What do Dan Sullivan, Captain America, and 2024 Jordan Ostroff have in common? They all understand the power of reflecting on past achievements to fuel future success. As we approach the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to celebrate how far we’ve come and not just set our sights on the adventures ahead and all the changes we want to make.
The Gap and The Gain: A Superhero’s Perspective
Dan Sullivan’s concept of “The Gap and The Gain” teaches us to focus on the progress we’ve made (the Gain) rather than just the distance to our ultimate goals (the Gap). It’s like Captain America looking back at his journey from a scrawny kid in Brooklyn to leading the Avengers. By appreciating our Gains, we build confidence and motivation for future challenges.
Seriously, I cannot stress this enough. There are 1,000,000 things I want to change about my business, my weight, my life, etc…but I’m also 100% sure that 2021 me would fall into toxic waste/expose myself to gamma radiation/other awful superhero original story to be where I am right now. And I’m pretty sure it’s the same for you if you really think about it. And if it’s not, let’s talk!
Because as is human nature…we are WAY more likely to realize the negatives than we are to appreciate the positives. This would be like if Tony Stark said “well, at first Iron Man was just what I could find in the cave, and it wasn’t that cool, so I am giving up.” And, look… I live in Florida so I KNOW 2024 had a lot of negatives. So, let’s send the year out with some positivity!
Celebrating 2024’s Milestones
This year has been positive in many ways:
- Global Health Advances: The global infant mortality rate reached its lowest point in history, reflecting significant improvements in healthcare access and quality.
- Educational Progress: The world saw the highest rate of education among women, empowering more individuals and communities.
- Poverty Reduction: Global poverty rates continued to decline, lifting millions into better living conditions.
- Medical Care: Vaccination rates continue to climb across the developing world as more and more communities get access to these things. (Which hopefully offsets the decision of some in our country to do their best to bring back polio!)
These achievements remind us that, despite challenges, progress is possible and worth celebrating.
Reflecting on Your Personal Gains
Let’s rip a page out of The Office, and have a party for you and your year!
- Professional Growth: Did you tackle a challenging case or expand your firm’s services? Celebrate those wins.
- Personal Development: Did you adopted a new hobby or improve your work-life balance? Acknowledge these steps you already took before you stare at the ones left to take.
- Community Impact: Maybe you volunteered or supported a cause close to your heart? Recognize the positive influence you’ve had. Someone(s) out there is better off because of you!
By focusing on these Gains, you build a foundation of success to carry into the new year.
Don’t worry about future you/your firm just now. Next week we will be back with 365 ways to grow your firm, you can look to the future then (even though it doesn’t include a sick 80’s movie style montage). For now, let’s celebrate who you are right NOW, and what you did this year.
Giving Yourself Grace
As you reflect, be kind to yourself. Give yourself some grace! Even Thor had his dad bod phase. Acknowledge the obstacles you’ve overcome and the resilience you’ve shown. Every step, no matter how small, contributes to your journey.
Here’s to celebrating the Gains of 2024 and embracing the possibilities of 2025. Keep striving, keep growing, and keep making a difference.
Keep Reading
For more on making meaningful changes without chasing a single dramatic fix, read The Big Fix Is Killing Your Firm, or browse the Leadership & Mindset newsletter archive.