How Do We Measure Potential and Success?

Written By: Lance Piatt

The following is inferred from the book The GAP and the GAIN by Dan Sullivan

The context is human development, not algorithmic outcomes.

The question as to where measure success has been around for thousands of years.  The topic could be about personal development or team development.  How about some topics for success?

  1. How to develop traits such as emotional intelligence, determination, and resilience in order to create greater success in all areas of life.
  2. Practical tips for overcoming obstacles and unlocking potential.
  3. How to think outside the box and develop strong habits in order to make lasting changes.
  4. How to take actionable steps towards achieving goals and ultimately create the outcome you desire.

If you want to truly measure your progress and growth, it’s important to understand the difference between “the GAP” and “the GAIN”. The GAP is all about measuring yourself against an ideal or goal that you have set for yourself. It’s about striving for what could be better in life. On the other hand, the GAIN is about appreciating all that you’ve achieved so far and taking stock of how far you’ve come from your starting point. Thinking of your growth in terms of both the GAP and the GAIN allows you to realize where you can strive for more while also recognizing all that you have accomplished thus far. Looking at things through these two lenses will give you a more well-rounded view of where you are on your journey.

By understanding the GAP and GAIN, you can become more mindful of how far you have come while also keeping an eye out for potential future growth opportunities. This will help ensure that you continue to move forward in a positive direction and make the most of every moment! So remember – don’t just focus on the GAP or where there is still room for improvement, but also take note of all that you’ve achieved in your journey thus far with the GAIN. The combination of both perspectives provides a holistic view that can drive your progress and help create meaningful change in your life.

When you measure yourself or a situation against an ideal, it’s like looking at the world through two lenses: the gap and the gain. The gap is what stands in between where you are now and where you want to be—the potential for improvement. The gain is what lies ahead when you reach that goal—the reward of having achieved something great. Both perspectives help us navigate our lives with more intentionality, purpose, and accomplishment. By considering both ends of the spectrum, we become better equipped to decide which actions will lead us closer toward our goals and which ones can ultimately hinder progress. That’s why, no matter how small or large the project may be, taking time to reflect on “the gap and the gain” can be a powerful tool to help you make the most of your ambitions.

When you’re in the GAIN, it’s all about measuring your own. It doesn’t matter how far behind others are – what matters is how far you’ve come. The gap between where you are now and where you were before? That’s the GAIN. It’s about celebrating the progress you’ve made. It’s a journey that only you can take and measure, making progress along the way. So whether it’s big or small, no matter what your GAIN looks like, it’s yours to own and celebrate!

It’s important to remember that when measuring your own progress, the only comparison that matters is the gap between where you were before and where you are now. That’s the GAIN, and it’s something to be proud of. So keep pushing yourself forward, one step at a time – that’s what makes progress meaningful!

I will leave you with this… “The person who fails the most will win.  If I fail more than you do, I will win.  Because in order to keep failing, you’ve got to be good enough to keep playing.”  Team leaders, coaches, administrators… pay attention.

Peace on your Days

Lance

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