Think Backwards to Move Forward: The Surprising Power of Starting With Why

Imagine a couple dreaming of a new kitchen in their Brooklyn apartment. What began as a modest renovation spiraled into an $800,000, 18-month ordeal disrupting neighbors and exhausting their patience. The root cause? They started with an answer—'We want a new kitchen'—without asking why or defining clear goals.

Thinking from right to left means starting with the desired outcome and working backwards. What is the purpose of the renovation? Is it to entertain guests, improve daily living, or increase property value? Clarifying goals aligns all stakeholders and guides decisions, preventing scope creep and wasted effort.

This approach, known as backcasting, is widely used by architects, urban planners, and innovators. By visualizing the end state first, teams identify necessary steps and evaluate alternatives systematically.

Had the couple begun this way, they might have coordinated better, avoided costly surprises, and completed their dream kitchen smoothly.

Starting with 'why' transforms projects from chaotic endeavors into purposeful journeys.

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