Rediscovering and Manifesting Your True Self

Pakeeza Ali, MSN, RN, HNB-BC - Doctoral of Nursing Practice Candidate, San Jose State University

The Power of Core Values, Neuroscience, and Vision Boards for Goal Setting and Well-Being

Creating a vision board is more than just a creative exercise—it’s a purposeful process of aligning your goals with your core values, using tools grounded in self-reflection, neuroscience, and spirituality. By reflecting on your past, identifying your values, and visualizing your future, you create a personalized roadmap for success.

Why Core Values Are Essential

Your core values are the principles that define who you are and what you stand for. In Islamic teachings, these values are deeply tied to our purpose as servants of Allah (SWT). They help guide decisions, cultivate resilience, and ensure our goals align with both worldly aspirations and eternal rewards.

Examples of Core Values (with Arabic terms)

1. Tawhid (Oneness of God)

• This foundational value reminds us to align every aspect of our lives with the awareness of Allah’s presence and sovereignty.

• Practical Goal: Dedicate 10 minutes each morning for reflection or dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

2. Ikhlas (Sincerity)

• Acting with pure intentions to please Allah and seek His reward.

• Practical Goal: Reflect on intentions before starting any task, ensuring it’s for Allah’s sake.

3. Adl (Justice)

• Upholding fairness in personal and community relationships.

• Practical Goal: Resolve conflicts with fairness and avoid favoritism.

4. Shukr (Gratitude)

• Appreciating Allah’s blessings in all areas of life.

• Practical Goal: Keep a gratitude journal, writing three things you’re thankful for each day.

5. Sabr (Patience)

• Remaining steadfast through trials and trusting Allah’s plan.

• Practical Goal: Memorize and reflect on Qur'anic verses about patience (e.g., Qur'an 2:153).

6. Ihsan (Excellence)

• Striving for perfection in worship, work, and relationships, knowing Allah sees all.

• Practical Goal: Commit to one act of worship with ihsan—such as praying salah with full focus daily.

7. Haya (Modesty and Humility)

• Living with dignity, avoiding arrogance and excess.

• Practical Goal: Simplify your wardrobe, prioritize humility in conversations, and engage in self-reflection.

Neuroscience and the Power of Visualization

Neuroscience explains how visualizing success and aligning it with your values can reshape the brain. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new neural pathways, enabling us to adopt new habits and perspectives.

Key Concepts:

• “Neurons that fire together, wire together”: Visualizing a goal repeatedly strengthens neural connections that make it easier to achieve.

• Focus on Success: The brain can’t distinguish between visualization and reality, so imagining success helps prepare the mind for it.

• Intentional Repetition: Repeated visualizations create a mental "rehearsal," priming the brain to act when opportunities arise.

Reflecting on Wins and Losses

Self-reflection is an essential step in setting meaningful goals. By reflecting on both victories and challenges, we identify what worked, what didn’t, and how to adjust moving forward.

Journal Prompts for Reflection:

1. What goals or intentions did I achieve this past year?

2. What challenges did I face, and how did I grow from them?

3. Did my actions reflect my core values? If not, what held me back?

4. How did I show gratitude for Allah’s blessings in the past year?

5. Which habits or behaviors do I want to leave behind?

How to Identify Your Core Values

Reflecting on your core values allows you to connect with your authentic self and align your goals with what truly matters. Islamic values can serve as a guide for living a life of purpose and sincerity.

Steps to Identify Core Values:

1. Reflect: Think of moments when you felt fulfilled and close to Allah.

2. Connect: Look for themes in those moments (e.g., serving others, seeking knowledge, maintaining relationships).

3. Prioritize: Select 5–7 values that resonate deeply with your identity.

Setting Goals Rooted in Your Values

Setting goals that align with your values ensures they feel meaningful and fulfilling. Here’s how to connect values to actionable goals:

• Value: Adl (Justice) → Goal: "Resolve conflicts with fairness in family or workplace."

• Value: Shukr (Gratitude) → Goal: "Start every dua with gratitude for Allah’s blessings."

• Value: Ihsan (Excellence) → Goal: "Work on perfecting one sunnah practice, like regular Tahajjud."

Creating Your Vision Board

A vision board combines imagery, words, and affirmations to bring your goals to life. Grounded in both neuroscience and Islamic intention-setting, it serves as a constant reminder of your aspirations.

Steps to Build Your Vision Board:

1. Choose a Power Word: Select a single word to guide your year (e.g., "Patience," "Growth," "Purpose").

2. Define Goals: Write 5–10 high-level goals that reflect your values, such as health, family, and spiritual growth.

3. Collect Visuals: Use magazines, photos, or printouts to represent your values and goals.

4. Categorize: Organize your board into sections, such as "Faith," "Health," "Relationships," and "Career."

5. Write Action Steps: Include habits or milestones for each goal, e.g., "Daily dhikr after Fajr."

Practical Reflection and Daily Practice

Once your vision board is complete, integrate it into your daily life. Use it as a tool to refocus and stay motivated.

Daily Journal Prompts:

1. What small action can I take today to move closer to my vision?

2. Which value will I embody in today’s interactions?

3. How can I show gratitude for progress made so far?

The Intersection of Core Values, Neuroscience, and Islam

When core values, neuroscience, and Islamic principles come together, they provide a framework for intentional living. Core values give us purpose, visualization rewires the brain for success, and Islamic teachings keep us spiritually grounded. This approach enhances not just our productivity but also our mental well-being and sense of barakah (blessing).

Conclusion

Combining self-reflection, Islamic principles, and neuroscience transforms the way we set and achieve goals. By understanding your core values, visualizing your success, and grounding it all in Islamic intentions, you create a meaningful and fulfilling path forward.

Start this journey by reflecting on who you are and who you aspire to be. Let your vision board inspire action, growth, and alignment with your true purpose.