Take Another Look at That Vision Board: Are You on the Right Path?

The world feels uncertain right now. No matter what job you have, your daily routine can offer a sense of stability, keeping you grounded when everything else feels chaotic. But if that routine feels more draining than fulfilling, if you’re struggling to see the good in what you do, this could be a sign that it’s time for a change.

At the start of the year, you may have set ambitious career goals, mapped out on a beautifully curated vision board. But as the months pass, you might still feel stuck, unsure of where to start. If job crafting isn’t an option in your current role, let’s explore a powerful tool from Positive Psychology that can help: the Best Possible Self (BPS) exercise.

Tunnel Vision on Your Career Goals? You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to get tunnel vision when chasing career resolutions. You set goals, but when obstacles appear; whether it’s job insecurity, financial pressures, or burnout, those aspirations can feel out of reach.

Vision boards help visualise your dreams, but what if you need something more structured to take meaningful steps towards them? This is where the Best Possible Self exercise comes in.

What Is the Best Possible Self Exercise?

The Best Possible Self (BPS) exercise is a science-backed Positive Psychology intervention designed to help you clarify your goals and boost motivation. Unlike vision boards, which are often passive, BPS is an active process that engages your imagination and emotions to create a detailed roadmap for your future.

Why Is This Exercise So Powerful?

Research by Professor Laura King and Karoline Krauss shows that visualising and writing about your Best Possible Selves can increase optimism, resilience, and overall well-being. The process forces you to define what success looks like in tangible terms, making it easier to spot opportunities and take actionable steps toward your goals.

Why Best Possible Self Works Better Than Vision Boards

Vision boards are great for inspiration but can sometimes be too intangible. The Best Possible Self exercise, on the other hand, encourages you to write a vivid, detailed narrative of your future self. This written reflection engages the brain in a way that visualisation alone cannot, increasing the chances that you’ll commit to and act on your related goals.

What If Your Vision Still Feels Hazy?

If your vision for the future still feels unclear, break it down further:

• Instead of saying, “I want a fulfilling career,” define what fulfilment looks like to you—more creativity? Leadership opportunities? Helping others?

• Instead of “I want to make more money,” specify how much and what steps would realistically get you there.

• Instead of “I want to work in a better environment,” identify what “better” means—flexibility? A values-aligned company? A supportive manager? A team you’re proud of.

  
  

More Positive Psychology tools to Support Your Career Growth

To boost the effectiveness of the BPS exercise, consider incorporating other Positive Psychology tools into your routine:

• Journaling – Regularly reflecting on your progress can help you stay aligned with your goals. It’s a reminder of the vision you said you wanted.

• Flow Activities – Engaging in work or hobbies that challenge and energise you can increase job satisfaction. These can also reaffirm whether you’re going in the right direction.

• Broaden-and-Build Theory (Fredrickson, 2001) – Focusing on positive emotions can expand your capacity for creative problem-solving and resilience. It’s therefore imperative that you find joy to facilitate the mental space you will need to craft your future.

• Volunteering & Side Projects – If your current role doesn’t allow for growth, seek opportunities outside of work that align with your vision. Time management will need to be top notch, so set your boundaries and don’t take on more than you can realistically handle.

Maintaining Momentum Toward Your Best Possible Self

Making career changes, big or small, requires continuous effort. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

✔ Set Small Goals – Break your vision down into small, achievable steps to avoid feeling like you have a mountain of to-do lists

✔ Track Your Progress – Regular check-ins can keep you accountable and stay motivated.

✔ Build Your Support System – It’s unlikely you can do this on your own. Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you.

✔ Stay Flexible – Your vision may evolve overtime, and that’s okay. Adapt as you gain clarity on what aligns with your purpose.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Take Action?

If you’re tired of your vision board gathering dust and you’re still feeling lost, the Best Possible Self exercise could be the tool you need to find clarity and take action. If you need help identifying your next steps, I’m here to support you.

📅 Book a free career coaching call today—let’s turn that vision into a reality!