In a recent podcast, I discovered a book that truly spoke to me as an overachiever constantly striving for more: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. This book targets those of us who, like myself, feel an insatiable desire to achieve more and never feel quite satisfied with our progress. It was an insightful read, particularly for women entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities.
The Gap and the Gain dives into the tendency of many high-achievers to focus on the distance between where they currently are and where they aim to be. Sullivan and Hardy call this the “GAP.” The consequence? A constant state of dissatisfaction and unhappiness as our goals invariably shift and evolve, creating an illusion of making no significant progress.
However, the authors suggest an alternative perspective – the “GAIN.” Measuring progress not against a shifting future goal but against where you started, which can fuel motivation and satisfaction. In the GAIN, you can be happy where you are at the moment rather than unhappy until you reach your target, which is most likely moving. For example, consider a female entrepreneur who has expanded her start-up from a one-person operation to a small team yet continues striving for a large-scale operation. If she focuses on the GAIN, she appreciates her progress so far, recognizing the growth and learning she has achieved.
The book offers several strategies to help shift from the GAP to the GAIN perspective, some of which resonated with me and I have already put into practice:
Always measure backward to remain in the GAIN.
Compare your progress to your past self rather than others – each journey is unique.
Recognize when you’ve slipped into the GAP and make a conscious effort to shift back to the GAIN.
Replace the statement, “I’ll be successful when…” with “I know I’m being successful when…” focusing on your current achievements.
Understand that in the GAIN perspective, there’s no losing, only winning or learning.
Embrace the idea that while you can’t control external events, you do have control over your response to them.
Make a habit of reflecting on a current challenge before bed, allowing your brain to process and provide fresh insight by morning. Keep a notebook by your bed to capture the brilliant ideas your brain came up with overnight!
My verdict on The Gap and the Gain? An absolute must-read! For those seeking a refreshing outlook on personal development and progress measurement, this book offers a wealth of practical, easy-to-implement advice interwoven with compelling examples. It’s not about elusive, mystical life hacks; it’s solid, relatable advice that works. Since reading, I’ve actively been applying these strategies, and the shift in my perspective has been nothing short of transformative.
I’d encourage every ambitious woman entrepreneur or anyone who grapples with never feeling “enough” to pick up this book. It could be the key to changing your perspective and unleashing a new sense of satisfaction and motivation in your journey. Don’t let the “personal development” tag deter you; instead, embrace the potential for growth and happiness that comes from focusing on the GAIN.
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