Using Pre-Mortem In Everyday Life

The pre-mortem technique is a powerful tool that can be used in everyday life to help identify potential problems and prevent them from becoming a reality. This technique involves imagining that a project or plan has failed and then working backwards to identify the reasons why it failed. By doing this, we can identify potential problems before they occur and take steps to prevent them from happening.

Here are some ways to use the pre-mortem technique in everyday life:

1. Planning a trip: Before embarking on a trip, imagine that the trip has failed. What are the reasons for the failure? Was it due to poor planning, lack of research, or unexpected events? By identifying potential problems, you can take steps to prevent them from happening.

For example, you may decide to research the destination more thoroughly, purchase travel insurance, or pack extra supplies in case of an emergency.

2. Starting a new job: Before starting a new job, imagine that you have failed in the position. What are the reasons for the failure? Was it due to a lack of training, poor communication with colleagues, or unrealistic expectations? By identifying potential problems, you can take steps to prevent them from happening.

For example, you may decide to ask for additional training, communicate more effectively with colleagues, or set realistic goals for yourself.

3. Starting a new project: Before starting a new project, imagine that the project has failed. What are the reasons for the failure? Was it due to a lack of resources, poor planning, or unexpected obstacles? By identifying potential problems, you can take steps to prevent them from happening.

For example, you may decide to allocate more resources to the project, create a detailed project plan, or identify potential obstacles and develop contingency plans.

4. Making a major purchase: Before making a major purchase, imagine that the purchase has failed. What are the reasons for the failure? Was it due to a lack of research, poor quality, or unexpected problems? By identifying potential problems, you can take steps to prevent them from happening.

For example, you may decide to research the product more thoroughly, read reviews from other customers, or purchase a warranty to protect against unexpected problems.

In conclusion, the pre-mortem technique can be a valuable tool in everyday life for identifying potential problems and preventing them from becoming a reality. By imagining that a project or plan has failed and working backwards to identify the reasons why, we can take steps to prevent those problems from happening.

Whether planning a trip, starting a new job, or making a major purchase, the pre-mortem technique can help us make more informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.