Mind the gap!
If you've ever visited London and taken a ride on the Underground, you're probably familiar with the perpetual safety reminder to ‘mind the gap.’ Each time a train arrives at a station, Central London passengers are reminded to watch out for the space between the platform and the train as they board.
This quintessentially English phrase has long intrigued tourists. Londoners on their daily commute barely notice the safety announcement, let alone the gap itself. Many of us also pay little attention to the gaps in our own lives, particularly the gaps between where we are and where we hope to be.
Have you ever started working towards a big goal with enthusiasm and energy, only to find yourself derailed when you encounter obstacles and unexpected challenges? I’ve been there too! When we grow tired of putting in the effort without seeing the progress we anticipated, it can be tough to stay focused and positive. In these moments, it’s easy to start questioning whether it was meant for us and feel tempted to give up.
Before you do that, can I encourage you to
‘mind the gap’?
When we experience disappointment because things don’t go as planned, the issue is often not due to a lack of dedication or skill. More frequently, it’s rooted in our expectations. We see others sharing their success stories—without showing their humble beginnings—and assume our journey should be just as smooth. We anticipate that the changes we desire will happen quickly, and when they don’t, we grow impatient.
The truth is, whenever any of us embarks on something new, we inevitably face a gap—the gap between where we are now and where we want to be. The real problem isn’t our effort—it’s that we don’t take the time to ‘mind the gap.’ You don’t need to be a London tourist to heed this warning. If you have started something new and are feeling disillusioned perhaps you’ve missed a similar safety warning.
So how do you ‘mind the gap’?
⚡ Alter Your Expectations - Those who are able to keep going, even when the wait is long, expect to experience the gap. They know that all change takes time. In my own life, I’ve faced gaps that have stretched for weeks, even months. Right now, I’m navigating a gap that’s been ongoing for nearly three years. I’ve certainly had moments of wanting to give up, but I’m continually reminded of the importance of minding the gap and readjusting my expectations.
Social media can create the illusion that this gap doesn’t exist for some people and that success comes effortlessly. The reality is, that the gap is something we all encounter. It’s a natural part of the change process and when we mind it we can set realistic expectations that enable us to persevere over long periods of time.
⚡ Celebrate Your Wins - When we’re focused solely on completing a project or achieving a specific milestone, it’s easy to overlook the small wins along the way. I’ve noticed that those who excel in endurance are also masters of celebration. They use positive language to describe their journey, saying things like, ‘I’m doing well, I’m getting closer.’ They concentrate on their progress rather than on what they lack or how they might fall short. They acknowledge and celebrate every small milestone along the way. Some share these moments with friends, while others treat themselves to something special as a way of marking their progress.
It’s often in the gap that we replay those familiar stories about past failures and missteps—narratives that undermine our bravery and heighten our fears. These stories do little to propel us forward and can leave us stuck. Our language plays a crucial role in working toward big goals. By intentionally choosing words that acknowledge and celebrate our progress, we can shift our mindset and keep moving forward.
⚡ Get Curious - When things take longer than expected, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on why that might be. Sometimes the timing isn’t quite right, or we encounter circumstances beyond our control. Other times, the gap allows us to get curious about how we can make progress. Assessing what has worked, what hasn’t, and what new approaches you could try might be just what you need to move closer to your goal. Curiosity can reignite your passion and provide the momentum you need, especially during prolonged gaps. Ask yourself: What can I change? What haven’t I tried? Who can I ask for help?
All of us face obstacles and delays on the journey toward our goals. By adjusting our expectations, celebrating small victories, and staying curious about potential improvements, we can maintain our motivation and make meaningful progress. Persevering in our endeavours becomes much easier when we remember to ‘mind the gap.
If you find yourself in the gap and would like some support to keep moving forward, I would love to work with you. Please get in touch at kelly@kellycoopercoaching.com