The Gap And The Gain Summary by Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy
Do you feel that no matter how much you accomplish, there’s always another goal or level to reach?
This constant pursuit of improvement can be both motivating and exhausting. But what if there was a way to feel fulfilled and happy with where you are while striving for more? That’s where the concept of “the gap and the gain” comes in.
“The gap and the gain” is a simple but powerful idea that can help you find happiness and fulfillment while still pursuing your goals.
This simple concept, popularized by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, is based on the idea that we all have an “ideal” version of ourselves that we’re constantly striving for.
This ideal is always just out of reach, creating a gap between where we are now and where we want to be. But instead of focusing on the gap, we can focus on the gain – the progress we’ve made and the things we’ve accomplished so far.
Understanding the gap and the gain can help you shift your mindset from one of constant striving to one of appreciation and gratitude.
By focusing on the gain, you can feel proud of what you’ve accomplished so far and motivated to keep going.
And by accepting the gap as a natural part of the process, you can find happiness and fulfillment in the present moment.
Join the Passive Investors CircleUnderstanding the Gap and The Gain
The Gap and The Gain is a concept that describes two ways of thinking about your progress in life.
Legendary entrepreneur coach Dan Sullivan developed this multi-layered concept, and psychologist Dr. Benjamin Hardy connected it to scientific concepts that help explain why we tend to focus on the future and how we can train ourselves to focus on the past instead.
When you focus on the Gap, you measure yourself or your situation against an ideal. This ideal is a moving target that is always out of reach.
You’re constantly comparing where you are now to where you want to be, and this can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and inadequacy.
On the other hand, when you focus on the Gain, you’re looking at how far you’ve come or the gains you’ve made. You’re reflecting on your progress and celebrating your achievements. This can lead to feelings of gratitude, contentment, and motivation.
Self-Awareness
Understanding this concept helps you become more self-aware about your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. It encourages reflection and self-assessment. By focusing on the Gain, you can build confidence and momentum, which can help you achieve your goals more effectively.
It can be applied to any area of your life, whether personal or professional. By focusing on the Gain, you can improve your relationships, health, finances, and career. It can help you overcome obstacles and stay motivated in facing challenges.
Related article: How to Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back
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The Gap and the Gain is rooted in positive psychology, which studies the positive aspects of life, such as happiness, well-being, and fulfillment.
The Gain is a positive approach to thinking about your life, focusing on how far you have come and the gains you have made. This mindset can help you feel more satisfied with your life and bolster motivation to continue striving towards your goals.
The Mindset Shift
The Gap and the Gain involves a simple mindset shift that can have enormous psychological benefits. Rather than focusing on the gap between your current self and success, focus on the gains you have made and how far you’ve come.
This can help you feel more positive about your life and accomplishments and can help you stay motivated to continue working towards your goals.
Negative Mindset
By focusing on The Gain, you can also avoid the negative effects of gap-thinking, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
When you focus on the gap between your current self and future success, you may feel like you will never be successful.
This negative mindset can be detrimental to your mental well-being and can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
The Gap and The Gain in Literature
The concept of the Gap and the Gain has been explored in various works of literature.
The New York Times bestselling book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear also touches on the Gap and the Gain.
Clear argues that focusing on the progress you’ve made (the Gain) rather than the distance still to go (the Gap) can help you build better habits and achieve your goals.
Another book that explores the Gap and the Gain is “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. Tolle emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment (the Gain) rather than constantly striving for a better future (the Gap).
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What is the GAP and the GAIN concept?
The GAP and the GAIN concept is a way of thinking that measures your progress in life. GAP-thinking is focusing on the “gap” between where you are now and where you want to be. GAIN-thinking is focusing on how far you’ve come, or the “gains” you’ve made.
What are the key points of the GAP and the GAIN?
The key points of the GAP and the GAIN are that successful people focus on the GAIN, while unsuccessful people focus on the GAP. The GAIN is based on progress, growth, and fulfillment, while the GAP is based on an unhealthy attachment to something outside of yourself.
What is the synopsis of the GAP and the GAIN the high achievers guide to happiness confidence and success?
The GAP and the GAIN: The High Achievers’ Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success is a book by Benjamin Hardy that teaches readers how to focus on the GAIN by setting clear goals, taking action, and celebrating progress. The book provides practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, building confidence, and achieving success.
What happens in chapter 2 of the GAP and the GAIN?
Chapter 2 of the GAP and the GAIN is titled “The Power of Purpose.” In this chapter, the author explains how having a clear sense of purpose can help you focus on the GAIN and achieve your goals. The chapter provides practical tips for discovering your purpose and aligning your actions with your values.
What are some journal prompts for the GAP and the GAIN?
Some journal prompts for the GAP and the GAIN include: “What are some gains you’ve made in the past year?”, “What is one thing you can do today to move closer to your goals?”, and “How can you reframe a current challenge as an opportunity for growth?”