This page will show you how your mind represents time in the form of a time line. Follow these few simple instructions and then refer to the explanation which follows.

• Step 1 Wherever you are standing or sitting right now, point in the direction which represents the 'past' for you. Do it now. Some people point behind them, others to the left, just make a mental note of your instinctive choice.
• Step 2 Now, point in the direction which represents the 'future' for you. Do it now.
• Step 3 Notice that if you connect these two directions there is a line that runs from the past to the future. This is your Time Line.

It is interesting that we all have a spatial representation of time. We may 'look back' to the past or 'look forward' to the future. This is a way of representing and ordering time in our minds. Some people can actually see a line in their minds eye, others have a spatial feeling. It is not specific as it is only a personal representation; a convenient way to understand and gauge the passing of time.

There is a basic distinction between time lines. Some people are said to be 'In Time' and others 'Through Time'. If your time line runs through you, then you are 'In Time', if it runs past you, then you are 'Through Time'.

• In Time In time people live more in the moment. They are very aware of the 'here and now' but can get lost in the moment. They are apt to be late to appointments. A diary is an important device for them to keep track though they are less likely to keep one than 'through time' people.
• Through Time Through time people see the past and future laid out before them so tend to be better at planning or ordering past events. They often remember dates and are very aware of the passing of time. They are often punctual.

Using Your Personal Time Line

This process will help you to reinforce your goals.

• 1. Imagine your time line extending out into the future.
• 2. Imagine yourself moving along your time line into the future and as you placing your goals onto the line until you come to your main goal. If you have good visual images of these goals then use them.
• 3. Come back to your starting point in the present and mentally walk along your time line recalling each goal in sequence. You will gain a strong overview of the entire process you have to follow to succeed.
• 4. Run through this time line process every day. Good times to do this are first thing in the morning and last thing at night just before you go to sleep.