How to Begin with the End in Mind as Software Engineer

Counterintuitive Way of Thinking

A counterintuitive way of thinking, beginning with the end in mind, means envisioning the final result before taking action. While it sounds simple, it is not easy to practice. This is because our habitual way of thinking is linear and sequential — we complete the first step, then move on to the second, then the third, and so on.

This pattern is understandable. Humans evolved from ancient times when survival was uncertain, and thinking in reverse had little practical value. People were often unsure whether they would even see the next sunrise. Over hundreds of thousands of years, evolution has ingrained in us many short-sighted behaviors and thinking habits, as they are the most energy-efficient. Looking at the long-term requires additional mental effort.

“Beginning with the end in mind” is a counterintuitive mindset that most people do not naturally possess. As a result, in everyday life, we often observe many fascinating phenomena related to this difference in thinking.

For example, when graduating from university, many people consider pursuing graduate studies. If you ask them why, the common answer is “to get a good job.” But does going to graduate school really help them secure a better job? Not necessarily, because…