Reverse goal setting
Also called
- backward planning,
- backward goal-setting
- backward design
I watched a movie called “A Million Miles Away”, which, in turn is based on a book called “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut by José Moreno Hernández , Monica Rojas Rubin”. The author seems to have followed the same approach in achieving his goal of becoming a NASA astronaut.
What is it?
In planning, most of us would usually start building our plan from start to finish. What do you have to do first, second, third, and so on? And by what date does each step need to be completed?
Reverse goal setting is the opposite. The idea is to start with our ultimate objective, our end goal, and then work backward from there to develop our plan. By starting at the end and looking back, we can mentally prepare ourselves for success, map out the specific milestones we need to reach, and identify where in our plan we have to be particularly energetic or creative to achieve the desired results.
It is the process of defining your end goal and working backward to map out the milestones and smaller steps you need to accomplish.
It is much like a good presentation, when the presenter tells you where he’s headed right at the beginning. Then, as the presentation unfolds, it’s easy for you to follow the concepts and think critically about what’s being said. If you have to figure out the main points as they come, your energy is often used up by just trying to keep up.
When you read a backward plan, it doesn’t look much different from a traditional forward plan. However, creating a backward plan is very different. You need to force yourself to think from a completely new perspective, to help you see things that you might miss if you use a traditional, forward-looking chronological process.
This can also help you avoid spending time on unnecessary or unproductive activities along the way. Furthermore, it highlights points of tension within the plan, showing where you’ll need to be particularly creative to make the next step successfully.
Benefits
Using the reverse goal setting technique is incredibly effective for several reasons:
- Reduces Risk: It’s easy to start planning a goal, list the first few steps, and get started without fully developing your approach. While that initial burst of energy might feel productive, it can lead to unexpected roadblocks later on in the process. Starting with your end goal in mind gives you an opportunity to consider all the factors including any potential barriers to success!
- Maximizes Efficiency: Outlining your entire list of goals in advance allows you to eliminate any task that doesn’t actually align with your end goal. For instance, it would be a shame to complete a 6-month course only to discover it’s not required. Identifying each step in the process helps ensure your time and resources are being spent efficiently.
- Improves Performance: Without short-term goals, working towards a long-term goal can begin to feel discouraging. Even if you’re making significant progress, it can seem like there’s no end in sight. Breaking long-term goals into smaller achievements will help build your confidence and keep the momentum needed to hit your final target!