I've started getting up at 5:30 a few mornings a week to exercise so my day is more efficient. I have been using this time to listen to the Life Labs.

I have also been using the calendar feature in my email to remind me of things and be more efficient. So, I put the target exercise in for once a week and will be able to remember to do that.

My question is, how is seeing your goal and moving backwards from it, different than trying to figure out how. I see there is a difference, but it seems subtle to me. So, I'd love to hear what others think about it.

I think it is a general way of planning success. And allowing the details to present themselves. Thanks.

The way I see it, Dawn, it's just a way of opening up to possibilities. When we're trying to "figure out" the "how," it's generally because we're in that tight, tense, "gotta MAKE it happen" state instead of in a relaxed yet focused state of knowing all is well -- a state of ALLOWING.

For example, a lot of my energy these days is involved in getting this sailboat ready for cruising. So I have a very clear mental image of how I want the boat to be. And that leads me to see specific tasks that need doing.

For efficient action, I then sit down and let myself imagine how those things might best get done -- either by me or someone else. And if I'm the one doing the work, then I do kind of "think backwards" to see what the steps are and what tools and other stuff I'll need.

Sometimes I end up doing it exactly as I mapped it out, but sometimes -- either in the thinking stage or the doing stage -- I can see a better way. (Or even a way to avoid it completely!)

It's much more satisfying (and efficient) to approach in this way.

Now, I specifically do NOT use the word "goal" because it seems to tip people over into that tight way of being, while "targets" are a bit more fun and relaxed.

You're right: It's about ALLOWING details to just show up and also about allowing yourself to be open enough to actually notice them.

Then, when it feels like, "Oh, yeah! This is EXACTLY what needs doing next," we can take inspired action from that peaceful place instead of running around like the proverbial headless chickens doing this and that and the other thing trying to force something into manifestation.

(You CAN actually force things to happen sometimes, but in my experience -- and I DO have some! -- they never turn out well or easily and it is NO fun along the way; it feels pretty awful generally -- and then you have to keep up that awful forcing feeling to keep them going. What's the point of THAT? )

So for example, if I say, I want to make x number of dollars per year. And I would like to do that with 5 streams of income. And with one of my streams, I want x appointments a week, and I want to write and sell a book that makes x number of dollars...You really aren't figuring out the how, just setting the course and waiting for the winds to fill your sails? (All the while preparing for it as needed, of course.)

That thought picture was for you Rebecca. Thanks. I think I understand it. And I am aiming for my targets.

Setting the course, RAISING the sails(!) -- and a whole lot more! (I do like that image!)

In a way it's sort of saying, "Well, here's one way I can see of getting from here to there, and it's a way I like. It feels right to me. So I think I'll just put one foot in front of the other and keep my eyes and ears and mind and heart open along the way."

It seems to have a lot to do with the way most of us were taught to learn and to plan, which was in a linear progression. But that's not how we really learn. Our minds are all over the place and rarely think in a straight line.

When we work backwards, it seems to open our minds to greater possibilities and options because we're not trying to figure out what must come next. It feels more like filling in the blanks with numerous possibilities.

I used to run and participate in company brainstorming sessions. The best ones always start by determining the end result first.

Paul