Backward Chaining: How To Get Successful In Reverse

Backward chaining is a method to help us figure out what tasks need to be done by starting with our desired outcome in mind and working backwards. This is different from forward chaining where we start where we are and figure out steps to move towards our goal. It is not a new idea, used in logic for thousands of years and computer science for decades. The premise: backwards chaining lets us see what we can’t see looking forward.

Some problems are unclear when we plan from where we currently are. Backwards chaining instills clarity into our goals, making it far easier to assess the exact requirements and steps to take. It also makes us aware of roughly how much work we’ll need to do, so it’s far easier to manage our schedule. Backwards chaining has even been used in therapy, as, when patients see themselves as a different person, they are less change-averse. Current them might not be there yet, but future them could get there.

The process is rather simple. You figure out what you want. You assess your state having already achieved that goal or done that task. You work out exactly what need be done to get you there. And you start ticking boxes, from the highest-priority to the lowest-priority task. The most crucial step: do the first task as fast as possible. Don’t put off taking action. Backwards chaining is no miracle cure, but, like inversion, it can broaden your perspective by having you drive your brain in reverse. The goal is attained. How did you get there? What kind of person are you? What pitfalls slowed you down along the way?

Backwards chaining has long been used in decision-making, problem-solving, and planning across disciplines. It is especially valuable when the end goal is clear, but the path to getting there is uncertain. We reverse-engineer our way to success. At the core, we define the goal, the specific objective or state we wish to get to. Then, we identify what must be true or completed before the goal is ticked. For each condition, we determine its prerequisites, repeating this process until we distill the goal into actionable steps or starting points. Compile the steps in order of priority and logic. Boom—you have a sequence of actions to take, guiding you from your present state to your desired outcome.

Real life applications of backward chaining:

• Business: expanding into a new market and profitability is the goal: (1) the condition is an established customer base; (2) the prerequisite is an effective marketing campaign; (3) the prerequisite for a marketing campaign to work is a good understanding of the target customer; (4) the actionable step is conducting market research on the target audience;

• Problem-solving: fixing your car when it won’t start is the goal: (1) the condition is for the engine to receive a spark; (2) the prerequisite is that the spark plug functions properly; (3) the prerequisite for the spark plug to function is that power flows to the spark plug; (4) the actionable step is to test the battery and ignition system;

• Fitness: your goal is to lose 10 kilograms: (1) the condition is a sustained caloric deficit; (2) the prerequisite is tracking your caloric intake and engaging in regular exercise; (3) the prerequisite for doing so is using a caloric calculator and exercise tracker; (4) the actionable steps are to create a meal plan and pick an eating and exercising tracker;

• Vacation: the goal is to plan out a satisfying trip: (1) the condition is booked accommodations and activities; (2) the prerequisite is researching destinations and finalizing itinerary; (3) the actionable step is to decide on a budget and a date to travel.

How you might use backward chaining as a thinking tool: (1) define the goal, ensuring that it is specific and realistic—not “lose weight” but “lose 10 kilograms by June 1st”; (2) start at the end, and, for each step, ask “What must be done before this?” until you reach an actionable step; (3) take the actionable step, verifying that no critical steps are overlooked; (4) be ready to reassess your strategy, because it is practically impossible to plan for every obstacle; (5) as progress is made, revisit the chain to see if you overlooked any actions in the process; (6) if working with a team, make sure everybody understands the backwards plan well.

Thought-provoking insights. “Begin with the end in mind.” remarks Stephen Covey, and “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” says Lao Tzu. I would add that it helps to know where you are going. Planning backwards can be your first step forward. Mastering this approach helps not only tackle upcoming challenges but cultivates an action-oriented mindset. Picture yourself having done it. What have you done exactly? What conditions must you meet? What did you do every day to get there? What did you not do? The advantage is self-explanatory: clarity, less overwhelm, avoiding unnecessary steps, critical thinking. Drive your brain in reverse.

Grab the framework and start chaining, backwards.

Questions to reflect on:

1. What is the final goal I want to achieve in my situation?

2. How can I maintain direction and motivation while working through each step?

3. What do I count as progress? What does "success" and "failure" mean to me?

4. What lessons from past experiences can I apply to backward chaining?

5. What resources or skills will I need to complete each step?

Quotes to get you thinking:

1. "Start with the end in mind." - Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

2. "Plans are nothing; planning is everything." - Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States.

3. "A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French writer and aviator.

Example use cases:

1. Project: managers use backward chaining to develop project timelines by identifying the final deliverable and working backward to establish milestones and tasks. This forms a clear roadmap towards achieving objectives.

2. Career planning: you can use backward chaining to achieve long-term career goals by identifying your desired position and working backward to outline the necessary education, skills, and experience needed to get there.

3. Software: developers can use backward chaining to design convoluted systems by first defining the final functionality and working backward to identify the required components and coding steps needed to make it a reality.

4. Event planning: an event organizer can use backward chaining to plan events by starting with the date and working backward to establish deadlines for tasks like venue booking, catering, and marketing to ensure everything is done on time.