The Gap and the Gain: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of The Gap and the Gain, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
How we measure shapes happiness
Sullivan, a business coach, and Hardy, a psychologist, argue that people feel unhappy when they measure themselves against an ideal they have not reached.
They call this living in the gap.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
The gap breeds frustration
The authors argue that comparing yourself to an ideal future always leaves you short, because ideals keep moving.
In their account, because the ideal always moves ahead, a person who judges by it feels permanently behind.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
The gain measures progress
The authors describe the gain, measuring progress by looking back at how far you have come.
In their view, this backward look shows real progress that a forward-looking comparison hides, which supports a steadier sense of confidence and happiness.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Ideals are horizons
The authors compare ideals to the horizon, which moves as you approach it.
They are for direction, not measurement. In their view, using an ideal as a guide keeps a person moving in a direction, while using it as a ruler produces constant disappointment.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Look backwards to measure
The authors argue that measuring backwards against where you started brings confidence.
In their account, comparing today with the starting point shows how much has been done, while comparing with the ideal always shows what is missing.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Track daily wins
The authors suggest noting daily gains as a habit.
In their view, recording what went well each day makes progress visible and builds a store of evidence that effort pays off. It turns attention to achievements.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Gains improve relationships
The authors argue that seeing others' gains improves relationships.
In their view, noticing what others have achieved, rather than where they fall short, makes people more generous and appreciative. It builds trust and closeness.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Entrepreneurs often live in the gap
The authors say high achievers are especially prone to the gap.
In their account, people with big goals often compare themselves with very high standards, so they can feel unfinished even after great success.
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