Working backwards
Working backwards
You get to draw the graph before you have the data on two occasions:
- When you know the results to expect in your science experiment
- When you dream up your big vision and draw the graph of what you would like for it to be
It’s fun to draw a graph and then plot the data tables; fun because your graph does not need to account for limitations or impediments. Your graph represents the ideal scenario!
Gathering your actual findings, accounting for constraints and plotting your data tables then entails working backwards. The goal is to keep your graph looking as good as you can. That’s the graph you are about to show the world. The effort therefore is entirely channelized towards achieving your graph. That’s the graph of your dreams.
Work backwards from your dreams. The converse can be a painful process and the graph this generated, is seldom perfect!
