Feeling Great and Measuring Goals from the Gain Instead of the Gap

By Chris Pappalardo

It’s that time of year again! Time to start setting goals for next year, finish this year strong and see where you ended up. When it comes to setting and achieving goals, the mindset with which you approach your progress can significantly impact your motivation, persistence, and overall success. Traditional approaches to goal-setting often focus on measuring the gap between your current situation and your desired outcome. This "gap" perspective emphasizes the distance you still need to cover, which can sometimes lead to discouragement and a sense of being overwhelmed. In contrast, measuring goals from the "gain"—focusing on the progress you've made rather than the distance left to travel—can offer a more positive and motivating approach.

Understanding the Gap Mentality

The gap mentality is rooted in identifying the discrepancy between where you are now and where you want to be. For example, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds, measuring from the gap would involve constantly focusing on the 30 pounds you still need to lose. This perspective can lead to a few potential pitfalls:

1. Discouragement: Constantly focusing on the remaining distance can make progress seem slow and the goal seem distant. This can be demotivating and lead to frustration.
2. Perfectionism: A gap-focused mindset can lead to perfectionism, where any progress short of the ideal outcome feels inadequate. This can undermine confidence and hinder continued effort.
3. Stress and Burnout: The pressure of closing a large gap can lead to stress and burnout, especially if the goal is ambitious or if progress is slower than anticipated.

The Gain Mentality: A Shift in Perspective

Measuring goals from the gain involves focusing on the progress you've made rather than the distance remaining. This approach can transform your experience of goal-setting in several positive ways:

1. Increased Motivation: By recognizing and celebrating the progress you’ve made, you build momentum. This acknowledgment of achievements, no matter how small, can boost your motivation to continue working toward your goal.
2. Enhanced Self-Efficacy: Seeing the gains you’ve made reinforces the belief in your own abilities. This enhanced self-efficacy can empower you to tackle challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Focusing on gains provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which serves as positive reinforcement. This can create a feedback loop where success breeds more success.
4. Reduced Stress: By concentrating on what you’ve achieved, rather than the distance left to cover, you can reduce the stress and anxiety associated with large goals. This more balanced perspective helps maintain a healthier mental state.

Practical Strategies for Measuring from the Gain

1. Track and Reflect: Keep a record of your progress, whether through journals, apps, or progress charts. Regularly review these records to remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Reflect on the obstacles you’ve overcome and the milestones you’ve reached.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Break your larger goal into smaller, manageable milestones. Celebrate each of these smaller wins as you achieve them. This not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also helps maintain momentum.
3. Visualize Success: Create visual representations of your progress. For instance, if you’re saving money, maintain a visual savings chart that shows how much you’ve accumulated. Seeing the visual representation of your gains can be highly motivating.
4. Adjust Your Goals: Be flexible with your goals. If you’re consistently meeting your milestones, consider setting more ambitious targets. Conversely, if you’re struggling, it might be useful to adjust your goals or break them down further to make them more achievable.
5. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of gratitude for the progress you’ve made. Recognize and appreciate the effort you’ve put in and the progress you’ve achieved, rather than fixating on what remains.

The Psychological Impact of the Gain Approach

The psychological benefits of measuring from the gain are profound. It aligns with the principles of positive psychology, which emphasizes well-being, strengths, and positive experiences. By focusing on gains:

1. Resilience: You build resilience by continually acknowledging and reinforcing your progress. This resilience can help you bounce back from setbacks and maintain your commitment to your goals.
2. Growth Mindset: The gain mentality fosters a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities for learning and development. This mindset encourages persistence and adaptability.
3. Sustained Engagement: Regularly recognizing and celebrating your progress keeps you engaged and committed. This sustained engagement is crucial for long-term success.
4. Emotional Well-being: Celebrating gains rather than focusing on gaps contributes to a more positive emotional state. It reduces feelings of inadequacy and enhances overall happiness.

Case Study?and Example

Residential Real Estate Agent

Consider Jane, a residential real estate agent who set a goal to close 50 transactions in a year. By mid-year, she has closed 25 transactions. Instead of focusing on the 25 remaining deals, Jane shifts her focus to the 25 transactions she has already completed. She celebrates each successful closing with her team, tracks her progress visually with a deal tracker, and reflects on the positive feedback from clients.

As a result, Jane feels motivated and confident, which boosts her performance. She continues to close deals at a steady pace and is well-positioned to reach her annual goal. By measuring from the gain, Jane maintains a positive mindset and avoids the stress associated with the gap mentality.

Conclusion

Measuring goals from the gain rather than the gap offers a more empowering and motivational approach to goal-setting. By focusing on progress and celebrating achievements, you create a positive feedback loop that enhances motivation, builds self-efficacy, and reduces stress. This shift in perspective not only improves your chances of reaching your goals but also contributes to a more fulfilling and satisfying journey. Embracing the gain mentality allows you to appreciate the strides you’ve made, fostering a healthier, more resilient approach to achieving your aspirations.