“When you are facing in the wrong direction, progress means walking backwards.”
– Nigel Goldenfeld
The fastest mile run record is held by Hicham El Guerrouj at 3 min 43.13 sec.
The fastest mile run backwards is held by Aaron Yoder at 5 min 54.25 sec.
Walking, let alone running backwards, is much harder and time consuming than going forwards.
So why do we sometimes hinder ourselves by not taking some time to plan our work before we start? Planning can avoid unnecessary reverse pedestrianism (‘walking backwards’ to you and me).
On another note.
Have you ever looked at a Maps app and then realised you’re walking down the street in the wrong direction? What do you do? Turn around or moonwalk to get back on track?
Styling it out by moonwalking may look cool – odd, but cool – for two yards but it’s hard work to maintain it for very long. Make a mistake? Admit it and move on… preferably facing the right direction.
Genuine mistakes happen. They’ve certainly happened to me. It may be embarrassing to admit but not admitting it is worse in the long run.
Undertaking a project without planning is akin to walking backwards when you don’t need to.
Don’t make it more difficult for yourself.