When setting action steps for goals, we usually start with the first step and end with the last step, which completes our goal. But when using reverse goal setting (also called backward goal setting), we start with the end goal and work backward. In this article, we explain the benefits of using this method and how to apply it.

The Benefits of Reverse Goal Setting

Here are some of the benefits of the reverse goal setting:

●  It helps you to get clear about what important steps need to be taken to efficiently achieve your end goal and helps you to stay focused on the end goal. Without reverse goal setting, you might create tasks that are unnecessary or that don’t ultimately help you to reach your goal.

● Reverse goal setting helps you to establish the milestones that are needed to achieve your end goal, the levels of complexity for each, and the amount of time required for them.

The first step involved in the reverse goal setting is to clearly define your ultimate goal. It might be a personal goal, such as losing weight, or a business goal. Make sure that your goal is realistic and include the date by which you want to achieve it. For example: “I will be at my ideal weight of 150 pounds by January 1, 2020.”

The next step is to define a few supporting goals that you will need to achieve before you can reach your ultimate goal. Also, write down when you will perform each goal and/ or by what date it needs to be accomplished. If necessary, you can also put the goals in a certain order or include the cost of resources for each.

For example, if your main goal is to lose weight, you might define the following supporting goals:

●  Eat 1,400 calories of healthy foods each day.

●  Create a monthly meal plan at 9:00 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month, for the following month.

●  Go to the gym at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Exercise for an hour each day.

●  Check your weight at 8:00 a.m. each week on Sunday.

●  Take a half-hour walk at 7:00 a.m. each morning.

Break the Secondary Goals into Smaller Goals

Once you have defined your secondary goals, you can break them down into more specific targets. For example, in the above goal of going to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you could define the types of exercises that you will do on each of those days.

Get Support for Accomplishing Your Goal

Reverse goal setting is a great way to outline a plan for accomplishing a major goal. However, you still need to stay motivated and on track to get to your destination. A coach can give you the support and guidance to help you to accomplish your goal. Get in touch today!