Backwards Planning

Have you ever been laser-focused on a goal and found yourself not being successful in completing that goal? If you answered yes, you have shared the same experience as approximately 92% to 96% of Americans, according to the University of Scantron and Forbes. Most people who set goals find themselves unsuccessful. So, how do we successfully create goals and accomplish them? Backward planning, in essence, means planning with the end in mind and answering this inquiry: What do you want to accomplish? Following these action steps will lead to a prosperous culmination.

• Decide which type (micro, macro, short, long) of goal you are planning. For example, short goal.
• Write your goal as a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely). For example: By the end of December 2026, I will lose 10.5 lbs. through healthy eating and exercise.
• Plan with a purpose—create a system, not merely personal motivation. Construct a detailed plan.
• For example:

1. Maintain a food intake diary (noting all foods consumed).
2. Maintain a 2,000-calorie diet per day.
3. Remove sweets and bread from daily intake.
4. Eat two fruits for breakfast, one fruit for a mid-morning snack, and two for an afternoon snack.
5. Consume the last meal prior to 6:00 p.m.
6. Engage in cardio exercises three times per week.

• Have an "Accountability Partner" who will hold you accountable to your goal.
• Monitor progress.
• Adjust the goal if applicable.

Being detailed and intentional will assist with reaching goals and targets. Dedication, stamina, and perseverance are innate human characteristics that will provide the motivation you require to meet the demands of the identified goal. The backward planning concept is deciding on a goal and working in reverse to meet and accomplish it. Two metrics are necessary and required for being successful: 1) Detailed written Plan/System (extrinsic), and 2) Motivation (intrinsic).

You are now prepared to plan your next set of goals with positive outcomes!