The 3-Screen Wallpaper Method: Turn Your Phone Into a Tiny Vision Board

Part of our complete guide: The Science of Journaling: What Writing Things Down Really Does to Your Brain.

I realised something slightly embarrassing recently: I look at my phone more often than I look at the goals I wrote down for myself.

So instead of fighting that fact, I decided to use it.

The idea behind my 3-screen wallpaper method is ridiculously simple: give each screen a job. Rather than one random aesthetic photo, use your digital space to remind you what you are building.

What goes on screen one?

How you want to feel. Your lock screen should not scream at you to be productive. I want mine to feel like a tiny exhale.

Choose an image, phrase or visual that represents the feeling you want more of: calm, freedom, confidence, softness, independence, adventure. A believable money affirmation works well here too.

Not “lose 10 pounds.” Not “make six figures.” Ask yourself what you think that goal would let you feel — and put that on the screen.

What goes on screen two?

What you are working toward. Your main home screen can be more practical. This is where I would put three visual reminders of current priorities.

Maybe that is a travel destination, a savings goal, a career milestone, a beautiful home, a creative project or simply a screenshot of a sentence you wrote in your journal that you do not want to forget.

Keep it specific enough to mean something, but clean enough that you will actually notice it.

What goes on screen three?

The woman behind the goals. This one is my favourite.

Instead of collecting pictures of things you want, build a screen around the person you want to become while getting them.

What does she protect? What does she stop apologising for? How does she make decisions with money? What kind of promises does she keep to herself?

Your third wallpaper might include words like: intentional, independent, calm, brave, well-paid, rested, selective.

What should I journal before making the wallpaper?

A vision board is much more useful when you know why you chose the images.

Try these three prompts:

• What do I want more of in my everyday life?
• What am I willing to do consistently for the next 90 days?
• If nobody online could see my life, what would success look like to me?

That last question changes everything.

I love pretty inspiration, but I love it even more when there is something real underneath it. Your wallpaper can catch your attention. Your journal can help you figure out what that attention should actually go toward.

How do I turn the vision into something real?

If your wallpaper includes financial freedom, confidence or a calmer relationship with money, start by understanding what currently drives your choices. The Matriarch’s Money Brain — Step I: CONFRONT is designed to uncover the beliefs, triggers and emotional patterns underneath your money habits.

Before you build the future version of you, understand the patterns she is leaving behind. Start with Step I: CONFRONT →

FAQ

What is a phone vision board?

A set of phone wallpapers chosen to remind you of your goals and the feelings you want more of, so you see them every time you unlock your phone.

Do vision boards work?

They work best as reminders combined with action. Pair your wallpaper with a weekly check-in on what you're actually doing.

How often should I change my wallpapers?

Whenever they stop catching your attention, or every 90 days when you review your goals.

Keep reading:

• The Science of Journaling
• The timetable temple weekly routine
• 25 money affirmations that actually work