Although we usually think of planning as starting at the beginning and finishing at the end, it can be beneficial to start with the end and continue backward to the beginning.
Most of us probably do this frequently in small ways. For example, to determine when we need to get up in the morning to get to work on time, we might plan something like this:
- I start work at 8:00, so…
- I need to arrive at work at 7:45 to park the car, punch in, etc. to be on the job by 8:00.
- It takes 45 minutes to drive to work, so I need to leave home at 7:00.
- It takes 90 minutes to get ready and take care of the pets, so I need to get up at 5:30.
- However, it’s snowing, the roads will probably be bad in the morning, so I need to allow an extra 30 minutes to drive to work. I need to set the alarm for 5:00.
This process can also be beneficial for our large dreams and goals, especially if they are very specific.
For example, if someone wanted to design motorcycles for a specific company, good information to obtain could be:
- Is this an entry level position? If not, what entry level position can lead to the desired position? What advancement is necessary within the company?
- What experience is required to be hired by the company? How can it be obtained?
- What education/degree is required? Where do most of these graduates attend college?
- What needs to be done to be accepted into that college and that degree program?
- What needs to be done to be able to attend that college? (For example, would it require moving? Financial assistance?)
The plan, of course, would include the details on how to make this work. Additional questions might include the following. Would an internship meet the experience requirement and could that be completed during college? If the person is in high school, what classes could she take and what grades would she need to be accepted to the college? If she is already in the workforce, can some of her work experience assist her in being accepted to the college? Are there classes she needs to take before she will be accepted either into that college or into that program? What financial assistance is available? What support, if any, will she need from family?
The next time you need to plan something, try planning backward and see if it helps you develop a better, more detailed plan.
