Setting a goal is easy.
Knowing how to reach it is the hard part.
Reverse engineering turns big dreams into small, doable steps — and removes the overwhelming feeling that keeps most people stuck.
Here’s exactly how it works.
Step 1: Start With the End Goal
Write your goal as clearly as you can.
Examples:
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Run a half marathon
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Build a savings cushion
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Finish a creative project
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Improve your marriage
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Change careers
Clarity is everything here.
Step 2: Ask the “What needs to be true?” Question
This is the core of reverse engineering.
Ask:
“What needs to be true for me to reach this goal?”
Example:
Goal: Run a half marathon
What needs to be true?
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I need to run consistently
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I need a training schedule
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I need to improve endurance
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I need proper gear
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I need to avoid injury
These become your building blocks.
Step 3: Break Those Down into Mini-Steps
Turn each building block into actions.
Example:
Training Schedule
→ Plan weekly runs
→ Gradually increase distance
→ Add recovery days
Gear
→ Buy proper shoes
→ Get moisture-wicking clothes
Consistency
→ Choose running days
→ Track progress
Small steps add up fast.
Step 4: Choose the First 2–3 Actions
You don’t need the entire plan.
You just need the first steps.
Pick:
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1 thing you can do today
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1 thing you can do this week
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1 thing you can do this month
Forward is forward.
Step 5: Review and Adjust Weekly
Reverse engineering isn’t static — it’s flexible.
Each week, review:
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What worked
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What didn’t
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What needs adjusting
You’re not supposed to get it perfect.
You’re supposed to keep moving.
Reverse Engineering Makes Everything Possible
Big goals feel overwhelming until you break them down.
Once you do, they stop being dreams and start becoming plans.
This is the same system inside Journaling for Life — and it works for any goal in any area of your life.