(Input v/s Output Based Approach)

I frequently find myself longing for a concrete method to envision and bring about the life I want as a person juggling the complications of life—health, money, relationships, work goals, and the pleasure of travel and social connections. The idea of a vision board appears as a potentially useful tool throughout this search. But which strategy is most effective? Should we design it using an output-based approach, emphasising the final outcomes, or an input-based approach, emphasising acts and efforts?

I’ll discuss both strategies here and explain how I created my vision board, eventually combining them to create a road map for a happy and meaningful existence.

Input Based Approach :

A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. Life hasn’t been easy, with ends to meet and emotions bursting due to unfinished tasks and unmet goals. I always had a long list of dreams: which are surrounding around the following : getting fit, building financial stability, nurturing relationships, and finding joy through travel and connections. But every time I thought about these together in one time, they seemed overwhelming.

That’s when a friend introduced me to the concept of vision boards. However, instead of focusing on the grand, shiny outcomes, he suggested on an input-based approach – it is centered on actions and habits rather than just the results. At first, I was skeptical. Wouldn’t a vision board be more inspiring if it showed the dream body or the dream vacation? But I decided to give this method a try.

I began by identifying which areas I wanted to improve: relationships, profession, finances, health, and personal happiness. Then, rather visualising the final objectives, I deconstructed the manageable steps.

For Health: I knew I wanted to feel energetic and healthy, but instead of focusing on the perfect physique, I concentrated on building habits. My vision board for health had images of a water bottle to remind me to stay hydrated, pictures of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small tracker with “10,000 steps” written in bold.

Every morning, when I saw those images, I felt a nudge to drink a glass of water, plan my meals, or step out for a walk. Within weeks, I realized I was enjoying these habits. My focus was no longer on losing weight or achieving a specific fitness goal, but on consistently showing up for myself.

For Finances : In the past, financial stability had always felt like a distant dream. For this area of my vision board, I pasted images of savings jars, investment charts, and books about budgeting. These symbols reminded me daily to track my expenses, save a small amount each week, and spend thoughtfully.

Instead of fixating on a luxurious lifestyle, I celebrated small wins—paying off a bill, increasing my savings by 1%. Over time, these actions gave me a sense of control over my finances, which was far more empowering than daydreaming about wealth.

For Relationships: My vision board for relationships was filled with images of shared meals, handwritten notes, and smiling faces. These were simple, actionable gestures: calling a friend, spending quality time with family, or writing a thoughtful message to someone I cared about.

While it wasn’t about achieving “perfect” relationships, I found myself building deeper, more meaningful connections by focusing on daily acts of love and kindness.

Why did it work? The magic of an input-based vision board lies in its practicality. It shifted my mindset from “I want to achieve this someday” to “What can I do today to move closer to my goals?”

With every small action, I built momentum. The board wasn’t just a collection of pictures—it was a reminder of my ability to take charge of my life.

This approach taught me that the results, while important, are a byproduct of consistent effort. And that effort? It’s entirely within my control.

Output Based Approach :

We all are mostly familiar with output based approach as it is vastly used & taught. When I first heard about vision boards, the idea of visualizing the life I felt it to be very exciting, even magical. I could already see the possibilities: a healthy, vibrant version of myself; financial freedom to travel the world; a fulfilling career that aligned with my passions; and loving relationships that brought joy and connection.

Encouraged by this inspiration, I decided to created output-based vision board—a board that focused entirely on the end results I wanted to achieve for years in a row. Little did I know, while this approach had its benefits, it also came with a set of challenges that shaped my understanding of goal-setting and manifestation.

Almost a decade ago, on weekend in afternoon, I sat at my dining table, surrounded by magazines, scissors, glue, and a large blank cardboard. I went all in, finding and cutting out images that represented my dreams:

• A serene beach in Goa to symbolize travel and freedom.
• A picture of a fit, glowing woman to represent my health aspirations.
• Photos of luxury homes and cars, symbolizing financial success.
• Images of happy families and couples, reminding me of the loving relationships I wanted to cultivate.

When I was done, I felt proud. The board radiated positivity, and every glance at it filled me with excitement about the future.

Pro’s of output based Vision board:

1. The Visuals of beautiful future keep oneself motivated, related to an emotional connection that makes goals feel real and achievable.
2. The process of curating gives you a clarity on what you feel will give you happiness & contentment
3. It gives positive reinforcement.

Con’s of output based Vision board:

1. It Lacks Practicality , the gap between the dream and the action felt daunting.
2. Overwhelming expectations, the board can make you feel like a reminder of what you don’t have. The perfection displayed on the board becomes a double-edged sword, occasionally leading to self-doubt.
3. The output-based approach tempts us into passive dreaming rather than proactive planning.

A vision board, a canvas so bright,
With dreams that shimmers in the light.
The future calls, so bold, so near,
Yet whispers softly, “Action’s where.”

The beach, the home, the love I crave,
A life so full, so strong, so brave.
But dreams alone can’t pave the way,
Steps must guide me day by day.

Visions thrive when plans take roots,
Dreams are earned through steady pursuit.