Have you ever felt like you’re standing at the edge of a vast canyon, trying to figure out how to build a bridge across it with no tools, no map—and no idea where to start?

That’s what it can feel like when we try to move forward without clarity. Especially as solopreneurs, when the only person calling the shots is… us.

In episode 11 of The Solo Coach Podcast, I shared a powerful way to shift that stuck energy—by working backwards. Instead of being paralysed by the unknowns ahead, we start at the end and build our way back to the now.

Here’s how.

1. Define Your Values by Looking at What Frustrates You Most

Before we work backwards from a goal, we need to know what we actually care about. And one of the most honest ways to find out is to ask: What drives me mad? What do I find deeply frustrating?

Often, our biggest irritations point to our core values. For example:

If cruelty makes your blood boil, kindness likely matters to you.
If inequality feels unbearable, you probably value fairness or justice.
If dishonesty grates on you, you might be someone who holds honesty in high regard.

By defining your values in this way, decision-making becomes clearer. Conflicts begin to make sense. You realise: “Ah, no wonder that felt wrong. It was clashing with what I stand for.”

2. Start at the End, and Work Backwards

We’re conditioned to start at the beginning. But when the path ahead looks like a steep drop into uncertainty, no wonder we hesitate.

So instead, flip it. Visualise what ‘finished’ looks like.

How would you know that you’d achieved your goal? What would be happening? What would it feel like?

Then, step by step, walk yourself back:

What would need to happen just before that?
And before that?
And what’s the very first step from where you are now?

Working backwards takes the pressure off. It replaces overwhelm with clarity. It transforms a vague dream into something practical—and doable.

3. ‘Problem-less’ Problem Solving

Here’s a sneaky trick our brains like to play: the more we focus on a problem, the bigger it feels.

So instead of staring straight at the issue, try stepping sideways.

Ask yourself:

When is this problem not a problem? What’s different in those moments?
Was there a time before the problem existed? What was true then?
If the problem disappeared overnight, how would you know? What would be different about how you feel, think, or act?

Then take it further—do a perspective shift:

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
Now step into the role of an impartial observer.
And finally, imagine seeing the situation as a “cosmic observer”—detached from ego or emotion.

This opens up creativity, compassion, and unexpected solutions.

4. Flip the Script: How to Guarantee Failure

Here’s a playful (and surprisingly powerful) exercise: Ask yourself, “What would I do, to ensure failure”

Brainstorm all of the actions you’d need to take to ensure failure, without holding back.

Once complete, flip the script! Invert your answers and change the title to “What I will do, to ensure success!”

You’ve just created a kickass success strategy! Commit to completing at least one of these actions today, to build positive momentum.

5. The Reframe: It Didn’t Break Me, It Made Me

Let’s end with a mindset shift that can rewire how you see setbacks:

That “failure”? It was just a result.
That tough conversation? It was a conversation worth having.
That moment that broke you? It shaped you.

Working backwards isn’t just a strategy. It’s a way of reclaiming your agency. It’s choosing to believe that what’s ahead of you is already possible—and working back with heart, focus, and clarity.

Final Thought

If you're feeling stuck this week, don’t start with your to-do list. Start with your ideal outcome. Work backwards.

And give yourself permission to move forward, one brave, conscious step at a time.

Which of these five resonated most with you? Get in touch, I’d love to hear!

David Garwood
The Solo Coach

The Value of Working Backwards: A Solopreneur’s Shortcut to Clarity, Courage and Calm