The Gap and the Gain

As they did in WHO NOT HOW, Dr. Benjamin Hardy shares one of Dan Sullivan's simple yet profound teachings that until now have been known only to his Strategic Coach clients: unsuccessful people focus on "The Gap," but successful people focus on "The Gain." Most people, especially highly ambitious people, are unhappy because of what they measure themselves against. We all have an ideal, which is like a moving target always out of reach. When we measure ourselves against our ideal, we're in "The Gap." However, when we measure ourselves against our previous selves--the person we were when we set our goals and ideals--we will be in "The Gain." In "The Gain" we can more clearly see the progress we've made, and therefore will experience the happiness, confidence, and satisfaction that come from achieving--positive, powerful emotions that will motivate us to pursue new goals and ultimately become increasingly successful.