Ok fine…. Let’s talk about it.

As I sit down on this Saturday afternoon, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed in myself — for no good reason, really.

My last blog post was on January 9th, and it’s now January 24th… which means I’ve spent a full 15 days thinking about what to write next with absolutely no luck.

So here I am: stuck inside because it’s -12°C (10.4°F) outside (feels like -19°C / -2.2°F), drinking the first coffee I’ve had in over a month (more on that later), trying to write an extremely organic blog post while stitching together some kind of narrative that makes sense to you, the reader…

Oh — and trying to entertain a bored mini goldendoodle (if you know, you know).

When You Can’t Explain It… But You Know Something’s Off

For about six months now, there’s been a strong driving force in my life that something isn’t right. I can’t fully explain it other than to say: something hasn’t felt right.

I’ve felt extremely tired, like I’m overdue for a major change, and honestly… unhappy. I’m in a much better place now than I was a few months ago — but looking back on it, I still feel strongly about two things:

1. I need a major change in my life.

2. The way I’ve been acting in certain scenarios hasn’t been good for me.

   
   

I’m better than this.

A Conversation That Changed Everything (Shoutout Miss Jo Baker)

Between Christmas and New Years, I was catching up with an old pal of mine — shoutout to Miss Jo Baker (google her if you’re not familiar, she’s incredible) — and she was the first person to suggest I do a vision board.

Screenshots included with prior consent and approval to share publicly.

And if you’ve read my last post, you already know this part surprised me: A shocking amount of people reached out about my board. Friends. Family. Colleagues. Even “random” LinkedIn connections.

I was met with a ton of questions — and today, I want to focus on the one I got the most:

“Okay… but how do you actually START?”

I’m writing this not only for a specific colleague I had an amazing conversation with about it, but for anyone who feels like they want change… and just don’t know where to begin.

What a Vision Board Actually Is

For me, my vision board became a visual anchor I can look at every day. It’s something that didn’t just live in my Notes app. It’s something that didn’t just float around in my head. It’s something that literally stares me in the face and forces me to do something about the life I keep saying I want.

To keep it simple: A vision board is a visual (or written) collection of the things you want to create, experience, and become.

It’s a way of taking what’s in your head — your goals, your dreams, your “I want more from life” energy — and putting it somewhere you can actually see it.

Because it’s one thing to think about what you want… But it’s different when you can look at it daily and say: “This is what I’m building.”

Why I Did One (And Why It Works)

Let me be clear: a vision board isn’t magic. It’s not a manifestation poster that makes things happen without effort. What it does do is help with the things most people actually struggle with:

1) Clarity

Sometimes we’re not stuck because we’re lazy — we’re stuck because we’re not clear. A board forces you to ask:

• What do I actually want?

• What matters right now?

• What kind of life am I trying to build?

  
  

2) Focus

Life is loud. Your brain is constantly being pulled in 100 directions. A vision board becomes a filter. If something doesn’t align, it becomes easier to say no.

3) Momentum

When you’re stressed, tired, or in a “meh” season, motivation doesn’t show up on command. Seeing your goals daily keeps you moving — even if it’s one small step.

4) Identity

This one’s underrated: Vision boards aren’t just about “things.” They’re about the person you’re becoming. A good board quietly reinforces: “This is who I am now.” and “This is what I do.”

How to Make One (This Is How I Did Mine)

This is not the only way to do it — it’s just what worked for me.

Step 1: Choose Your Format

You can go:

• Digital

• Physical

• Or a mix of both

  
  

I chose physical, because if I kept it digital, it would turn into another file in iCloud that I’d never open again. I grabbed a Bristol board from the dollar store and kept it simple.

Step 2: Pick Your Categories

There are endless categories you can choose from, but I used these as themes:

• Health / Energy

• Confidence / Mindset

• Career / Work

• Money / Wealth

• Relationships / Love

• Home / Space

• Travel / Experiences

• Creativity / Fun

• Peace / Routine

• Personal Growth

  
  

Step 3: Choose Images That Feel Like Your Future

I didn’t pick random aesthetic photos that just “look nice.” I picked images that made me feel something like:

• “Yes. That.”

