⏳ Read time: ~5 minutes
Earlier this year I stumbled upon something seriously cool. While searching for YouTube videos to occupy my free time, I came across a suggested video that presented a simple yet genius idea: ditching your typical vision board and using good old index cards instead.
Now, before you roll your eyes, let me tell you why this blew my mind. It’s all about the convenience. These cards? They’re portable.
Waiting for your coffee? Whip 'em out.
Stuck at the doctor’s office? Perfect time to review your goals.
And don’t even get me started on the DMV—I swear, these cards might just save your sanity there.
Sure, I love a pretty vision board as much as the next person. But there’s something about putting your goals into words that hits different.
Oh, and did I mention the best part? It’s analog. In a world glued to screens, this little trick is a breath of fresh air. It’s also a great excuse to put down your phone for a bit and focus on what really matters.
I know I need it.
So if you’re down to start shaking things up and simplify your goal-setting game, forget the fancy apps and try this low-tech approach.
✨ Trust me, your future self will thank you. ✨
Curious on how to get started? Here's what you need:
Index cards
A pen
And a binder clip
Yep, it's that simple. Chances are you already have at least two out of those three things lying around.
Now, here are some ideas on what to write down:
What's your truth?
Any word of the year in mind?
Affirmations you want to repeat to yourself?
How do you want your year to feel?
Quotes that really hit home right now?
What reminders do you need?
List of things that bring you joy
Your gratitude list
Don't hesitate to add small photos to your cards for extra ✨oomph✨ if you’d like
What are your big plans or goals for the year?
Any bucket list items you're itching to tick off?
Feel free to mix and match, or to remove cards that no longer vibe with you or goals you've already crushed. This way, you can really zero in on what matters most to you.
For a bit of inspo, here's a peek at a few of my cards below:
Ever feel like there are so many things you want to dive into, but you're paralyzed by where to begin? Decision fatigue can be a real pain in the ass. That's why I love these words I heard on a Jay Shetty podcast interview. As someone with a million ideas and passions buzzing around in my head, this phrase is my mantra. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I remember to explore every opportunity and to not let the confusion stop me. Instead, I remind myself to jump in and trust that things will work out eventually.
As a mom, my initial instinct is to prioritize everyone else's needs above my own. But this card serves as a gentle reminder that self-care is essential. Before I can fully support others, I need to take care of myself first. Below that, you'll find my self-care menu, a little guide I turn to when I need some extra TLC <3
Reminding myself of this everyday because mom guilt is a real thing.
A valuable question I ask myself whenever I encounter challenges or setbacks.
Present is my word of the year, and it's all about embracing the here and now. I'm choosing to focus on what's happening in this moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Because at the end of the day, today is all we've got, and what we do with it is what matters most.
Another way to reinforce the previous card. This one holds a special place in my heart. It's my favorite as it serves as another kind reminder to cherish the present moment and to find beauty in every situation.
We might be more than a third of the way through the year, but it’s never too late to start. I know this practice will stick with me for years to come, and I hope it inspires you somehow some way.
What would you write on your card deck if you started one today?
P.S. Here are things I’m not so chill about.
I love this idea! I would write down my favorite quote by Brian Andreas that I always like to keep on my mind.
“Deciding that everything is falling into place perfectly as long as you don't get too picky about what you mean by place. Or perfectly.”
thanks for this post. My favorite quote " I deserve to be happy, to show myself as I am without wearing a mask or conforming to those expected of me". I will subscribe to your substack