I’ve finally decided – I’m making a vision board to help me leave teaching.

After years in the classroom, I know I need more than just wishful thinking to make this transition happen. I need something tangible. Something that keeps me focused, motivated, and clear on my next steps. Something that goes hand in hand with manifestation.

That’s where a vision board and journaling come in.

A vision board makes your career change feel real. It helps you visualize what life after teaching looks like and keeps you motivated when doubt creeps in. Pairing it with journaling helps you process emotions, track progress, and set practical goals.

If you’re serious about leaving teaching, creating a vision board for your career transition could be the most powerful step you take.

A vision board is a powerful tool for turning the goal of leaving teaching into a clear, actionable plan.

A step-by-step process helps create a board that inspires action and keeps you focused on the path ahead.

By defining your vision, gathering the right supplies, and organizing your board with intention, you can stay motivated and confident as you work toward your next chapter.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Define Your Post-Teaching Vision

Before you start cutting out magazine clippings or filling up a Pinterest board, take a moment to get clear on what you want.

Journal Prompts to Get Started:

• What does my ideal day look like outside of teaching?
• What kind of work excites me?
• How do I want to feel in my new career?
• What aspects of teaching do I want to leave behind? What do I want to carry forward?

Vision Board Ideas:

Create a section on your board that reflects your new lifestyle. This might include:

• A cozy work-from-home setup (if remote work is your goal)
• Financial goals (a debt-free future, savings milestones, passive income)
• Travel inspiration (if more freedom is a priority)
• Health and wellness goals (a calmer, slower pace of life)

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Shop for:

• Vision board kits – These come with everything you need: inspiring cutouts, stickers, and supplies.
• Career clarity workbooks – Guided planners that help map out your next steps beyond teaching.

Step 2: Gather Your Vision Board Supplies

Now comes the fun part – building a board that inspires you! You can go the traditional route with a corkboard and printed images, or opt for a digital board using Pinterest or Canva. If you love aesthetic touches, there are some beautiful vision board kits that make the process easy and fun.

Some creative ideas to make your board stand out:

• Pre-made vision board kits (perfect if you want a structured, all-in-one option).
• Acrylic or framed vision boards (if you want something sleek and stylish).
• Washi tape, gold binder clips, and fairy lights (to add a creative touch).
• Motivational sticker packs & affirmation cards (for daily inspiration).
• A digital vision board app (if you prefer a clutter-free, tech-friendly option).

Step 3: Organize Your Vision Board

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to organize your board. The beauty of a vision board is that it’s personal to you. You can organize it in a way that makes sense for your journey and that you’ll enjoy seeing every day.

Here’s a simple way to organize your vision board for maximum impact:

1. Top Left – Start with your big picture vision. This could be a photo or phrase that represents your overall dream for life after teaching. It could be something like, “Freedom” or “Creative Entrepreneur.”
2. Top Right – Add your short-term goals. What are the first steps you want to take? It could be “Update Resume” or “Explore Remote Work Opportunities.”
3. Bottom Left – Fill this section with your motivational images or quotes. These can be images that make you feel inspired or reflect the emotions you want to embody in your next chapter.
4. Bottom Right – Put actionable steps here. These are smaller tasks that keep you moving forward, like “Take an Online Course” or “Network with Industry Professionals.”

Step 4: Identify the Steps to Make It Happen

A vision is just the beginning – you need a plan to bring it to life. Break your transition into manageable categories so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Key Categories for Your Vision Board and Journal:

• Finances – Budgeting for the transition, saving, or building a side hustle.
• Job Skills – Upskilling, certifications, or career changes to consider.
• Networking – Connecting with professionals in new fields.
• Mindset Shifts – Moving from a “teacher identity” to a new career identity.

Vision Board Ideas:

Create sections for each of these categories with relevant images, keywords, or goal reminders.

Shop for:

• Career change planners – Organize finances, job searches, and skills.
• Skill-building journals – Perfect for tracking new certifications or training.

Step 5: Overcome Fears and Self-Doubt

Fear and self-doubt are the biggest roadblocks to change. This step is about shifting limiting beliefs and replacing them with confidence.

Journal Prompts:

• What’s holding me back from leaving teaching?
• What’s one small action I can take today to move forward?
• What skills or strengths do I already have that will help in a new career?

Vision Board Idea: “Confidence and Growth” Section

Fill this part of your board with:

• Inspirational quotes that remind you of your capabilities.
• Photos of people who inspire you.
• A “strengths list” of things you’re naturally good at.

Shop for:

• Affirmation cards – Daily confidence boosters.
• Books on overcoming career change anxiety – Perfect for motivation.

Great read!

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04/03/2025 10:34 am GMT

Step 6: Track Progress and Stay Motivated

Journaling isn’t just for reflection – it’s also a tool to measure progress and adjust your plan when needed.

Ways to Track Your Transition:

• Weekly check-ins: What progress have you made? What’s next?
• Monthly vision board updates: Swap out goals as things evolve.
• Gratitude list: Acknowledge what’s going well in the transition.

Vision Board and Journal Enhancements:

Consider adding a progress tracker section to your board where you tick off milestones as you hit them.

Shop for:

• Habit trackers – Stay consistent with your exit plan.
• Motivational stickers – Fun way to mark milestones.
• Wall planners – Keep your career transition organized.

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Step 7: Make It a Daily Practice

To keep your vision board and journal effective, make them part of your routine.

Daily Habit Ideas:

• Set a five-minute journaling practice (reflect on wins, challenges, and goals).
• Spend a few moments looking at your vision board each morning.
• Update your board monthly to keep it aligned with your progress.

The more you engage with your vision board and journal, the more intentional your transition will feel.

Shop for:

• Five-minute gratitude journals – Simple, effective, and keeps momentum going.
• Desk-friendly mini vision boards – If you prefer a compact version for daily inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Leaving teaching is a big step, but having a clear vision, a strong mindset, and a solid plan will make the transition smoother. Your vision board and journal are more than just tools – they’re reminders of why you’re making this change and proof that your new life is possible.

I’d love to hear from you – are you creating a vision board for your own transition? Let me know in the comments. And if you’re looking for the best supplies to get started, check out my curated Amazon picks above.