Time perspective coaching

Ilona Boniwell

Evgeny Osin

pp. 451-469

in: Maciej Stolarski, Nicolas Fieulaine, Wessel van Beek (eds), Time perspective theory; review, research and application, Berlin, Springer, 2015

Abstract

Learning to balance one's time perspective enables individuals to avoid the negative consequences of excessive reliance on particular time frames while optimizing their cognitive flexibility to shift temporal focus to satisfy situational demands. Achieving a balanced time perspective, or even simply minimizing existing excessive biases, is not easy. It requires an awareness of one's current temporal orientation, overcoming cultural, social and situational pressures for sustaining a more limited orientation, and a will to live a healthy, socially connected, productive life. This chapter presents a variety of methods, including both evidence-based interventions and questions that can be employed in coaching sessions to address and develop different forms of imbalance in clients' time perspective.