How to Work Backwards
You might be saying to yourself, “Working backwards means what exactly?” The idea has been around for a while. It was popularized by time and task management expert, Stephen Covey. What he said was, “Begin with the end in mind.” When he used that phase, he was referring to a process he believed was helpful for reaching a goal. The first task of the process was to identify the goal. The next task was to work backwards in your mind mapping out the steps needed to reach it.
| Here’s a way you could put this to work as you home school. |
First, chose one subject. Relative to this subject, identify where you want to be by the end of the school year. Write down a specific date that marks the end of your school year. Then, identify where you are now. Finally, determine how you’re going to bridge the gap from where you are now to where you want to be. In other words, work backwards.
Take math as an example. You want to complete the textbook by Friday, May 30th. The last lesson of the book is lesson 140.
You’ve completed up through lesson 60 which means it’s realistic to think you’ll finish so long as you complete 15 to 20 lessons a month. To meet this goal, you’ll need to complete 4 to 5 lessons a week.
Realize that you’ll likely take a week off for spring break, that you or your student may come down with the flu, or that you may have some unexpected company that impacts one or more of your school days. Some weeks you’ll need to accomplish more work to offset those weeks in which you accomplish less.
To reach your end-of-the-year goals, work backwards.
That’s today’s home-schooling tip!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
We’re currently accepting Diploma Program applications for the 2021-2022 school year. Submit an application anytime in January and receive $50.00 off your student’s tuition when you pay in full. To learn more about this custom program, email us at info@basicskills.net and request our NCCA Diploma Program Handbook. This is a limited-time offer.
