Joni and I, along with some friends, were visiting London, England. We made sure we took time to ride their underground rail system known as ‘The Tube.’ Something that caught my attention was the signage reminding passengers of the gap between the platform and the tube cars. It simply read: MIND THE GAP.
Not being aware of the gap could cause harm. You could get tripped up. Tripping, at minimum, could cause embarrassment. Injury would be a possible result as well. Bottomline: minding the gap allows you to navigate the entry and exit from the tube.
There can be gaps in our personal growth. John Maxwell identifies 8 growth gaps.
The Assumption Gap: I assume I will automatically grow
The Knowledge Gap: I don’t know how to grow
The Timing Gap: It’s not the right time to begin
The Mistake Gap: I’m afraid of making mistakes
The Perfection Gap: I have to find the best way before I begin
The Inspiration Gap: I don’t feel like doing it
The Comparison Gap: Others are better than I am
The Expectation Gap: I thought it would be easier than this
In each of these gaps there are ways to ‘mind’ them. There are ways to raise your awareness of their presence so you can avoid being tripped up in your personal growth.
The Assumption Gap: Growth is available, but never automatic
The Knowledge Gap: Seek out people and resources that will help you grow
The Timing Gap: It will never be the right time to begin. Begin anyway
The Mistake Gap: You will make mistakes
The Perfection Gap: There is no best way, but there are many options
The Inspiration Gap: You don’t grow because you feel like it. You feel like it because you grow
The Comparison Gap: The only person you ought to compare yourself to is you
The Expectation Gap: Expect it to be difficult
What gaps do you need to mind? Beware of them. Navigate them. Make this the best season of growth you have ever had.