“Unsuccessful people focus on ‘The Gap,’ but successful people focus on ‘The Gain.'” ~Dan Sullivan
We all deal with discouragement, failure, and setbacks. We all have things we wish were different, wish we had made more progress or accomplished all of our goals.
This is normal.
The problem lies when that is all that we focus on – what we lack.
Leadership and business training expert Dan Sullivan calls this “The Gap.” And focusing on it doesn’t help!
So what can we do about it?
Embrace “The Gain.”
What is The Gain?
The gain is all of the progress, wins, accomplishments, good people, and positive things that have happened in our lives. This can be evaluated on any time scale – days, weeks, months, years, even a lifetime.
It brings happiness, gratitude, energy, and success.
I’ve found that focusing on The Gain helps me identify and enjoy moments of joy.
It’s not about suppressing the things that are wrong and pretending they aren’t there, but it is about bringing forward what is good in our lives, and celebrating that, even in the midst of struggle, heartache, and pain.
An Activity to Bring Forward The Gain
Ever since I learned about this idea, I do a journaling exercise each quarter. The funny thing is, I almost always need it as I find myself doubting my progress and purpose.
Here’s what I do:
I set a timer for 5-10 minutes for each of 3 different time scales – 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year. While the timer is moving, my only focus is to list out good things that have happened. People that I’ve met, the progress I’ve made, personal/professional wins, lessons learned, and more.
Each time I come away amazed at what I have actually done, grateful for my blessings, and excited to keep making more progress.
It breaks me out of my mental state of disappointment and re-energizes me to keep moving forward!
I invite you to try it today! Especially if you are feeling down, discouraged, or struggling with your motivation.
It only takes 15-30 minutes, but maybe the single most helpful action to take all week to help you reach your goals!
See more in the video below!
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