CREATIVE
EXPRESSION:
VISUAL GOAL JOURNAL
(c)
2001 Tera Leigh
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article may not be reproduced without permission
I am very
excited to share this project with you! This year I’ve been working with
several coaching clients to help them move closer to their own goals. One
of the things I have learned is that most of them did not have a clear
vision of what they wanted, nor did they see themselves in the role of
someone who had what they wanted in the future.
The Visual Goal
Journal is created in a blank book that you fill with images that
represent your goals. I used a DMD scrapbook purchased at Michaels for my
own book. These books can also be found at independent scrapbook stores.
I divided my own
book into categories that represent the main “areas” of my goals. For
example; house and home, family, writing, design, body and appearance,
etc. In each section I wrote my current goals (and it is okay to scratch
out old goals and write new goals into the book from time to time as you
learn more about what you want.) On the several pages following the goals
list, I paste photos, sketches, and ephemera that represent what having
those goals would mean to me. Images of what my life will be like, from
things I’d like to have to photos that represent the feeling I’d like
to have when I’m in that place in my life.
This is a book
that you can work on for months – and probably will remain a work in
progress. Don’t expect to go through a few magazines and get it the way
you want it on your first try. You may put one particularly poignant image
on a single page, and on other pages collage a series of images that
represent many aspects of your life.
Having a visual
record of what you are trying to achieve can be really helpful to us when
we are feeling blocked or frustrated. I have found myself going through my
journal several times a week. I put in any new images I’ve found, and
sometimes write notes to myself. I include quotes and small stories about
people who have accomplished things I want to do.
I really
encourage you to try this project. It has been life changing for me.
Tera's
website features all sorts of neat ideas on creativity. Visit Tera
Leigh's website at:
http://www.teras-wish.com/