Vision Boards Are Cute, But Have You Tried Lowering Expectations?

Vision boards are everywhere. Pinterest says they’ll change your life. TikTok swears they’re the key to manifesting your dream house, dream job, and a body that somehow loves kale. The idea is simple: cut out pictures of things you want, glue them onto a board, and wait for the universe to deliver.

Sounds magical, right? Except… I made a vision board in 2017, and the only thing that’s manifested so far is the glue still stuck to my carpet.

Here’s the problem: vision boards are aspirational, but they’re also delusional. Mine had a Mediterranean villa, a closet full of designer clothes, and an aura of “calm productivity.” Meanwhile, in reality, I live in a two-bedroom apartment where the Wi-Fi cuts out every time it rains, and my wardrobe is 60% t-shirts with sarcastic slogans that are at least more honest than I am.

So I’ve discovered a new self-care strategy: lowering my expectations. Radical, I know. Instead of manifesting “dream yacht energy,” I’m manifesting “didn’t burn my toast this morning.” Instead of pinning images of a million-dollar office setup, I’m celebrating that my desk chair only squeaks sometimes. Instead of the vision board villa, I’m just trying to keep my laundry pile from swallowing the one t-shirt I actually want to wear.

Here’s the thing: when your expectations are low, the wins feel huge. Got through a meeting without accidentally being on mute the whole time? Victory. Found $5 in an old coat pocket? Wealthy. Remembered to drink water before 4 p.m.? Basically a wellness influencer.

Vision boards want me to be a billionaire. My lowered expectations just want me to feel okay about eating cereal for dinner… preferably while wearing something comfortable and funny enough to make the day feel less tragic.

Because life doesn’t have to look like a glossy magazine spread to feel good. Sometimes it’s just about finding joy in the little stuff, like clean sheets, cheap coffee, and a t-shirt that reminds you not to take any of this too seriously. That’s manifestation I can actually afford.

Manifest your new favorite t-shirt here → Manifesting a Nap