Every January brings a natural energy for reflection and dreaming big. It’s a time proven to be perfect for setting intentions and planning how we want our lives to unfold. In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I’m joined by Maria Maldonado Smith, a leading expert in goal setting and vision boards.

Together, we explore the exciting journey of turning dreams, especially around travel, into reality.

Maria explains that a vision board is a visual representation of your goals, acting as a powerful tool to keep your aspirations in focus. In a world inundated with images, vision boards help you curate what truly matters to you, leveraging your brain’s reticular activating system to align with your desires and create an information funnel that keeps your goals top of mind.

Many people, Maria notes, use excuses like lack of time or money to postpone their dreams. Instead, she encourages listeners to reevaluate their priorities and align their actions with their ambitions. Simple practices like setting aside time regularly for your goals and saving incrementally for dream trips can make a massive difference.

After creating your vision board, it's crucial to have an accountability system in place. Regularly check in on your progress, celebrate small wins, and adjust your goals as needed. Consistency, accountability, and grace are key to making your visions reality.

Whether it's learning a new language, embarking on a travel adventure, or deepening relationships, let this be the year you turn your dreams into reality.

Happy vision boarding, and keep exploring! Remember to follow the Transform with Travel podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

LISTEN TO FULL EPISODE HERE!

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction: Turning Dreams into Reality
• 05:17 Travel Stories and Personal Growth
• 11:10 The Neuroscience of Goal Setting
• 14:32 Common Goals and Overcoming Excuses
• 29:53 Creating Your Vision Board for 2025
• 34:42 Defining Fun and Travel Preferences
• 35:29 Becoming a Better Version of Yourself Through Travel
• 36:10 Creating and Building Through Travel
• 38:12 Vision Boards and Goal Setting
• 38:24 Incorporating Words and Images into Vision Boards
• 41:58 Handling Travel Surprises and Flexibility
• 43:03 Saving Money for Travel
• 46:37 Family Goal Setting and Vision Boarding
• 52:24 Quick Tips for Vision Boarding
• 55:28 Accountability and Consistency in Achieving Goals
• 01:02:19 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Workbook
• Vision Board Workshop

Connect with Maria

• Follow Maria on Instagram
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn
• Follow Maria on Facebook

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on Instagram
• Transform With Travel Website

Travel With Kelly! Check out RNR’s Group Retreats & Tours here.

Thanks To Our Sponsor:

• Best Day Brewing: Gear up for Dry January with Best Day Brewing! Shop Here.

More Episodes Like This? 

• Episode 54: Overcome Burnout and Become Unstoppable
• Episode 50: 7 Mindfulness Techniques to Unlock Stress-Free Travel
• Episode 39: How To Save Money For Travel

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️