Treasure Map (Vision Board) - A Blueprint for Your Future

 A treasure map is a physical representation of your goals. It's a collage of images and text that acts as a reminder of what you want to accomplish, and how you will do it. It intensifies the effects of visualization – a technique which acts on your subconscious mind to motivate and encourage you toward reaching those goals.

How To Make a Treasure Map

1. Create a treasure map for a single goal or area of your life, so that you can be sure to include all the elements without getting too complicated. This enables the mind to focus on it more clearly and easily than if you include all your goals on one treasure map. You might want to do one treasure map for your relationships, one for your job, one for your spiritual growth, and so on.

2. You can make it any size that's convenient for you. You may want to keep it in your notebook, hang it on your wall, or carry it in your pocket or purse. I usually make mine on light cardboard, which holds up better than paper.

3. Be sure to put yourself in the picture. For a very realistic effect, use a photograph of yourself. Otherwise draw yourself in. Show yourself being, doing, or having your desired objective -- traveling around the world, wearing your new clothes, or being the proud author of your new book.

4. Show the situation in its ideal, complete form, as if it already exists. You don't need to indicate how it's going to come about. This is the finished product. Don't show anything negative or undesirable.

5. Use lots of color in your treasure map to increase the power and impact on your consciousness.

6. Show yourself in a real setting; make it look believable to yourself.

7. Include some symbol of the infinite which has meaning and power for you. It could be an "om" sign, a cross, Christ, Buddha, a sun radiating light, or any thing that represents universal intelligence or God. This is an acknowledgment and a reminder that everything comes from the infinite source.

8. Put affirmations on your treasure map. "Here I am driving my new hybrid gas and electric car."

Be sure to also include the cosmic affirmation, "This, or something better, now manifests for me in totally satisfying and harmonious ways, for the highest good of all concerned."

The process of creating your treasure map is a powerful step toward manifesting your goal. Now just spend a few minutes each day quietly looking at it, and every once in a while throughout the day give it a thought. That is all that's necessary.

A treasure map for every goal 

Use these ideas to get you started – but remember it is your map.

• Losing weight. Pick pictures of women looking gorgeous and healthy and your ideal (healthy) weight. If you used to be slim, include a photo of you at your ideal weight. Include pictures of healthy slimming foods and people doing fun exercise. Include an affirmation, ‘I now choose to weigh X stone.’

• Finding love. Choose pictures of couples happy and in love. Write out words that describe your ideal partner. Find pictures of people doing the things you enjoy or would like to do with your partner. Affirm: ‘I am ready for love. I am finding my perfect partner. I’m ready for a fabulous surprise.’

• Success at work. Whether you need a first job or want a promotion, pick images that show people achieving, daring, excelling. The images will depend very much on the job you want – look for the mood (strong leadership, calm focus etc). Include words like ‘Congratulations!’ and ‘You got it!’

• New home. Find pictures of the kind of home you want; interior and exterior. Also include images that sum up the kind of feeling you want from your home. If there is a particular area you want to be in, add a map – you could print one off Google Earth. Include a SOLD sign and maybe a picture of people shaking hands, clinching the deal.

Treasure Mapping Example

Triathlon Training Treasure Map

In the center, she places an image of herself alongside a triumphant athlete wearing a medal and holding up a trophy. She also collects images that show how hard the training will be, to remind her of the effort that she'll have to put in.

Every day, before she trains, Amanda looks at her treasure map and reflects on her progress. She also visualizes the challenges that lie ahead, both in training and in the event itself. But above all, she maintains a strong mental image of herself succeeding, and the happiness and satisfaction that she'll feel when she does!