Last night, something pretty special happened. A room full of entrepreneurs, dreamers, and goal-setters came together for our 2026 Vision Board Party: and I have to say... the energy was incredible.
But here's what I want you to know: this wasn't your typical "cut out pictures from magazines and call it a day" kind of event. Not even close.
We went deeper. We got intentional. And based on the feedback I received, I think we might have changed a few perspectives on what it really means to plan for the future.
I'll be honest: when some people hear "vision board party," they picture glitter, scissors, and maybe some inspirational quotes taped to poster board. And sure, those elements were there (because who doesn't love a good glitter moment?).
But the real magic? It happens when you slow down enough to actually decide what you want. Not what you think you should want. Not what looks good on social media. What YOU genuinely desire for your life and your business.
Research shows that building vivid mental images of your goals sparks positive emotions, which increases your commitment and makes progress more likely. When you're surrounded by others doing the same work, that motivation multiplies.
That's exactly what we created last night.
One of the highlights of the evening was our brand-new 10-page interactive booklet: Planning with Purpose (and a bit of Joy).
I designed this workbook to guide every participant: whether they were seasoned business owners or individuals focused on personal growth: through a strategic journey from reflection to action.
Here's what we covered:
The Look Back: Before you can plan the future, you've got to clear the deck. We started with prompts like "What am I leaving behind in 2025?" and "What's my proudest win?" This helped everyone release what wasn't serving them anymore.
The Brain Dump: Sometimes your best ideas are hiding in the mess. We gave everyone space to just... let it all out. No filters. No judgment. Just dreams on paper.
The Pillars of Purpose: We organized goals into four key areas:
This framework worked beautifully for both entrepreneurs and non-business attendees. Because honestly? We all have goals in each of these areas.
The Dream List: From all those scattered ideas, we narrowed it down to the top five things that absolutely had to make it onto their vision boards.
The Action Plan: We ended with "My 2026 Affirmation" and "My First Bold Step": something they could do in the next 48 hours to start building momentum.
Now, let me tell you about my favorite part: Vision Board Bingo.
I wanted to keep the room engaged and interactive throughout the session. So we created a custom Bingo card with squares like:
But here's the twist: the center square was labeled "Intention." And it wasn't free.
To unlock that middle square, participants had to complete a special exercise in their booklet: choosing their Word of the Year and writing one specific action they would take to lead with that word in 2026.
This wasn't about luck. It was about earning that center spot through real, meaningful work.
And let me tell you... watching people pause, think deeply, and then write with purpose? That was the moment I knew we'd created something special.
What made this event unique was the mix of people in the room. We had entrepreneurs working on their next big launch. We had individuals focused on personal wellness and family goals. We had people who just wanted to feel more intentional about the year ahead.
And you know what? The "Planning with Purpose" framework worked for all of them.
Because at the end of the day, success isn't just about business metrics. And joy isn't just about checking boxes. It's about designing a life that aligns with your values: and then taking bold steps to make it happen.
I'm not going to pretend I wasn't a little nervous about how everything would land. Anytime you try something new, there's that moment of "will this resonate?"
But the feedback from last night? It genuinely made my heart full.
Participants shared that they:
One attendee told me, "I came expecting crafts. I left with a strategy."
That's exactly what I was hoping for.
If you missed last night's event, don't worry: this won't be the last Vision Board Party we host. But more importantly, the principles we covered apply whether you're cutting out magazine pictures or building a full business plan.
Here's what I want you to take away:
Clarity comes before action. You can't build toward something if you don't know what it is.
Intention is a practice. Choosing a word for the year is powerful, but pairing it with a specific action makes it real.
Community amplifies motivation. Saying your goals out loud: and hearing others share theirs: creates momentum that lasts beyond the event.
Vision boards aren't just for "creative types." They're strategic tools for anyone who wants to design their future with purpose.
Last night was just the beginning. If you're ready to turn your vision into a roadmap: whether for your business, your career, or your life: I'd love to help.
At Joy Lough Enterprises, we offer:
Whatever stage you're at, we've got resources to support your growth.
Book a free discovery call today: https://bit.ly/4JLEDiscovery
Or reach out directly:
Here's to planning with purpose... and a whole lot of joy. ✨
Want more tips for building a business (and life) you love? Check out our other posts on the JLE Blog or learn more about working with me at joyloughenterprises.com/strategicmentoring.