Backward Thinking

Completing the past is integral to creating a better future. Ignoring or wishing away the past will not allow you to move on. Previous negative experiences and thoughts will influence your future goals and actions. The US Army uses backward-thinking methods to prevent the past from affecting the future. The most prominent method is the After-Action Review.

The After-Action Review

This method aims to connect experiences with future action via a four-stage process:

1. State what you wanted to happen: Establish a list of goals at this stage.
2. Acknowledge what actually happened: Ask yourself which of these goals remain unfulfilled. Instead of changing the past, this stage aims to shed light on your present. On top of this, consider the goals you accomplished that you are most proud of from last year. Identifying these goals will allow you to identify where you have succeeded but have not appreciated how impressive your accomplishments have been. Finally, consider the themes that kept resurfacing over the last year. 
3. Learn from the experience: Look back on your year and identify key lessons you have learned or could still learn. One of Hyatt’s clients fired him when he was on the verge of their most significant deal. Hyatt describes this experience as humbling. Instead of pushing this experience to the back of his head, he learned three lessons. Hyatt learned that clients can be erratic. He learned that people will not always remember our success in the future. He also learned he needed to secure alignment from all relevant parties upfront. Based on these lessons, Hyatt has become far more successful.
4. Adjust your behavior: If you do not change your beliefs based on the past, you will be worse off than when you started. 

We take a break this week from our study and I tell you about something I thought I would NEVER do ... start my own YouTube channel.  I talk about why I'm doing this, what I will cover, how this doesn't change the podcast, and give you a listen to my first video which talks about feeling overwhelmed in life.  To find me on YouTube, simply search for "That Tie Dye Guy" and about 10 or 20 posts down you should see me!  Or here is a quick link:  https://www.youtube.com/@that_tie_dye_guy

In Chapter 3 of Michael Hyatt's book, "Your Best Year Ever," titled "You Can Upgrade Your Beliefs," the author emphasizes the importance of examining and upgrading our beliefs to achieve our goals and experience personal growth. Hyatt suggests that our beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, have a significant impact on our actions and, ultimately, our success.

Hyatt presents a four-step process to upgrade our beliefs:

1. Identify limiting beliefs: Recognize the thoughts or assumptions that hold us back from achieving our goals. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal norms, or fear of failure.

2. Challenge limiting beliefs: Question the validity and truthfulness of these beliefs. Reflect on the evidence supporting or refuting them, and consider alternative perspectives.

3. Replace limiting beliefs: Develop new, empowering beliefs that align with your goals and aspirations. This process requires intentionality and practice to replace ingrained, negative thought patterns with more positive, constructive ones.

4. Internalize upgraded beliefs: To fully embrace and adopt new beliefs, consistently practice and reinforce them. Use affirmations, visualization, and surrounding yourself with supportive people to help internalize these upgraded beliefs.

By following this process, Hyatt asserts that individuals can effectively upgrade their beliefs, leading to improved performance, increased confidence, and a greater likelihood of achieving their goals. In essence, changing our beliefs is a crucial step in creating our best year ever.

In Chapter 2 of Your Best Year Ever, titled "Some Beliefs Hold You Back," author Michael Hyatt explores the idea that our beliefs, specifically limiting beliefs, can significantly impact our ability to achieve our goals and enjoy personal growth. Limiting beliefs are those negative thoughts and assumptions that hold us back from reaching our full potential.

Hyatt emphasizes that many people are not aware of their limiting beliefs, as they often operate beneath the surface, subtly influencing our thoughts and actions. He outlines three primary sources of limiting beliefs: our past experiences, the words of others, and cultural narratives. Each of these sources can shape our beliefs about ourselves, our capabilities, and the world around us.

To counteract limiting beliefs, Hyatt suggests a four-step process:

1. Identify the limiting beliefs: Recognize the negative thoughts that are holding you back by reflecting on your past experiences, the words of others, and cultural narratives.
2. Challenge the limiting beliefs: Question the validity of these beliefs by examining the evidence, seeking alternative explanations, and considering the consequences of holding on to them.
3. Replace the limiting beliefs: Develop new, empowering beliefs that align with your goals and values by visualizing your desired future and creating affirmations that support your vision.
4. Internalize the new beliefs: Reinforce the new beliefs through repetition, practice, and surrounding yourself with supportive people and resources.

In conclusion, Chapter 2 of Your Best Year Ever encourages readers to confront their limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones, paving the way for personal growth and a more fulfilling life.