Context:

In November 2025, I was thinking about where I’d like to be in the next 5-10 years. I knew how far I’d come since 2020 and I could do alot by 2030.

So I wanted to figure out how to best achieve my chances of success.

My Question to ChatGPT:

When trying to actualize a goal, would you say it's good to think backwards? And what other methods do you suggest?

ChatGPT’s Response (edited for conciseness)

1. Backward Planning (Reverse Engineering the Goal)

Thinking backwards means imagining the goal already achieved and then identifying the step right before it, and so on.

Why it works:

• It forces clarity on what “done” really looks like.
• It avoids the trap of starting with actions “productive” that don’t actually matter.
• It reveals hidden dependencies or skills you need.

Simple method:

1. Start with your end state (“I have X accomplished.”)
2. Ask: What must be true immediately before this?
3. Repeat until you reach your present.