Mind The Happiness Gap

*Free Happiness Gap resource included*

It has long been established that what people say and what they actually do, are two completely different categories. This applies to when we’re talking to ourselves as well. We tell ourselves a different story than our actions reflect.  There’s a gap. 

Mind The Gap

It’s common for us to tell ourselves that we value keeping our body healthy and fit. However, when we look at how much time we actually spend on exercise and eating the foods that we know keep us healthy, our actions show a different picture. Doing what we say is hard even with motivation and the best of intentions. It involves changing patterns of behaviour that are well-established and the presence of mind to remember to do something differently. Sometimes, a lot of times, it’s easier to give up. We tell ourselves we’re too “lazy” to change. But is that true?  

Change Is Hard, But So Is NOT Changing

When we look at the difficultly caused by not changing, and the difficulty that it takes to change, both are difficult. It’s just a matter of choosing the difficulty that we want to live with. Our brains, science tells us, prefer to keep doing what we are already doing, even if that is harming us or making us unhappy. Brains don’t like change.*

You’re Not Lazy

There are many ways to make change easier on ourselves, starting with how we speak to ourselves about the gap. Gaps are normal and it doesn’t mean we’re lazy or unmotivated. Beating ourselves up about not exercising, or dating, or starting that project, ensures that the gap stays there. It keeps us frozen. When we acknowledge the gap with self-compassion, that is the first step to closing it and creating more happiness for ourselves.

“Mind the gap,” is an announcement heard daily on the London Underground to alert commuters to the gap between the train and the platform. In our daily lives, we don’t usually pay attention to the gap unless it’s pointed out.

“Happiness Gap” Freebie For You

Interested in practicing some self-compassionate reflection?  I’ve created a free, simple exercise that you can use to generate more happiness in your life by paying attention to the gaps. Click the link. You can download your Happiness Gap resource and print it.

Personal Note: This is a gap-closing exercise for me for to post material. I’m learning to do it. I’d love to hear your comments and suggestions about whether this resource was easy to use. Comment below.

Thank you, dear readers.

---

*https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-truisms-of-wellness/201701/why-we-resist-change