In a recent LinkedIn post, Ali Abdaal discusses the tangible impact of vision boards, sharing his personal experience of achieving significant goals after a vision-boarding session with his wife, Izzy. Abdaal frames the discussion not as a magical solution, but as a powerful tool for goal-setting and maintaining focus.
From Vision Board to Reality: Abdaal’s Personal Journey
Abdaal recounts how, after a vision-boarding session in January, several of the goals he visually represented began to materialize. He highlights key achievements such as the arrival of his first child, a shift in his chosen physical activity from martial arts to tennis, the launch of a new app named Momentum, and the relocation of his team to a new office in Hong Kong. This personal anecdote serves as the foundation for his argument about the efficacy of having a clear vision.
“I always remind my students: real change is hard without a compelling vision of where you want to go.”
Abdaal emphasizes that while life inevitably presents unforeseen challenges, a defined direction is crucial for progress. He explains the psychological mechanism behind how vision boards function, attributing their effectiveness to the brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS).
Understanding the Reticular Activating System (RAS)
According to Abdaal, the RAS acts as a filter for the overwhelming amount of information we encounter daily, discarding approximately 99% as unimportant. By regularly viewing a vision board, individuals signal to their brain that specific goals are significant. This constant reinforcement helps to prioritize these objectives amidst the daily influx of data.
“Just to be clear: a vision board isn’t a magical manifestation. I still had to do the work. But it kept my goals front of mind.”
Abdaal is careful to clarify that a vision board is not a passive tool for wish fulfillment. He stresses that the underlying effort and action are indispensable. The vision board’s primary role, in his view, is to maintain the salience of these goals, ensuring they remain at the forefront of one’s consciousness.
Practical Application and Encouragement
Building on his insights, Abdaal encourages his audience to adopt this practice. He suggests dedicating a small amount of time, specifically 15 minutes, to create a personal vision board and place it in a visible location.
“And that’s exactly what a vision board does – it gives you that direction.”
He posits that this simple act can provide the necessary direction for personal and professional development. Abdaal also mentions an upcoming live virtual weekend event with Izzy, Nir Eyal, Tj Power, and Anne-Laure, focused on reflecting on past goals, setting future objectives, and developing systems for consistency, further underscoring his commitment to practical goal achievement strategies.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ali Abdaal on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 10, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →