As a working mother, life often feels like a juggling act. Between my job, household responsibilities, and making time for my son, I sometimes find myself caught in the chaos of daily life. There have been moments when I felt like I was just going through the motions—working, cooking, cleaning, and repeating. But deep down, I wanted more for my family. I wanted us to dream together, to set goals as a unit, and to have a clear vision of the life we were building. That’s when I discovered the power of a family vision board.
A family vision board isn’t just a collage of images; it’s a tool that brings us together, helps us set goals, and keeps us motivated. It’s a way to remind ourselves of what truly matters amidst the busyness of life. If you’ve ever felt like life is pulling you in different directions, creating a vision board can be a powerful step toward alignment and clarity. Here’s how I did it—and how you can too.
1. Setting the Foundation: Involving the Whole Family
The first time I attempted to create a vision board, I did it alone, thinking I could just make one for the family. But it didn’t work. My son wasn’t interested, and my husband barely glanced at it. I realized that for a vision board to be meaningful, it had to be created together.
One Sunday afternoon, I gathered my family in the living room with a large poster board, scissors, glue, and a pile of magazines. We started by talking about our dreams—both individual and collective. My son wanted more outdoor adventures, my husband wanted to prioritize health, and I wanted more quality time together. Having these conversations helped us align our goals and made the vision board something we all felt connected to.
2. Time Management: Finding Time to Create and Maintain the Vision Board
As a working mom, finding time for personal projects can be a struggle. Initially, I thought we’d never have time to sit down and work on the board. But I learned that making time for what matters is about priorities, not availability.
We dedicated a weekend afternoon to creating our vision board, treating it like an important family event. To maintain it, we set a monthly “vision check-in” on our calendar, where we review our goals and make adjustments if needed. Whether it’s a new vacation idea, a fitness milestone, or a school achievement, these check-ins keep us accountable and motivated.
3. Overcoming Guilt: Embracing Imperfection
Working moms often struggle with guilt—guilt for working too much, for missing school events, or for taking time for ourselves. I used to beat myself up for not being “present enough.” But our vision board taught me that being intentional about our time together is what truly matters.
Some days, I’m too exhausted to play after work. But when I see our vision board reminding us of our goal to “spend quality time together,” I find small ways to connect—reading a bedtime story, making a quick snack together, or just talking about our day. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence.
4. Self-Care: Prioritizing Mom’s Goals Too
Before creating our vision board, my goals were often pushed to the bottom of the list. I’d tell myself, “I’ll exercise when I have time” or “I’ll start that hobby later.” But seeing my aspirations visually represented on our board was a game-changer.
I included images of self-care—reading a book, doing yoga, and taking solo coffee breaks. It was a reminder that my dreams matter too. Now, I schedule “me-time” just like I schedule meetings, and I feel more fulfilled because of it.
5. Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
A vision board isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about creating a life that aligns with our values. One of our key focus areas was achieving a healthy work-life balance. We added images of family dinners, outdoor activities, and even a “no work after 7 PM” reminder.
Of course, balance doesn’t always come easily. There are weeks when work demands more of me, but having our vision board as a reference helps me recalibrate. If I notice I’m missing too many family moments, I make adjustments—whether it’s taking a half-day off for a school event or setting stricter boundaries around work emails at home.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Your Best, and That’s Enough
Creating a family vision board has been one of the most rewarding experiences for us. It brought clarity, connection, and a sense of shared purpose. But more importantly, it reminded me that as a mother, I’m doing my best—and that’s enough.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember this: You are not alone. Your efforts, no matter how small, are shaping your family’s future. A vision board won’t solve all problems, but it will serve as a constant reminder of what truly matters. So grab some magazines, gather your family, and start dreaming together. You’ve got this, Mom!
I’m Zara Michell
