Backcasting Your Way into a Better You

Often, the end and beginning of the year are times of reflection. Out of curiosity, I looked up the definition of “reflect.” One meaning is to give back in likeness. Another is to consider or think about carefully. A new year is a wonderful opportunity to start again. When I reflect on my life, I tend to look more closely at the past. Now, I don’t know if you’re like me, but I’d rather not think on my past. That’s where a lot of junk happened, and personally, I’d like to leave that stuff back in the past.

Then, I think about the other definition I mentioned which is to give back in likeness like a mirror. That is, our image is projected onto a mirror and reflected back to us. What if we considered what we want things to look like for ourselves and reflected that into the world? We have our end-goal in sight, and we find ways to connect present selves to it. In leadership, this practice is called backcasting.

In practice, it would look like you’re where you want to be. You’re starting with the results in place. Once you have that clear picture (whatever it is), think about how you get there. What steps will it take to create this future you?

Right now, I gained goodie weight. So, I need to get back down to where I need to be. I have a target weight in mind.

What do I need to do?

I need to limit target comfort foods. I need to limit portions of meals. I need to limit my snacking. I need to choose healthier, better options. I also need to increase my activity level. Some of these things are quite easy, especially since I/we purchase the foods we have here. Unfortunately, some of these things are not quite so easy. Colder months do not add to my desire to take walks. That means I have to fight through excuses. The issue I have faced and will face is my excuses are my so-called reasons. In other words, they’re my justifications for keeping my behavior the same and not making these changes. I have to keep this in mind when I’m doing something different. Otherwise, I’ll justify the heck out of what I have been doing and stay stuck in the me I’m trying to leave behind. It is also helpful in getting support. Tell people what you are doing so that you have some accountability.

Reasons=Excuses=Justifications

Dr. Jason Newcomb

What are the basic steps for this?

• Think of what you want for yourself vividly.
• Work your way backwards into the steps you need to take to get there.
• Identify and watch for your “reasons.”
• Tell others.

Avoid the resolution urge; give backcasting a try.

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