Ignore the milestones

When looking at much planning and New Year’s ideas/resolutions, the look-forward approach has a strong tendency to work with milestones and course/events.  The reverse – looking backward – can do this, but one of the things we advocate is instead looking at the obstacles.

(When working with stories, engagement comes from having real obstacles, not milestones.)

So when looking backward at what we did in 2008, it’s helpful to recognise the obstacles and turning points surmounted.  It’s in those obstacles that we learn the most and add to our own bank of skills, expertise and experience.

So, write from the end of the year, looking back.  And pick out the obstacles – less chance of being surprised and more chance of making it through.