Start from the result and reverse-engineer the path.

Learning goal

Describe the end state concretely.
Work backwards step by step to today.
Use the first backwards step as the first move.

Why it matters

Starting from today often drifts.
End state clarifies what done looks like.
Backwards planning reduces waste.

Key idea

Working backwards means starting from the desired result and reverse-engineering the path. Describe the end state in concrete terms; then what must be true the step before; repeat until you reach today.

Procedure

Describe the end state in concrete terms.
What must be true the step before that?
Repeat until you reach today.
First move = the step that gets you one notch toward the end state.

Common mistakes

Vague end state (e.g. "we will be better").
Skipping steps in the backwards chain.
Starting from today and hoping to reach the goal.

Today's move

Define the end state for one goal in concrete terms. Work backwards 3 steps. Your first move is the step that gets you one notch toward that end.

Self-check

You can explain the key idea in one sentence.
You have one concrete move to do today.

Working Backwards