’t it? And only a few minutes of planning can make a huge difference!

  4. Family travel, along with independent travel as a young adult, absolutely inspired me too! We’re hoping to save up over the next few years to possibly invest in a beach home. Watching the kids experience the grandness of the ocean is enough to make me want to have that happen more often. I’m certain it will help shape who they become as well.

    • That sounds like an amazing goal, Tiffany! Traveling can be so inspiring, but it is even better to be able to share it with family or good friends. 🙂 Good luck with your beach house adventures!

  5. Loved the video and all the footage of the kids waiting, too cute. Interesting correlation … finding that balance between living for today and planning for the future.

    I’d actually say the same as you, traveling with my family has definitely made me who I am today. We did a lot of frugal vacations, camping old-school tent style. Perhaps this is what has allowed my parents to own a second-home, a summer cabin, in retirement. They’ve got the second marshmallow. 😉

    • So inspiring, Zina! Thank you for sharing that! It really is a balancing act sometimes, but with a little resourcefulness, planning, and creativity now we can make amazing things happen with our future. 🙂

  6. I’ve never seen that video before! How adorable are those waiting children?!

    That’s amazing that you got to have such wonderful vacations growing up- the memories made in those moments are priceless and teach so many valuable lessons. 🙂 I’m working on finishing my vision board for the summer right now. 🙂

    • Wonderful, Michelle! Thank you for stopping by. Vision boards are both fun to make, and can serve as great reminders of our goals and aspirations. Dream big! 😀

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