Ditch the Crystal Ball: How the Future Back Approach Helps You Succeed in the Short Term While Investing for the Long Term
Most companies are stuck in the same old rut—planning for the future by simply stretching today’s reality a bit further. But let’s be real: in a world that’s changing at breakneck speed, how can you expect yesterday’s mindset to shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs? Enter “Present Forward - Future Back,” the game-changing approach Mark Johnson and Josh Suskewicz coined to redefine strategic planning. If you’re tired of outdated strategies, this one’s for you.
Present Forward - Future Back: A Smarter Way to Strategy
What’s the deal? It’s simple. Traditional planning starts with where you are now and nudges you forward in small steps. But if you really want to create something impactful, you’ve got to do more than just tweak the status quo. You need to see where the world is headed, define the future you wish to see, and work backward to figure out what you must do today to get there. That’s “Present Forward - Future Back” in a nutshell. It’s the way to plan when the rules are changing faster than you can say “disruption.”
Why Stick to Incremental When You Can Drive Change?
Here’s why this approach matters: most organizations are stuck playing catch-up, focused on short-term goals, quarterly results, and small improvements. But the companies that are leading change and winning in the long run, think in decades, not quarters. They’re as obsessed with the future as they are with what’s happening today.
The approach helps you focus and prioritize long term and short term
Here’s what “Present Forward - Future Back” brings to the table:
It’s Designed for Uncertainty: More than ever, the future is unpredictable. Instead of fearing it, this approach helps you use it to your advantage. By envisioning where you want to be, you create a flexible roadmap that adapts to whatever comes your way.
It Spurs Innovation: Forget minor tweaks. This approach lets you think big by aligning your vision with bold moves that drive meaningful change.
It Aligns Today’s Actions with Future Goals: No more busy work. Everything you do today should directly contribute to your future vision. This tool keeps you focused on what truly matters today and tomorrow. No more “fix the basics, then we look to the future”, this approach helps you align today and tomorrow.
“Leave behind outdated planning and dive into a strategy that connects today’s efforts with tomorrow’s possibilities.”
How to Use Present Forward - Future Back in 4 Steps
Here’s how you can put this approach to work and transform your strategy:
Start with your Future Vision (Future Back)
Imagine your ideal future. What’s your organization’s big, audacious goal? What’s the world like in 10 years, and what role do you play in it? Think beyond today’s limitations.Reverse Engineer Your Future with Key Milestones
Got your vision? Now work backward. What milestones need to happen to make that future a reality? What trends and disruptions will you leverage or create? This step turns ideas into actionable steps.Assess Where You Are Now (Present Forward)
Time for a reality check. What’s your current position? What strengths and opportunities can you leverage today, and what barriers need to be addressed?Create an Integrated Action and Budget Plan
Put it all together. Your action plan should blend today’s efforts with future ambitions. It’s about taking deliberate steps and risks now to build the future you’ve envisioned.
Real-World Examples: How LEGO Makes it Happen
This isn’t just theory—organizations worldwide are already using “Present Forward - Future Back” to redefine their industries. Take LEGO, for example. In the early 2000s, they nearly went bankrupt. But by envisioning a future they wished to see where play was powered by digital experiences and then working backwards, they made a massive comeback, creating entirely new markets along the way.
Or look at Patagonia, leaders in sustainable fashion. They didn’t just react to market demand; they defined it. By setting bold future goals like becoming carbon neutral by 2025, they’ve pushed the entire industry toward more sustainable practices.
The Benefits of Present Forward - Future Back
Using “Present Forward - Future Back” isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. Here’s what you’ll get:
A Roadmap That Actually Gets You Somewhere: No more wandering in circles. This approach keeps you on track, aligned, and focused on your long-term vision.
Agility in the Face of Change: When things change—and they will—you’ll be ready. Your strategy isn’t rigid; it’s dynamic, designed to flex and pivot as needed.
Motivation That Drives Action: A clear vision inspires teams, giving them a shared purpose that goes beyond the daily grind.
The Final Word: Flip the Script on Strategy
Stop letting the future happen to you. Start making it happen for you. “Present Forward - Future Back” is a smarter way to plan—strategically, boldly, and with a focus on action. Don’t just predict the future; create it.
Ready to get started? Leave behind outdated planning and dive into a strategy that connects today’s efforts with tomorrow’s possibilities. The future does not happen to us, it is what we make it to be.
Written by Tove Chevalley
Co-founder Formation. My days are filled with writing, listening, and connecting people, problems and tools. Anything that makes growth more sustainable, for people, the planet, and business.
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