Think Backwards Print

Business people all want to move ahead.

Moving ahead is what we all do, and mostly we just barge on, largely at full steam, sometimes we forge ahead in a more tentative manner. But, we are always seeking to move forward.

What if we get stuck?

During those times there is a new way forward that people are discovering

Thinking backwards is a way forward.

Sounds like madness eh?

Just try it!

Let's put that thought into context.

Have you ever attended a meeting where everyone is sitting around a table trying to decide what is the next step to do to move forward toward the end point.

Everyone is going round in circles because they are focusing on an end point of completion as distinct from an outcome.

The end point is usually ... the project is completed. (Collective sigh)

From a planning perspective, wouldn’t it make more sense to sit around the table and try to decide what the outcome is seeking to accomplish?

And then work backwards to think about what has to happen so that you can accomplish it?

Learning from the CIA

The CIA uses this process as one of it's tools for "seeing alternative perspectives"

Thinking Backwards. One technique for exploring new ground is thinking backwards. As an intellectual exercise, start with an assumption that some event you did not expect has actually occurred. Then, put yourself into the future, looking back to explain how this could have happened. Think what must have happened six months or a year earlier to set the stage for that outcome, what must have happened six months or a year before that to prepare the way, and so on back to the present.

Thinking backwards changes the focus from whether something might happen to how it might happen. Putting yourself into the future creates a different perspective that keeps you from getting anchored in the present. Analysts will often find, to their surprise, that they can construct a quite plausible scenario for an event they had previously thought unlikely. Thinking backwards is particularly helpful for events that have a low probability but very serious consequences should they occur, such as a collapse or overthrow of the Saudi monarchy.


Ok so your focus isn't about overthrowing governments or things relating to security of countries but this simple concept just works.

Next time your thinking is stuck ... think backwards.

For more ideas click here and try it for yourself right now

I wondered why I could alswyas find the solution to mazes in the Puzzle books we were given as children.

I began at the destination and worked back to the beginning not the way we were instructed. I know that says something else but hey I achieved the desired outcome.

Don't belive me then just try it ... yes you can do it on the screen ... just use your eyes and follow the path. Try the conventional way then try the contrarian way.

maze

If we focus on where we are right now and try to find ways to move toward the goal we seek, many's the time it comes with great struggle and moving into the unknown causes us to slow down ... just in case.

Begin at the objective, the end point, the destination, then work backwards to discover what has to have happened so that you can accomplish that objective or goal?
 
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