Resources for New Goals

Resources for New Goals

In the garden of resources for your own business

Sometimes we need special resources to reach our goals or to unlock new possibilities for ourselves. The “Resource Garden” is a proven NLP technique that helps us mobilize our inner strengths and access what we currently need. In this process, we connect the past, present, and future, activating different perspectives to gain the best possible support for our endeavor. In this session, I accompany Sven, a retailer who wants to strengthen his business. He feels that he needs resources such as courage, creativity, and perseverance to put his plans into action and move successfully into the future.

1. Preparing Ground Anchors

To build the resource garden, I lay nine labeled sheets on the floor in a square: three positions each for past, present, and future. Each row includes three perspectives: 1. the personal position, 2. the perspective of another person, and 3. the view of a more neutral observer.

2. Describing the Problem

In the center of the garden, on the “Present/Position 1” sheet, Sven describes his current situation. He says he has new ideas for his business, but sometimes lacks the perseverance and strength to put them into action. He longs for the energy and confidence to take his business to the next level.

3. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Past – Position 1

Sven moves to the “Past/Position 1” sheet. I ask him to recall a past time when he successfully overcame a challenge. He remembers the opening phase of his business, when he worked with great enthusiasm and drive. “What resource helped you back then?” I ask. “My courage and determination,” he replies. Sven imagines sending that determination as glowing energy to his present self. Back on Present Position 1, he receives the resource and feels how the memory of his early days gives him renewed courage.

4. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Past – Position 2

Now Sven steps onto “Past/Position 2.” I invite him to remember someone from his past who supported him. He thinks of a former mentor, a successful entrepreneur who guided him and helped him understand the fundamentals of the business. From the mentor’s perspective, Sven says to himself: “Stay curious and open to learning. Every day brings new opportunities. Keep going and know this: You’ve got this.” The mentor symbolically gives him a small scale as a sign of perseverance and balance. Sven returns to the present position to receive this gift, which reminds him to move forward persistently and in balance.

5. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Past – Position 3

Now Sven steps onto the “Past/Position 3” field, where he takes on the role of a childhood hero who once inspired and empowered him. After a short reflection, he remembers his childhood hero Robin Hood – the brave and clever archer who helps others and stands for justice.

I invite Sven to imagine what it feels like to be Robin Hood – bold, confident, and ready to face any challenge. As Robin Hood, Sven feels the determination and courage to do the right thing even in the face of resistance. Robin tells him: “Use your courage and ingenuity as I do. Every obstacle is just a part of your journey.”

Robin symbolically gives Sven a bow and a quiver full of arrows – symbols of purposefulness, endurance, and courage. The bow reminds Sven to trust his abilities and move boldly toward his goal, and the arrows represent the determination he needs for his plans.

Sven then returns to Present Position 1 and accepts the symbolic gifts from Robin Hood. He feels how courage and purposefulness are taking root within him, and his confidence in overcoming challenges grows.

6. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Present – Position 2

On the “Present/Position 2” sheet, Sven takes the perspective of his best friend, who has often given him advice. From her perspective, he says to himself: “I know how passionate you are about your business. It's okay to accept help and give yourself a break. With renewed energy, you'll go further.” She sends him the resources of patience and perseverance. Sven returns to the present sheet to receive patience and regain new energy.

7. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Present – Position 3

Sven steps onto the “Present/Position 3” field as a neutral observer and looks objectively at his current life and business. From this perspective, he realizes that he is often impatient and could give himself more time for long-term developments. Returning to the present position, he takes in this insight and feels freer to proceed in smaller steps.

8. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Future – Position 1

On “Future/Position 1,” Sven imagines his future self, who has successfully and sustainably developed his business. He sees a store full of satisfied customers; his creativity and persistence have paid off. “Never stop pursuing your vision,” this future self sends back to him. Returning to the present position, he receives confidence and belief in his vision.

9. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Future – Position 2

In “Future/Position 2,” Sven takes the perspective of a friend from the future who believes in Sven’s business success. This friend tells him: “Enjoy every step of the journey. Building a successful business is a journey. Every day is valuable.” He mentally gives Sven a watch as a symbol of appreciating every moment. Back on the present position, Sven receives this message and feels new gratitude for the small progress he’s making.

10. Sending and Receiving Resources from the Future – Position 3

In the “Future/Position 3” field, Sven envisions a wise, experienced figure who says to him: “You have the ability to overcome obstacles and grow your business. Everything you need is already within you.” This figure sends Sven the resource of inner strength and trust in his abilities. Sven accepts this strength on the present position and feels his confidence grow.

11. Integration of All Resources

Back on the “Present/Position 1” sheet, Sven reviews the various resources he has received – determination, perseverance, patience, creativity, focus, and trust in his vision. He imagines all these resources arriving to him as symbols and energies, strengthening his motivation. He is deeply moved by the support he received from all these perspectives and feels an inner strength and calmness that will help him on his journey.