Timeline model is one of the best-known models in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Using the timeline technique, a person can travel through their personal timeline into the depths of their unconscious mind and personal world. The timeline technique can, among other things, help one confront past events, root oneself in the present moment, or visit one's imagined future.

Theory to be learned:Timeline model and technique
Field of Science:NLP, Psychology
Prerequisites:Open mind, imagination
Relations to Super* Theory: Identifying person's own world and timeline.
Level of Difficulty
★★

Summary

In the context of NLP, timeline refer to the concept of how individuals organize and present their personal experiences and memories in relation to time. It is a model used to understand how people store and process information related to time, including past events, present experiences, and future expectations.

The NLP model of timeline suggests that our subjective experience of time significantly affects how we think, feel, and behave. NLP practitioners use timeline to help individuals gain insights into their past experiences, eliminate limiting beliefs, set goals, and create positive changes in their lives.

Here are some key points related to NLP timeline:

Perception of Time: According to NLP, individuals organize their memories and experiences on a mental timeline that can be imagined as a linear representation of time. This timeline can extend horizontally from the past to the present and into the future. The placement of events on this timeline can affect how they are emotionally and psychologically experienced.

Directions of the Timeline: NLP distinguishes two main directions on the mental timeline:
  • Future-Oriented (Towards the Future): Some people experience their timeline moving from the past towards the future and are more focused on future goals and opportunities.
  • Past-Oriented (Towards the Past): Others experience their timeline moving backwards and are more focused on past events, memories, or regrets.
Timeline Techniques: NLP practitioners use various techniques when working with timelines to create positive changes in an individual's life. Some common techniques include:
  • Timeline Therapy: This technique helps individuals release negative emotions related to past events and create empowering beliefs and attitudes.
  • Changing the Past: Although past events cannot be changed, NLP allows individuals to alter the way they subjectively experience and interpret past events, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
  • Future Pacing: This involves mentally rehearsing success and achievement in advance. Visualizing future goals can increase motivation and self-confidence.
Submodalities: Submodalities are the subtle details of how we experience memories or images. NLP examines how the submodalities of memories (e.g., brightness, size, distance) can affect emotions and behavior.

It's important to note that NLP timeline techniques are part of the NLP model, which falls under applied psychology and self-help techniques. While many people have reported positive experiences with these techniques, it is essential to approach them with an open mind and consult trained and qualified coaches. As with all psychological approaches, individual results may vary, and critical thinking is recommended.

Connections to the Super* Theory
A timeline is one of the most important mental (and potential spiritual) resources taught by the Super* Project. A timeline is like complex numbers in mathematics; they are in a way real and true, but at the same time, they do not actually exist.

References

[Management Courses - Mike Clayton]. (2023, April 13). NLP Time Line Therapy: What are Time Lines? [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6ItqruFFOE&ab_channel=ManagementCourses-MikeClayton

[Richard Bandler]. (2023, January 17). Dr Richard Bandler explains what are Time Lines in NLP [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo5I2TCqMrs&ab_channel=RichardBandler

Positive study about NLP:

Kumar, A. & Panda, S. (2020). Neuro Linguistic Programming: A Novel Approach to Sentiment Analysis. Proceedings of the International Conference on Innovative Computing & Communications (ICICC) 2020, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3565867 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3565867

Critical study about NLP:

Passmore, J., & Rowson, T. (2019). Neuro-linguistic programming: A review of NLP research and the application of NLP in coaching. International Coaching Psychology Review. 14. 57-69. 10.53841/bpsicpr.2019.14.1.57. (Researchgate link)