How can I display a number to represent the order of post?

I want to display the numerical number next to the_title of my WordPress posts. For example, I have 10 posts already:

• 001 - First Post


• 002 - Second Post ...


• 010 - So on...

I have tried it with a a number that adds '1++' in every loop but what it displays is the opposite: First post = "010", Last post = "001".

here's my code. I want the reverse of this:

<?php 
$query = new WP_Query( array(
    'orderby' => 'ID',
    'order' => 'DESC',
    'post_type'   => 'projects',
    'posts_per_page' => -1
));

$start_value = 000;

if (have_posts()) : while ($query->have_posts()) : $query->the_post();
$terms = get_the_terms($post->ID, 'skill');

$start_value++;
$counter = sprintf("%03s",$start_value);

?>

<?php

echo $counter; include(locate_template('home/format.php'));
// displays as: 001 - This is the Last Post
endwhile; endif;
 ?>