The Future-Back Thinking: Achieving Your Long-Term Goals

Panera Founder's Advice Shift Focus from Resume to Obituary for True Success

Panera’s founder advises prioritize your obituary over your resume for success.

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Every year, for the past 30 years, Ron Shaich, the founder of Panera, does something quite unique and introspective. He sits down and writes his own obituary. No, he’s not planning for the afterlife or anything spooky like that, but rather using a thought exercise he calls a “pre-mortem” to define his values and goals.

Shaich’s “pre-mortem” exercise is about envisioning oneself far into the future, looking back at a fulfilled life. It’s about asking yourself in the present what you can do to ensure you reach that place. It may sound a bit morbid, but hey, don’t knock it until you try it!

To kickstart this exercise, Shaich grabs a trusty yellow legal pad (how retro!) and starts dividing it into the different areas of his life that he cares about. He outlines his relationship with his body and health, his core relationships with his family, his work and what brings him joy, and his spirituality. Based on these areas, he then sets goals for each and every one of them.

But hold on a second! This exercise isn’t just for personal use. Shaich, being the innovative thinker he is, decided to bring it to his businesses as well. As he so vividly describes it, a business is like a little organism, and this thought exercise can help breathe life into it.

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Shaich’s inspiration for the “pre-mortem” exercise came after the passing of his parents. He noticed a stark difference in their attitudes towards the end of their lives. His father expressed regrets, while his mother seemed more at peace. This contrast motivated Shaich to live a life that he could truly respect. As he writes in his book, “Know What Matters,” he is committed to living more consciously and intentionally during his time on Earth.

Now, here’s the secret sauce: sometimes, the big goals change. And that’s perfectly okay. The purpose of this exercise is not to rigidly plan out your entire future, but rather to discover the direction in which you want to head. It’s about navigating through life with purpose and intention.

So, why not give it a go? Grab your trusty yellow legal pad, imagine yourself far into the future, and write your own obituary. It may seem a little odd, but who knows? It just might spark some clarity and motivation within you. And remember, a little introspection goes a long way in the pursuit of a truly fulfilling life.

Readers, have you ever tried a “pre-mortem” exercise like Ron Shaich? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to hashtag #FutureBackThinking to let us know you’re on this enlightened journey with us. Together, we can shape our futures and live lives that truly matter.