NLP → NLP Lexicon

As-is and to-be timeline

Definition

The As-is and to-be timeline is a central concept from NLP that deals with the perception of time and goals. The "Is-Time Line" describes the current state of a person in relation to their past and present (the experienced time). The "Should-Time Line" on the other hand describes the ideal or desired state in the future (the aspired goal).

Working with it helps to get a clear idea of the current and desired state and allows for the identification of the discrepancy or gap between the two states. This creates motivation and a clear vision for the change process.

Origin and Theoretical Background

The concept of the time line was developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the context of their work with hypnosis and internal representations. It was introduced as a tool to change the subjective perception of time and to promote the integration of goals into the clients' current lives. The method is based on the assumption that people store their time spatially in the brain (time line in space) and that this representation can be actively used for therapeutic and coaching purposes.

Application Examples

• Coaching:

  A client feels stuck in their career. By visualizing the Is- and Should-Time Line, they recognize the dead end of the present and the clear desire of the future. The coach helps them bridge the gap and plan concrete steps to achieve the Should-Time Line.

• Therapy:

  A client is trapped by traumatic experiences (Is-Time Line). The therapist works to develop a positive Should-Time Line (future of healing). Through visualizations, the client is connected with this positive future to find solutions for overcoming the present.

Areas of Application

• Therapy: Identification of blockages and obstacles between the present and desired future; overcoming traumas (Time Line Therapy™).
• Coaching: Clarification of goal setting, creation of concrete action plans, and overcoming internal obstacles.
• Leadership Training: Vision creation and strategic goal orientation for teams or organizations.

Methods and Exercises

1. Visualizations in space:

   The client imagines their time line as a line in space (the past often lies behind, the future in front of them). The exercise consists of physically stepping into the Is-Time Line to perceive the current state, and then "walking" into the Should-Time Line to visualize the desired goals.

2. Setting markers:

   The time lines are represented with markings or symbols on the ground. Considering and discussing the distance between these points promotes awareness of the necessary steps.

3. Goal clarification:

   Precise and concrete representation of the goals in the Should-Time Line through targeted questions (e.g., "What would happen in your life if you achieved this goal?").

Synonyms or Related Terms

• Future orientation
• Goal time line
• Future vision

Distinction

The Is- and Should-Time Line differs from general "goal setting" in that it is specifically based on the perception of time as a line and actively considers the distance between the current and desired state. It is an active tool to fill this gap and guide the change process.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Individually:

  Promotes a clear awareness of the current state and helps to develop concrete steps towards goal realization. It provides clear orientation and increases motivation.

• Practically:

  Enables a strategic design of the path to one's own future and helps prioritize actions.

Metaphor or Analogy

Imagine your life is like a train journey. The Is-Time Line is the train that is currently on the tracks (your current situation). The Should-Time Line is the destination you want to head towards (your desired goal in the future). With the help of this technique, you plan the route, recognize obstacles, and gently and purposefully steer the train towards the desired place.

See also