How to Work Backward to Leap Forward in 2019

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It’s another year y’all! Last year I stumbled forward and watched as some of you stumbled along with me. It worked. My life has measurably moved forward. Maybe comfortably moved further is a better way to look at it. In retrospect, I coped out by stumbling forward. This year, I will be the gangsta I know that I am and quit hiding behind excuses or being comfortable because others may think I am working hard. My goal setting for 2019 will be to implement the Daley version of the work backward strategy and I think you should too.


What is the Work Backward Strategy

The work backward strategy is simple, straightforward, and something you may have done. Set your end goal, pick your end date then you back into it. I like yearly goals. If you start in February 2019 then set your achievement date for February 2020. It is also fine to have specific goals for a different time interval. Make sure it’s a goal that takes some effort — sweat and a few tears don’t hurt.

The work backward strategy is simple, straightforward, and something you may have done. Set your end goal, pick your end date then you back into it. I like yearly goals. If you start in February 2019 then set your achievement date for February 2020. It is also fine to have specific goals for a different time interval. Make sure it’s a goal that takes some effort — sweat and a few tears don’t hurt.

You’ve probably heard of making S.M.A.R.T. goals (over and over again)— Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. It is a great rule for goal planning — yet people still struggle. For your 2019 goals, I hope to show you how to put it into play and you may never need to worry about planning SMART. For 2019 goals and beyond, you will work smart instead of having beautiful S.M.A.R.T. plans.

How to Work Backwards to Set and Achieve Big Goals One at a Time

If you want to set your goals effectively, define your goals in numbers. If your goals aren’t attached to numbers and date, then it is not a measurable goal and it is not possible to hold yourself accountable. Before we dive into the rules for working backward to leap forward, we have a few assumptions:

  • A long-term goal = 1 year
  • A short-term goal = one month
  • Major milestone = 1 week
  • A mini milestone = 1 day

You can step into achieving goals whether they are personal goals, career goals, or business goals. The example below assumes you want to pay off a car in twelve months. I have the long-term, short-term and major milestone calculations.

  • Set your goal and state it as if you’ve already achieved it. Goal Met: It is December 31, 2019, and I’ve paid off the $6,000 I owed on my car!
  • Assuming you start January 1, 2019, calculate the monthly goals. The formula is Long Term Goal divided by 12 months, in this case. Here is an example: January Milestone: It is January 31, 2019, and I have paid $500.000 of the $6000 I owe on my car! February’s milestone will have $1,000.
  • Next, calculate the weekly amount you need to save to make your monthly payment. The formula for your short-term goal is Long-Term Goal divided by 52. l January 7 (Short-term Goal): It is January 7 and I have saved $116 (rounded up) of the $500 I need to meet my short-term goal.

It’s a real motivator to make statements and have them on your wall. Here is the thing though — I’d rather you work on your goals than to take four hours making cute signs. It took me less than an hour to calculate my goals on a spreadsheet. Make doing your priority over pretty planning.

How to Turn Any Goal to Number


I know you may not see how all your New Year’s resolution can be measurable. My husband and I spend a lot of time together — we are either working or snuggling with the dogs. We want to spend more alone time together. We have quantified our goals. We want to have four date nights this year (don’t judge, we have some hefty financial goals this year) and have one day a week without critters in our bed.

Rules to Success

Put your backward strategy in motion then take it one day at a time.
Implement your goals one at a time.
Pick your failures—you will not make all your milestones so now which one is the most important.
You will have to
Adjust your plan
Don’t get discouraged
Put your big girl/boy pants on!

Conclusion


Join me on the journey to leap forward by moving backward. If you need help planning, I can help you in one or more of the following ways:

Set up a free 15-minute call with me to ask me anything. I want to get to know you and I would love to help you leap forward by moving backward!