How to make your life easier with reverse goal planning

I bet you are curious as to what I mean by this goal planning. . . in reverse? Yes, I finally found a way to proper articulate how I have been planning out my future goals and aspirations for a long time, credit to my mom for showing me this way of thinking growing up. 

In reverse goal planning, you start by choosing your end goal, whether it be a certain career, internship, financial goal or otherwise! Start by first articulating what that ultimate goal is for you. Next step is figure out what you need to do in order to obtain that end goal! In order to give you some inspiration and how I’ve done this in the past, here is what I used in order to reach my goal of veterinary school.

Ultimate Goal: Veterinary School Acceptance

So before I could attend vet school, during undergraduate studies, I have to take the GRE and obtain a certain score to meet the standard as well as take college course that fill the pre-requisites of each school I apply too. I then made a list of the required courses, experience requirements and GRE score needed for each school of interest.

Then before you go to undergrad, you have to choose a university or college that offers a well-rounded curriculum that will give you the best opportunity to be prepared for veterinary classes. While in high school I searched through the financial aspect, courses offered, what their percentage of students was that were able to attend veterinary school, and looked at other personal factors that would sway my decision to attend that program. Before that, I had to achieve high grades in my high school classes, trying to take as many Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes that I could.

I also worked part-time during school, through summers, and applied to various internships where I would be working with veterinarians that I could learn from and potentially ask for a letter of recommendation from as well. All these things I planned out in middle school to early high school with the help of my parents, so that I had a clear understanding of what steps I would need to take in order to keep climbing closer to that end goal.

Nowadays, I’ve transitioned into looking at personal finances and working with a Certified Financial Planner to understand what would be in my best interest once I start my career, to achieve the financial goals I have in mind. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help to professionals who know more about your end goal than you do! Ask friends, family, school or community resources for advice and guidance to assist you in your goals as well – and good luck!