The strategy was devised by Todd Epstein and Robert Dilts, two NLP trainers. They modelled the method used by Walt Disney to turn his ideas into reality, especially in the form of his animated films.

They recognised that Disney used three types of thinking – day dreaming or fantasising, planning, and being constructively critical.

Many people also do this. What was different about Disney’s approach is that he subjected his great ideas to these styles sequentially whereas most people use all three styles at the same time – producing unclear, confused and muddled thinking that frequently results in great ideas being jettisoned.  (See Tools for Dreamers, 1991, Meta Publications)