The Compound Effects: The GAP and The GAIN

Written By: Lance Piatt

“Sometimes the greatest scientific breakthroughs happen because someone ignores the prevailing pessimism.” -Ness Carey, British Biologist

Stress can manifest in several ways, from physical signs like headaches and fatigue to emotional symptoms such as irritability and anxiety. Living within The GAP is no exception; it demands that you push yourself beyond your comfort zone – both mentally and physically. This often results in excessive stress, which over time can take its toll on your body. Aches and pains are common complaints from those dealing with the GAP, and prolonged exposure to this kind of strain can lead to accelerated aging processes.

We all experience stress in our lives – and it’s important to remember that some level of stress is actually good for us. It helps with concentration, and decision-making, and provides a boost of energy when we need it. But if you’re faced with too much stress over a long period of time, it can be really damaging to your health.

Prolonged or chronic exposure to stress disrupts the normal functioning of your cells and triggers an inflammatory response which can lead to many different serious health problems. This type of prolonged exposure has been linked to cancer, heart disease, depression, obesity, and even dementia; while chronic inflammation has been shown to shorten life expectancy as well.

This has a cumulative effect over time. It’s like constantly running on an uphill course, never getting the chance to stop and recover. Your body is forced to keep going despite being exhausted, leading to a decrease in overall performance. Eventually, it can lead to serious health issues such as chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, and even depression.

Being in GAIN means having the opportunity to reclaim your power, to become an active participant in change and transformation. It’s a chance to build bridges and create a new future for yourself.

Optimism is more than just a positive outlook; it can actually have tangible benefits on your health and even lifespan. Studies have shown that people who maintain an optimistic outlook in life have improved immune systems, better physical health, and even increased lifespans compared to their pessimistic peers.

Being an optimist isn’t necessarily easy, since it’s easy to get bogged down with everyday worries and negative thoughts. But the benefits are worth it: think of your optimism as an investment in your health and happiness! Try to practice positive thinking and gratitude, no matter how small the thing you’re thankful for might be.

“Comparison makes you unhappy, and there’s no end to the comparison in the world, if that’s the path you choose.”

Measuring backwards and taking in the GAINs is a massive shift from the “normie”.  Developing an experiential education requires and look back and the ground we have taken from where we were before.  The question though is the “how” – How do we measure the value of our experiences is key to a positive or negative outcome.

The GAIN framework allows us to take an active role in the shaping of our experiences, rather than being passive bystanders. It invites us to look at each experience as an opportunity for growth, instead of a threat or something to endure. By taking a proactive stance and tapping into our unique strengths, we can turn any experience into one that is meaningful and fulfilling. With the GAIN framework, every experience can be embraced as an opportunity for learning and development. As we apply this powerful tool to our everyday lives, we are able to better understand ourselves and enjoy a life of greater satisfaction.

Even the challenging is worked through GAIN. No life is without serious problems, but we still have choices as to how we deal with them. The list of hardcore examples of people working through death, health, marriage, work and parenting is “gnarly”.  Yet…! They do and their testimonies are nothing short of incredible.

  • In the end, “comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt .
  • “Measuring your own personal and professional progress keeps you out of comparison with others.”
  • “Is there a good way to “unadapt” to positive events?  Perhaps thinking about the absence of those positive events would work.”  – Minkyung Koo et al

How ’bout an overview and the “take homes”?

  • GAP creates a negative compound effect in your life.
  • GAIN creates a positive compound effect in your life.
  • GAIN will enable you to live a longer and gracious life.
  • Always have a running conversation with yourself as to which side of the fence are you on… GAP or GAIN.  If on the GAP, allow only a 5 minute period and then get out.

 

Peace on your Days

Lance

 

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