• “That’s the life I want.”

• “That’s the version of me I’m building.”

  
  

Then I went to Pinterest, found images, dropped them into PowerPoint, printed them, and physically cut/taped everything onto the board.

Was it uncomfortable and time-consuming? Yes. But that was the point. It forced me to slow down, focus, and actually commit to the process.

Step 4: Put It Somewhere You Can’t Ignore

If it’s hidden, it doesn’t work. And if you know me, you know how insanely picky I am about my house — the design, the vibe, the cleanliness… all of it.

So when I tell you this, you’ll understand how serious I was: I took down a large canvas photo in my room and replaced it with my vision board.

It messed with my aesthetic. But again… that was the point. Sometimes the change you want requires getting uncomfortable in small ways first.

How I’ve Been Using My Board (So It Actually Helps)

Daily (30 Seconds)

I ask myself: “What’s one small thing I can do today that matches this?” That’s it.

Weekly

I make sure I’m spending meaningful time doing things that connect to what’s on my board. For example: one of my board items is “Fitness that works for you.”

So I move my body every day — not perfectly, not for anyone else, not because I “have to”… but because I’ve shifted the goal to: progress > pressure.

And the board reminds me of that. Also: your board should evolve with you. You’re allowed to outgrow it. Adjust it. Refresh it. Rewrite it.

Real Life Examples: What’s on My Board vs What’s Happening Now

I’ve shared my board before, but I want to re-share a clearer image — and add real context behind it.

A few quick notes on what you’ll see vs what’s happening in my real life:

I’ve been working on shifting my mindset out of modern dating culture and opening up again — to real connection, real effort, and the idea of building something healthy.

Well… you’re reading this blog post, so I’d say that one is already happening. I’m building a public presence that feels authentic — not “influencer,” but real.

I’ve been cutting down the noise: less social media, less wasted time, and yes… fewer relationships that don’t add value to my life. I “broke up” with a few people. It wasn’t easy — but it was necessary.

I took up skating lessons. This one was big for me. It pushed through years of intimidation, trauma, and the whole “hockey culture” fear that I carried for way too long. But I did it.

I started working out again and made major dietary changes. Not for perfection — for consistency. My body is my foundation, and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of me.

These two are the hardest and the most important. Because they’re not about doing more. They’re about thinking differently. And truthfully? This entire board has been driven by mindset shifts.

Ok… Now Let’s Talk About “The Orb.”

Before I close this, I want to share one last thing that might make me sound absolutely nuts.

Generated by AI

Insert: “The Orb.” (Think Violet - from The Incredibles)

And no — it’s not a real crystal ball I walk around holding. It’s a visual tool I’ve created in my head. A way to protect my peace and block out the things around me that aren’t conducive to an environment of betterment for myself.

In my mind, the orb is at the center of me — fueled only by happiness, calm, confidence, and positive intention. A complimentary tool to my vision board.

And it radiates outward to form a bubble around me. A bubble that filters out:

• Negativity

• Noise

• Spiraling thoughts

• People who drain me

• Environments that don’t align with who I’m trying to become

  
  

It’s about remembering that I get to protect my energy while I rebuild my life.

Closing Thoughts

I don’t have everything figured out. Not even close.

There are still parts of my life that feel uncertain — especially professionally — and there are changes I know I need to make.

But that’s exactly what this board (and this entire process) is helping me do:

Think, visualize, reset, and take action toward the life that feels healthier for me.

Not the life that looks good to everyone else. Not the life that fits expectations.

The life that feels like peace.

So if you’ve been feeling stuck… maybe you don’t need a dramatic breakthrough. Maybe you just need a starting point.

One small step. One clear vision reminder on the wall that says: you’re allowed to change your life.

Even if you don’t have it all figured out yet.

Until next time,

Graydon.

AI disclosure: This piece was written by me whilst using AI tools to assist with structure, editing, clarity, and image creation — not to generate ideas or replace original thought.