Thinking about the future after graduation can be incredibly scary. The daunting question, “What do you want to do?” constantly lingers over students’ heads. It’s easy to become consumed by college life and not think beyond these four monumental years. However, there comes a time when avoiding future planning is no longer an option. Don’t you want to be prepared— to confidently say, “I know what I am doing”? If this feels overwhelming, VALLEY is here to help you collect your thoughts.
Rather than viewing your future as something intimidating, consider it something to be passionate about. And what better way to express passions than through a mood board? Creating a mood board is a peaceful and artistic way to envision your future without feeling overwhelmed.
Mood boards help bring clarity to abstract ideas, making them more concrete and achievable. They also serve as a motivational tool, keeping you focused on your goals and reminding you of the life you’re working towards. Plus, they’re a fun and creative outlet for self-expression!
Where to Start
Dream Locations
Start by thinking about beautiful places where you might want to live. Collect aesthetic images of states or cities that spark excitement and make you look forward to the adventure of moving. This small exercise can transform fear into enthusiasm.
Career Visualization
Explore Pinterest, Instagram, or other visually aesthetic platforms for inspiration. Look at photos of jobs that align with your major or dream career. Find images of workspaces, offices, or tools of the trade that make you excited about your professional path. Visualizing yourself in that space makes the dream feel more tangible.
Lifestyle Goals
Envision your ideal lifestyle—what kind of home do you want? Do you dream of a cozy city apartment or a condo by the sea? What hobbies will you pursue? Even small details, like the type of pet you want (are you a small dog person or more of a golden retriever fan?), can make your future feel personal and exciting. If you have a flare for home design, get excited by picking out images for the vibe you want your future home to have. Will you be minimalistic or do you want tickets everywhere? Is an oriental colorful rug your cup of tea or do you prefer a plain grey? By adding these enjoyable elements to your vision, your future becomes more than just a job and a location—it becomes a life you’re excited to step into.
Creating Your Mood Board
- Go Digital: Websites like Pinterest, Canva and Moodboard allow you to easily compile and edit images into a cohesive vision board.
- Go Physical: Prefer something tangible? Cut out pictures from magazines, print photos and arrange them on a corkboard or in a notebook.
- Mix It Up: Use quotes, colors and textures that inspire you. Think beyond just images—add snippets of words that resonate with your aspirations.
Final Thoughts
Planning for the future doesn’t have to be daunting—it can be exciting and even enjoyable. Mood boards are a fantastic way to organize your dreams, visualize your success and take the first step toward crafting a future that excites you. So grab some images, start pinning and create a future that feels like home.
Tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram or X with pictures of your mood board!
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