Travel on the London Underground and you will hear a cheery voice telling you to please, "Mind the Gap". Meant to alert passengers to the gap between the sidewalk and the train so as not to fall in between, this phrase doubles as a useful metaphor for life.

No matter where you are now and where you want to go, a gap exists between the two. Awareness of any gap in your life helps reduce your chances of falling in, developing patterns that are unproductive and getting stuck. Gaps point out risks & boundaries and provide opportunities to pause and learn. The key is to determine whether and when to bridge, fill in, jump over or stay on the same side.

Types of Gaps

Gaps occur in all realms of life - self-care, health, career, relationships, finances... Often, a gap is caused by unrealistic expectations, unforeseen circumstances, or a lack of information, experience or skills. What's common for all is that how we think and what we do or don't do impacts the size of the gap.

Hyrum Smith, in his book: The 3 Gaps: Are You Making A Difference? outlines these:

The Beliefs Gap

Between what you believe to be true and what is actually true. Your belief may be driving a behavior that does not meet your needs.

Quick Tip: Recognize the behavior (hint- it's tied to not getting results you want), admit change is needed, ask yourself why you use this behavior (identifies the belief), create an alternative & enact the change.

The Values Gap

Between what you value most in life and where you invest your time and energy.

Quick Tip: Identify, clarify and prioritize your current values. Make a point to have a daily action that is aligned with one of your top values.

The Time Gap

Between what you plan to do each day and what you actually get done.

Quick Tip: Identify what is in your control, what you have influence over and what is not in your control. Based on this information, take 15 minutes daily to plan your actions.

Other common gaps:

The Disappointment Gap

Between the results you expect and your actual results.

Quick Tip: Adjust expectations. Reality check your plan & resources. What can you learn from this?

The Identity Gap

Between who you are today and who you need to become to get to your destination.

Quick Tip: Embody the type of person that achieves the result you want.

The Comparison Gap

Between who you are and your comparison to others.

Quick Tip: Measuring is natural and useful until it causes you to give your power away. Stay focused on you.

How to Manage a Gap

Identify:

What gap do I need to mind?

Have a clear and compelling WHY

Ask:

What impact would it have in my life and those around me if I did not do anything about it and allowed the gap to widen?

Managing the gap requires a combination of mindset and action.

Strategies to try:

Pick ONE area

• This will give you the greatest chance for success.

Adjust your expectations

• Take a step back and evaluate whether your expectations are realistic. Use a trusted sounding board.

Address unforeseen circumstances

• Use the spheres of control: in my control, have some influence over, outside my control. How can I make my path easier?

Develop new skills, knowledge or partnerships

• Seek out information, training or mentorship. Consider who you can partner with to help bridge a gap or support you.

Remember your Why & Take Action

• Your results are the natural outcome of your beliefs & actions.

Be patient & kind with yourself & others

• Some gaps will be easy & quick to fill, others may take more time & effort.

Reflect on the experience

• Take time to reflect on what you learned from the gap. Celebrate progress! File it away for future reference.

"Mind the gap" invites us to be aware and gives us the opportunity to be mindful. To choose, to learn, to change, to grow. The process can help you steer clear of potential pitfalls, expand your abilities and realign with who you want to be and where you want to go.

The Result?

Greater well-being, satisfaction & fulfillment!!