Hello there,
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you accomplish, it’s just not enough? Like you're constantly chasing the next milestone, only to move the goalpost as soon as you get close? It’s something I have struggled with myself time and time again, and yes, it is exhausting.
I came across a concept that hit home: the gap and the gain. It’s a mindset shift that helps us stop measuring ourselves against an ever-evolving ideal and start reflecting on how far we’ve come. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for building consistency and happiness in life and work.
After completing a seven-year journey building and exiting my last business, I found myself slipping into “what’s next?” mode almost immediately. It’s easy to get caught up in the gap, the distance between where you are and where you want to be and miss out on appreciating your gains.
To reset, I’ve taken a week off. I’ve booked a place in the middle of nowhere, cut out all digital distractions, and leaned into the art of being uncomfortable. I’ve forced myself to slow down, embrace boredom, and reflect deeply. Here’s what this Reflection Week looks like:
This isn’t easy, we’re conditioned to avoid boredom and loneliness. But by stepping away from the noise, I’m gaining clarity, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s about celebrating the gains: the growth, the lessons, and the milestones along the way.
After hundreds of hours of development, we've launched a comprehensive platform packed with products and course bundles designed to elevate your business and career.
Fuel your growth: LukeTobin.com/products
As a founder who has built, scaled, and successfully sold multiple businesses, I'm bringing real-world exit expertise to you. The Exit Accelerator goes beyond numbers – it's about legacy, team security, and your next chapter.
Ready to transform your exit strategy? Visit https://www.luketobin.com/the-exit-accelerator to explore our resources and secure your spot.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the website. luke@luketobin.com
The gap is the distance between where you are now and where you want to be. It’s the mindset that makes every accomplishment feel “not enough” because you’re always chasing more.
The gain is the progress you’ve made from where you started. It’s about recognising your growth and achievements and using them as fuel for your journey.
Living in the gap leads to burnout, overwhelm, and dissatisfaction, especially for high achievers who constantly raise the bar. Living in the gain, on the other hand, builds confidence, gratitude, and momentum.
Transitioning from the gap to the gain isn’t just a mindset shift. It’s a proven strategy backed by psychology. Here are three frameworks to help you implement this change in your life:
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a close friend. Focus on these 3 components:
Practical Step:
Each evening, write down one moment where you showed up for yourself during the day, whether through resilience, kindness, or persistence.
The WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) framework helps you set realistic goals by focusing on both aspirations and potential barriers. It’s a practical method to align your vision with actionable steps. How to Apply WOOP:
Recognising small wins is one of the most powerful ways to boost motivation and engagement. The Progress Principle highlights that tracking incremental achievements provides momentum toward larger goals.
Practical Step:
Break down your big goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate each one—no matter how small—with deliberate acknowledgment.
Shifting from the gap to the gain isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s a process rooted in practical strategies. By combining self-compassion, goal-setting frameworks like WOOP, and the Progress Principle, you can effectively train your brain to focus on growth and achievement.
It’s packed with practical insights on how to shift your mindset and celebrate your progress. If this concept resonates with you, I highly recommend adding it to your reading list.
To your unstoppable success!
Writer, The Success Method