Gaps of Life

There is a simple principle of personal development which is in consonance with momentum. There’s a gap between where we stand, and where we’re trying to go. To be successful on our journey of life, we have to be aware of this space and prudent when crossing it. We have to mind the gaps of growth. Some of the gaps we experience in life are:

The Assumption Gap: Assuming Growth Is Automatic. Growth doesn’t just happen. Most people expect to grow naturally, as if by osmosis they can somehow magically absorb the lessons of life.

The Knowledge Gap: Not Knowing How to Grow. The average person spends more time planning their vacation than their personal growth. They want others to invest in them, but they’re unwilling to put their own time, money, and reputation on the line in order to better their lives.

The Timing Gap: Sensing the Time Isn’t Right to Begin. Lots of people embrace a philosophy that’s pro-life and procrastination. They want to live it up today so they delay doing anything requiring diligent effort and hard work. However, the longer you wait to do something you should do now the greater the odds that you will never do it.

The Mistake Gap: Fearing Failure. Whenever we dare to try anything great, we’re going to fail somewhere along the way. You’re guaranteed to mess up from time to time as a leader. Avoiding mistakes doesn’t bring success; it keeps you trapped at your current level of growth.

The Inspiration Gap: Feeling Unmotivated. Winners do what is right and then feel good as a result. Whiners want to feel good before they do what is right. Life involves an inescapable amount of pain, but it’s far better to endure the pain of discipline today than to suffer the pain of regret later.

Redefining Success

Real life situations around me prompted me to make one of my key life decisions: rewriting my definition of success. Instead of acclaim or advancement or achievement, I decided that for me success means having those closest to me love and respect me the most.

If you want to redefine success the way I did, here are some ways to put your decision into practice:

Determine your priorities.
How much of your calendar is devoted to your family and/or close friends? On your budget and to-do list, where do you write in your loved ones? No relationship can survive for long on leftovers.

Decide on your philosophy.
Once your loved ones are a priority, you have to decide together what you want your family to stand for. What values will you live out? For us, the bottom line was to cultivate and maintain:
- Determination to serve God,
- Commitment to God's will
- Diligence in all endeavour
- Continual growth,
- Discipline and
- Contributions to life and lives.

Develop your problem-solving strategy.
In all facets of life, the best plan is to expect problems, stay committed, and develop a strategy for getting through the rough times. Better understanding, Positive change, and Growing relationships are strategies in my opinion.