I came across this goal setting method called the reverse goal setting method. According to Justin Sung, it is a transformative approach to achieving our goals with greater clarity and confidence. Unlike conventional goal setting, which focuses primarily on outcomes without a clear path to achievement, reverse goal setting works backward from our desired result to create a strategic roadmap.

These are the 5 Steps of Reverse Goal Setting

Step 1: Identify Our Long-Term Goal

Begin by defining what we genuinely want to achieve. Remember that our real goal isn't just the outcome but the feeling we hope to experience. Keep our timeline realistic - no more than 3 years ahead to maintain flexibility and adaptability.

Step 2: Define Our Future Self

This is where reverse goal setting truly differentiates itself. Instead of focusing solely on the outcome, identify the person we need to become to make achieving your goal easy. What skills, habits, attributes, and opportunities would that person have? This "meta goal" becomes our primary focus. For example, if we want to be wealthy, our future self is that person with the attribute deserving of that long term goal.

Step 3: Define Our Current Self

Honestly assess where we currently stand in relation to our future self. Rate ourself on the key skills and attributes we identified. The gap between our current and future self becomes our plan.

Step 4: Do A Force Field Analysis

Map out the barriers preventing us from becoming our future self and the drivers that can help us succeed. Consider our existing skills, network, and resources that can be leveraged to overcome obstacles.

Step 5: Build Our Plan

Based on our analysis, determine what to focus on first, when to start, and how to approach it. Prioritize the areas with the biggest gaps that will take the longest to develop. Be realistic about timelines and focus on just one or two areas at a time for the best chance of success.

Let's operationalise it. Try filling out the form below.

Reverse Goal Setting Worksheet

Step 1: Identify Your Long-Term Goal

Long-Term Vision (5-10 years):

Why (Desired Feeling/Outcome):

Medium-Term Goal (1-3 years):

Specific Requirements:

Step 2: Define Your Future Self

Skills Needed (Rating on importance):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Habits Needed (Rating on importance):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Attributes Needed (Rating on importance):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Opportunities Needed (Rating on importance):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Step 3: Define Your Current Self

Current Skills (Rating on current state):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Current Habits (Rating on current state):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Current Attributes(Rating on current state):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Current Opportunities (Rating on current state):

______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____
______________ | Rating (1-10): ____

Step 4: Force Field Analysis

Barriers/Obstacles:

Drivers/Enablers:

Step 5: Build Your Plan

What to Focus On First:

When to Start:

How to Approach It:

Timeline (Be Realistic!):

Focus Area 1:

Start Date: ______________
30-Day Progress: ______________
60-Day Progress: ______________
90-Day Progress: ______________

Focus Area 2:

Start Date: ______________
30-Day Progress: ______________
60-Day Progress: ______________
90-Day Progress: ______________

Remember that improving skills and changing habits takes time and consistent effort. By focusing on becoming the person who can easily achieve your goals, rather than just the outcome itself, you set yourself up for sustainable success in both the short and long term.

Reverse goal setting: A method for achieving our dreams