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Need a Breakthrough to Reach Your Mission?

Consider the Converse Goal Model

-One Leader’s Perspective

By Greg L. Thomas

It is said that some of the most effective athletes today use a unique approach to achieve a superior performance. They are instructed by their coach to set aside some time to be alone before they are expected to perform. In the quietness of their thoughts they are trained to visualize their upcoming performance in as much vivid detail as possible. For example if they are a figure skater, they are told to imagine making every jump…perfectly. They are told to picture in their mind every single turn and skating movement in complete precision. They are encouraged to picture their entire routine from beginning to end in flawless excellence. This approach appears to work well, because many fine athletes are able to use this innovative method to break through “personal barriers” or past limitations they have placed upon themselves.

This approach may work effectively for a number of reasons. First of all it can build confidence. The human mind is the most powerful organ of the human body. Its awesome influence and potential is just now being understood by researchers. It obviously has the ability to transform an ordinary person into an extraordinary individual. As the modern saying goes, “perception is reality” and what we imagine within the mind can be transcended into real life activities or results. Secondly, visualization makes a goal more real. It colorfully brings it to life, and inspires us toward greater action and accomplishment. It is for this reason that leaders are prompted to instill vision in their organizations and create a “vision statement”. Unfortunately, for most organizations the vision statement becomes a mere archive that hangs in a picture frame in someone’s office…rarely reviewed, and relegated to being another former project in the “completed” category.

What can a leader learn from this mental approach used by many athletes today? It can be a fresh and objective way to achieve our personal mission, especially if we have run into a roadblock using the traditional approach to goal setting and problem solving. With the traditional approach we mentally evaluate the gap or steps needed to get from Point “A” to Point “G”. For the sake of conversation, Point “A” is where we are today and Point “G” might be the ultimate goal. So we logically imagine that we will now need to approach and complete Points A, B, C, D, E, and F in order to arrive at the ultimate goal, Point G. With this in mind, we begin the journey. The weakness of this approach is that the vision immediately begins to lose its impact and meaning! What we are doing is visualizing the completed goal and then mentally traveling to the opposite position to begin. Usually this opposite position or Point (A) is where we start and that is often where we are right now.

This appears to work fine for most situations and our minds typically feel very comfortable with this traditional approach. It is a logical step-by step method we can grasp and easily understand. But sometimes we encounter obstacles we can’t seem to overcome. These real or imagined roadblocks stop us “dead in our tracks” and what we really need is a breakthrough. This is when a different and refreshing approach may be in order. I call this method the “converse goal model”. It takes the visualization skills taught to many athletes today and proceeds to another level.

The converse goal model is a unique and fresh mental approach to use when you need a genuine breakthrough. You begin by establishing a deeply desired mission or goal. Then you dedicate some private time in a quiet environment to mediate on the mission. How many things will need to be done to bring your dream to fruition? Envision the various steps and activities that will be needed in as much detail as possible. Do this until your mission and its plan are real within your mind! You will know you have reached this point when you are motivated, inspired and assured that it can indeed be accomplished with a lot of hard work and personal commitment. Much of this is also what we should do when even using a traditional approach! But now we are ready for the next level that truly makes the converse goal model distinctive…

Visualize the completion of a successful goal or accomplishment…and then work backwards! With this approach we mentally construct the gap or steps needed to get from Point “G” backward to Point “A”. Again, for the sake of conversation, Point “A” is where we are today and Point “G” might be the ultimate goal. So with this perspective we now begin with Point “G” and imagine how we need to approach and complete Points F, E, D, C, and B in order to arrive at where we are today. For example, as you envision the completed mission and savor its attainment, what will need to be completed as the final step just short of completing the mission? Now what steps will need to be taken to get to that point in time? Continue working backward and analyzing each step as you work toward where you are today. Like anything that is new or innovative we will naturally have apprehensions and questions. So, I will candidly mention both the strengths and weaknesses of using the converse goal model.

First the strengths of using this perspective. It keeps the ultimate goal or mission more clearly in mind. Remember that with the traditional approach (after the establishment of a goal or mission), one mentally steps back to the starting point or the extreme opposite point from the goal. Therefore it is very easy to lose sight of the vision and accomplishment of the mission. With the converse goal model, one begins by contemplating the completion of the mission. Then one envisions what the final step or Point (F) will need to be, and this is next to the completion of the mission. Therefore the completed vision and mission are not far off but mentally still fresh at hand. Using this model will also keep the bigger picture in mind as we evaluate the large gap that exists from Point G (goal) to Point A (today). This wider visualization of the entire mission is possible because we approach it from the perspective of a completed journey rather than where we are today.

A second strength that the converse goal model offers is that it encourages us to work on various Points (F-A) all at the same time. This level of multi-tasking also contributes to a wider vision of the entire mission. We may also become aware of important steps we missed earlier or did not give serious consideration. In contrast, the traditional goal model typically focuses on one major Point or step at a time. This may cause tunnel vision and is prone to delay or frustrate the mission when a problem or roadblock occurs. The use of multi-tasking can potentially shorten the length of time it takes to complete the goal or mission.

What are some of the weaknesses of this unique approach? First of all, we are not taught to process information from a reversed perspective of the “end to the beginning”, especially in the Western world. Our cultural mindset likes the systematic “beginning to the end” step-by-step model of achievement. The converse goal model requires most of us to think differently and for many of us…in a rather unnatural way! But remember that great breakthroughs happen when we step outside of the box and look at things differently than we normally do.

Another weakness with this approach is centered on one’s present ability to focus or concentrate. Again, when you take the time to analyze a complete process by envisioning the minute details…and then work backward you will obviously be led to work on various Points (F-A) or steps at the same time. Some folks are simply not very good at multi-tasking! This may also be due to cultural influences, but we are usually trained to focus on only one or a very few items at the same time. Just look at how our modern “mass production” manufacturing methods force the worker to focus on only a few tasks constantly. Many leaders are simply not good at multi-tasking because they were not trained to think in this way. In other words, the converse goal model requires some effort and thought to be useful. If we are unwilling to make this investment in ourselves, it may not help us.

I am not claiming the converse goal method is a “cure all” for every obstacle or problem we face that halts us from achieving our mission. I don’t even suggest you use it to replace the traditional method. But, I do encourage you to consider it when everything you are doing seems to be stalled or falling apart. It has the potential to realign and re-energize the mission. It can give us a different perspective or point of view when needed. All leaders go through “ups and downs” and there are often dark days when we need to try a different approach. Don’t get discouraged because it is those who persevere who gain victory at the end! So the next time you need to see things from a distinctive and diverse outlook, remember that there is something you can do.

Visualize the completion of your successful goal or mission…and then work backwards!

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About the author:

Greg has an extensive thirty-five years experience in public speaking and has spoken to hundreds of audiences worldwide. Greg has a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from Bellevue University, where he also has served as an adjunct professor teaching courses in business management and leadership since 2002. His first book, 52 Leadership Tips (That Will Change How You Lead Others) was published in 2006 by WingSpan Press. His second book, Making Life's Puzzle Pieces Fit was published in March 2009. Both are available at amazon.com. Greg is also the president of Leadership Excellence, Ltd and a Managing Partner of the Leadership Management Institute. Leadership Excellence, Ltd. effectively builds individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential through enhanced productivity and personal development using a number of proven programs. He is also the president and founder of weLEAD Incorporated.