How I Changed My Life in 1 Year with Reverse Goal Setting

Summary

In this video, Justin shares his unique approach to goal setting, which he calls reverse goal setting. He explains how traditional goal-setting methods often fall short, particularly when goals are complex or long-term. By reflecting on where you want to go and working backward to determine the necessary steps, Justin offers a more flexible and realistic way to achieve goals. Through personal stories and examples, including helping a student overcome major life obstacles, he demonstrates how prioritizing and breaking down the process can lead to transformative success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reverse goal setting focuses on identifying and working backward from the desired outcome to create actionable steps.
• 😀 Traditional goal setting often fails to account for the underlying habits and skills needed to reach a goal.
• 😀 Goal setting should include flexibility, as sometimes external circumstances, like personal issues or environment, can impact progress.
• 😀 The process of goal setting involves knowing your meta-goal, understanding your current situation, and identifying factors that can either support or hinder progress.
• 😀 It's essential to focus on the most critical skill or habit that will most significantly impact achieving your goal, rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
• 😀 Personal growth requires patience and persistence—changing established habits and skills takes time.
• 😀 Achieving goals is not just about external actions but also about understanding internal barriers like procrastination or fear of trying new things.
• 😀 The 'what, when, and how' of goal setting should be aligned with the most urgent challenges and addressed at the right time.
• 😀 Scheduling your priorities into your daily or weekly routine ensures consistent effort toward your goals and habits.
• 😀 Being conservative with timelines is essential—expect that personal growth and change will take longer than initially anticipated, especially with long-standing habits.

Q & A

What is reverse goal-setting and how does it differ from traditional goal-setting?

Reverse goal-setting focuses on working backward from the desired outcome to identify the key steps and priorities. Unlike traditional goal-setting, which begins with setting a goal and then planning to achieve it, reverse goal-setting emphasizes evaluating current circumstances and obstacles first, and adjusting your approach to focus on the most impactful tasks that will lead to success.

Why does Justin believe reverse goal-setting is more effective than traditional goal-setting?

Justin believes reverse goal-setting is more effective because it allows for flexibility and helps people identify what really needs to be worked on, instead of following a rigid path. By evaluating the current situation and obstacles, you can prioritize what matters most, making the process more realistic and tailored to individual needs.

How did Justin's background in education and coaching influence his approach to goal-setting?

Justin's background in education and coaching gave him a deep understanding of learning and skill development. His experience in running a nonprofit education business, without initially paying himself, allowed him to gain insights into what it takes to build a sustainable business and manage personal goals. This experience shaped his approach to goal-setting by emphasizing practical steps and understanding the bigger picture.

What challenges did Justin face when transitioning from medicine to entrepreneurship?

Justin faced several challenges, including managing finances, understanding how to balance his new business with personal needs, and adjusting his mindset. He also had to focus on building his skills in entrepreneurship while dealing with the complexity of shifting from a medical career that required different skill sets.

What role did paying himself a salary play in Justin's goal-setting process?

Paying himself a salary was a key step in understanding how to manage his business finances and personal needs. It was part of his process of evaluating whether his business could support him long-term and helped him understand what was necessary to sustain his goals. It marked the point when he could transition to thinking more seriously about business growth and stability.

How did Justin help a student who was struggling with both learning skills and a difficult home environment?

Justin worked with the student to first identify the most urgent issue—her unsafe home environment—rather than focusing solely on her learning skills. They shifted the priority to helping her secure a part-time job so she could move out of her toxic living situation. This change allowed the student to stabilize her life and later return to improving her learning skills, leading to her academic success.

What is the importance of prioritizing and creating realistic timelines in reverse goal-setting?

Prioritizing and creating realistic timelines is crucial because goal-setting, especially for complex or long-term objectives, takes time. Overloading oneself with too many goals can lead to burnout and reduce the chances of success. By focusing on one or two key goals at a time and setting a reasonable timeline, you increase your chances of success without spreading yourself too thin.

How does Justin suggest you handle goals that seem overwhelming or unrealistic?

Justin suggests breaking down large or overwhelming goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. He emphasizes being conservative with your expectations and setting achievable milestones. By focusing on smaller steps and addressing priorities, you can make steady progress without becoming discouraged by the overall scale of the goal.

What did Justin learn from his transition out of medicine and how does it relate to reverse goal-setting?

Justin learned that transitions, especially career changes, require focus and patience. By using reverse goal-setting, he could concentrate on a few key priorities at a time, which made the transition smoother. His personal experience reinforced the importance of understanding what needs to be worked on first and having a clear, flexible plan to achieve long-term success.

Why does Justin think many people misunderstand the concept of 'luck' in achieving their goals?

Justin believes that people often mistake 'luck' for what is actually a result of careful planning, deliberate effort, and taking control of circumstances. He points out that what others may perceive as 'luck' in his own case of successfully transitioning to entrepreneurship was a result of reverse goal-setting, consistent effort, and building a solid foundation, rather than an arbitrary stroke of luck.