"The common conception is that motivation leads to action, but the reverse is true - action precedes motivation." -Robert J. Mckain
"Begin with the end in mind." -Stephen Covey
When Setting Goals
When you're trying to accomplish something always start with the goal in mind and work backwards.
Here's an example: Let's say you want to write a book. First, visualize what a successful final product will look like.Then write down everything that it will take to complete the book. In this example: brainstorming, research, writing, editing, book design, publishing, and marketing. Come up with a realistic timeline on how long it will take to complete all of these. Then plot on your calendar the date you want to complete your book and the dates you need to finish each individual part.
You should always work in reverse once you set goals. It is the only way to hold yourself accountable and make sure you know what is needed to finish.
When You Get Stuck
When you get stuck on a project work it in reverse.
A few years ago I was doing my family genealogy. Once I traced back my family to my great-great grandfather I was stuck. After weeks of being stuck I was about to give up. Then I had the idea to work in reverse. I started with the older generations and tried to work my way forward to my great-great grandfather. It worked. I was able to complete my family tree from working the problem from the reverse direction.
When You Really Want to Understand
If you need a different perspective on something work in reverse. You can never truly understand something unless you look at it from all the angles. Looking at things at a different angles causes breakthroughs and explosive growth. Think of something you do everyday and think of a way to do it totally different tomorrow.
