Today, where time is never in abundance, setting strong goals and improving oneself has become a necessity. As statistics show, 92% of people who set goals without writing them down never achieve them, whereas those who write down their goals are 42% more inclined to achieve whatever they desire. For a Muslim entrepreneur, a vision board is an effective tool that helps integrate materialistic aspirations with more purposeful goal orientation in an Islamic context.
Here’s how your vision board can be made effective, faith-based, and business-oriented at the same time:
1. Align Your Vision with Islamic Values
Before gathering images and quotes, reflect on what success means to you from an Islamic perspective. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Verily, Allah does not look at your bodies nor your appearances, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds” (Sahih Muslim).
For someone who practices Islam, it is ideal to stay engaged in actions in this world that also reap benefits in the afterlife. Hence, setting goals is not simply about becoming richer but becoming closer to God, doing the various works that benefit mankind, and trying to do as many actions as possible that are solely for the sake of Allah.
For instance, adding a visual reminder to make healthy habits that are followed by the Sunnah and incorporating acts of worship despite a busy schedule. This will help Muslim entrepreneurs to be balanced in having a healthy lifestyle and acts that strengthen their relationship with Allah.
2. Start with Clear Intentions
As a Muslim entrepreneur, intentions (niyyah) are crucial. The reward for your work depends on the purity of your intention. Start by making a heartfelt du’a (prayer), asking Allah for guidance in your journey. This will help you focus on what truly matters.
To start, list down the most important goals for your business to succeed. For example, it can be increasing the customer base, providing the best service, or making ethical business practices. For personal goals, ensure that it includes such things as health, family and spirituality.
3. Choose Meaningful Imagery
After having a clear vision, select pictures, words, and other symbols that signify the goals that you have listed. Remember, the pictures must emphasize long-term purpose and also short-term achievements. For instance, putting an image of a balanced diet food will remind you to keep on choosing healthy meals on a daily basis.
4. Put It in a Location That You Can See Regularly
A vision board will work well when it is regularly seen since it is implanted in your brain. When the brain recognizes this repetition, it will be more likely to take action towards achieving it.
To ensure it works, put it in a spot that you always see, like your own workspace, or even put it as a widget on your smartphone. However, it will be more effective when you are actively engaging with it. This is done by seeing each vision one by one while visualizing yourself to achieve this goal. Ask yourself daily whether you have done anything to make progress.
To ensure you are making progress, list down actionable actions towards the goal as a reminder so that it will be completed.
5. Incorporate Gratitude and Positive Affirmations
Gratitude is a powerful tool in both business and life. The Quran says, “If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more” (Quran 14:7). It has significant benefits, like getting closer to Allah, reducing negative emotions during obstacles, increasing resilience, and attracting success.
Add positive affirmations related to gratitude on your vision board, like “I am grateful for the opportunities Allah has blessed me with.” Other than putting gratitude on the vision board, making it a habit to thank Allah in every action, even how small it is, can have a major improvement in one’s life.
6. Separate or Blend Your Vision Board for Better Organization
Making a vision board that works well depends on the things you want to focus on and your priorities. If you find that personal goals also support your business goals, a blended vision board will work well. For example, a small business owner who sees sustainability as one of her values would want to wear clothes from sustainable sources.
Therefore, her business, which also focuses on sustainability, matches her value. This makes a blended vision work better for both personal and professional growth. Meanwhile, those who wanted to have a priority to scale their business might have it differently. Having a business vision board and a personal vision board can help with better focus and clarity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a vision board for a Muslim entrepreneur is a tool for success and also a constant reminder of your faith, values, and intentions. It helps you align your aspirations with your ultimate purpose in life, serving Allah while striving for excellence in business and personal growth. With clear intentions, regular reflection, and divine trust, your vision board will be a collection of images and a powerful guide on your entrepreneurial journey.
