Reverse Goal Setting: Achieve Your Dream Life in 5 Steps

Unleashing Your Potential: The Power of Reverse Goal Setting

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, questioning our choices and yearning for fulfillment. Justin Sung, a former medical doctor turned learning coach, shares his inspiring story of transformation from a dissatisfied professional to a fulfilled and energized individual. Through his powerful method called reverse goal setting, he has helped thousands of students and professionals worldwide plan and build their dream lives. In this article, we will explore the biggest problems with normal goal setting and how reverse goal setting can revolutionize the way we approach our goals.

The Limitations of Normal Goal Setting

Normal goal setting can be a frustrating and demotivating experience for many. More often than not, it leads to disappointment and a sense of failure. The reason for this lies in the way we approach our goals. We tend to focus on the outcome we want to achieve without considering the process or the skills and habits required to get there. This lack of clarity and direction can make it difficult to stay motivated and committed, especially when faced with challenges and setbacks.

For example, when Justin was in his first year of university, he set a goal of entering medical school. He knew that he wanted to do everything possible to achieve this goal, so he focused on studying hard, reading all the textbooks, and being a good diligent student. While this approach worked for him, he realized that it was not a sustainable or effective way to achieve his goals in the long run. He also noticed that many of his peers who were working just as hard were not as successful as he was, despite their intelligence and capabilities.

The Power of Reverse Goal Setting

Reverse goal setting is a revolutionary approach that flips the traditional goal-setting process on its head. Instead of starting with the outcome we want to achieve, we start with the person we want to become. By focusing on the skills, habits, and attributes required to achieve our goals, we can create a clear and actionable plan that will help us reach our desired outcomes.

The five steps of reverse goal setting are as follows:

1. Identify Your Long-Term Goal: The first step in reverse goal setting is to identify your long-term vision or direction. This should be a broad statement that describes the kind of life you want to live or the kind of person you want to become. It should be something that inspires and motivates you, and that gives you a sense of purpose and direction.
2. Define Your Future Self: Once you have identified your long-term goal, the next step is to define your future self. This is the person you want to become in order to achieve your goal. It is important to be specific and detailed when defining your future self, and to think about the skills, habits, and attributes that this person would possess.
3. Define Your Current Self: The third step in reverse goal setting is to define your current self. This is the person you are right now, and the starting point for your journey. It is important to be honest and objective when defining your current self, and to identify the areas where you need to improve in order to become the person you want to be.
4. Do a Force Field Analysis: The fourth step in reverse goal setting is to do a force field analysis. This is a technique that helps you to identify the barriers and obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your goal, as well as the drivers and resources that can help you to overcome these barriers. By understanding the forces that are acting on you, you can create a plan that will help you to move forward and achieve your goal.
5. Build Your Plan: The final step in reverse goal setting is to build your plan. This is the action plan that you will follow in order to achieve your goal. It should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), and it should include the steps that you will take to develop the skills, habits, and attributes that you need to become the person you want to be.

Applying Reverse Goal Setting to Your Life

Reverse goal setting is a powerful tool that can be applied to any area of your life, whether it is your career, your relationships, your health, or your personal growth. By following the five steps of reverse goal setting, you can create a clear and actionable plan that will help you to achieve your goals and live the life you want.

Here are some tips for applying reverse goal setting to your life:

1. Start with the end in mind: Before you start setting goals, take some time to think about the kind of life you want to live and the kind of person you want to become. This will help you to stay focused and motivated, and it will give you a sense of purpose and direction.
2. Be specific and detailed: When defining your goals, be specific and detailed. Instead of setting a vague goal like "I want to be successful," set a specific goal like "I want to earn $100,000 per year by the end of next year." This will help you to measure your progress and stay on track.
3. Break your goals down into smaller steps: Once you have set your goals, break them down into smaller steps that you can take on a daily or weekly basis. This will make your goals seem less overwhelming and more achievable, and it will help you to stay motivated and committed.
4. Take action: The most important step in reverse goal setting is to take action. Once you have created your plan, start taking the steps that you need to take to achieve your goals. Remember, success is not achieved overnight, but it is the result of consistent effort and hard work.
5. Stay flexible and adaptable: As you progress towards your goals, you may encounter unexpected challenges and setbacks. It is important to stay flexible and adaptable, and to be willing to adjust your plan as needed. Remember, the goal is not to be perfect, but to learn and grow from your experiences.

Conclusion

Reverse goal setting is a powerful tool that can help you to achieve your goals and live the life you want. By focusing on the person you want to become, rather than the outcome you want to achieve, you can create a clear and actionable plan that will help you to reach your desired outcomes. So, if you are struggling with normal goal setting or if you want to take your goal setting to the next level, I encourage you to give reverse goal setting a try. You may be surprised at how much it can transform your life.