There’s a famous quote that says “a person starts dying when they stop dreaming.” As a matter of fact, without dreams, we become nothing. Without dreams, neither will there be a goal to reach, nor ambition to chase. So, it all starts with having a dream or idea of how you would like your future to be. Once you’re sure about your dream, you need to make a plan, and this is where a map of dreams comes in.

What is a Map of Dreams?

Also known as a dream board or vision board, a map of dreams is a visual tool that serves as a guide to one’s ambitions and goals for the future. It’s a visual illustration of one’s dreams and ideal life. Making your own map of dreams can be an opportunity for you to explore your own ambitions and goals and exercise on your creativity.

Step 1: Decide the purpose of your map of dreams

Basically, a map of dreams is full of images of what one envisions in their future and who they want to become. When making yours, you have to decide what you want to see in your dream board.

Here are the important questions to ask yourself when deciding the purpose of your map of dreams:

• What would you like your business to look like in the foreseeable future?
• Who are your ideal clients?
• What’s your profit goal?
• What’s your vision for the legacy you would like to leave for your family, society and the world at large?
• What house will you like to live in?
• What car will you like to drive?
• Where will you like to vacation?

Asking yourself these questions will help you come up with a map of dreams that reflects your ambitions and goals. Visualize them, write them down and affirm them. This will serve as a constant reminder of what you are aiming to achieve.

Step 2: Decide the format of your map of dreams

There are generally 3 types of formats: electronic, functional, and traditional. Electronic format is where use of computer is involved to compile the map. You can use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, or any other application that can has all the features that can help you put up a map of your dreams.

Functional format involves using a cork board as the background frame, where you can pin pictures and other items to create your map of dreams. The traditional format involves using a big piece of paper, where you can glue your pictures to make your dream map. If you decide to use functional or traditional format, you need to proceed to step three below.

Step 3: Get supplies

Here are some of the items that you’ll need to build your dream board:

• Poster board
• Tape
• Glue
• Thumbtacks
• Markers, pens
• Leaves, stones, shells, or something from nature
• Pair of scissors
• Crayons
• Rubber stamps
• Paper
• Glitter
• Magazines
• Pictures that match your ideal image of your future
• Trinkets and inspiring quotes

The supplies that you’ll need can be obtained from arts and crafts stores, office supplies stores, grocery stores and drug stores.

Step 4: Assemble your ideas on a map

Here, you need to arrange all of your quotes, trinkets and photographs and printed pictures on the poster board or cork board. You can begin with positioning your photo in the middle and then put other pictures around it. When arranging your ideas, just follow your heart.

Step 5: Exhibit your map of dreams

Once your map of dreams is ready, you’ll have to find an ideal place to display it. The perfect place would be where you will be able to see it everyday. This can be in front of your bed, on your fridge, your study room, or you can set it as your PC’s background.

A famous quote by Eleanor says “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Start dreaming and act by setting up your map of dreams so that you can start on your extraordinary journey into your future.