6 May 2009
Minding the Gaps?
There is a famous slogan used by the London Subway (Underground) called, “Mind the Gap.” It is posted everywhere. It is there to remind people to watch out for the gap between the train and the platform. One of my favorite books on business management, co-authored by Ken Blanchard, is “Zap the Gaps.” The book teaches it’s readers how to identify and eliminate gaps in performance. Examples such as these can lead one to the believe that gaps are negative and we should avoid them or seek to remove them.
Though I concur that gaps are often negative and where possible should be eliminated, many “unwanted” gaps serve valuable purpose. I also believe that many of life’s gaps are positive and should be embraced. Often it is simply our perspective that colors a gap good or bad. The gaps on the interstate keep the concrete from buckling when the weather changes. Gaps between our ideals and our reality offer us opportunity to set and achieve goals. Every endeavor begins with a gap between the idea and the realization of the objective.
It has been my personal gaps which have taken me down this road of thought. I used to believe that my weaknesses and shortcomings somehow made me less of a person, husband, father, friend or co-worker. I have since discovered it is the very gaps that have frustrated me in the past that now give me hope for the future. Without gaps we would not grow or improve. My gaps are what lead my to an interest in GTD and PDAs (OSOM poster child), project management (I’m disorganized), self help books (I often have feelings of inadequacy), and so on.
I dedicate my blog to sharing things that I believe may help us discover, accept, manage, and where appropriate, eliminate gaps. It is my hope that someone will find my musings interesting, but more importantly, helpful. –Russ Leseberg
2009-05-06 :: Russ Leseberg
6 May 2009 @ 11:31 am
Nice post, nice site name and a nice thought with a catchy slogan Zap The Gaps.
Good stuff.
R!
6 May 2009 @ 11:47 am
Are you trying to say, “No pain, no gain?”
6 May 2009 @ 11:51 am
That is certainly one of the “take aways” I was hoping for.
10 May 2009 @ 8:53 pm
I enjoyed this post, and love your catchy way of bringing your point. What you are saying is so true. Without a need to grow there would not be growth! I like your writing style and will look forward to reading more of your writing!
Love & Light,
Beth Layne
11 May 2009 @ 8:44 pm
Well! This is nice! And, make no mistake, we all have had experiences where we feel we could have handled things differently….many times we remember, and wish that we could relive that time, just to change the outcomes…
12 May 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Some of the nicest people I know have physical or other problems, It seems to be in their knowledge of it…and their ability to work around it that we see their strengths, I know a lady with macular degen., and had 2 knee replacements…and she goes about her days, and still gets out, walks, etc. June
13 May 2009 @ 9:27 am
this is a lovely post. you found me on twitter and so I clicked on your website. I’m fat, so I am constantly aware of a very large gap and aware that others are instantly aware of this chasm as well. So I spent most of my life learning to deal with it. at times I’ve just not been fat. but the gap was still there…now I’m buddhist (i chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo) and I’ve learned to ‘mind the gaps’ realize these challenges are with me to make me better. i’m going to share this post with my friends immediately.
18 May 2009 @ 9:07 pm
I admire your courage in attempting to “mind” your own gaps — and especially for being willing to put them out there in front of the world on the possibility that it might help someone else. Oh, by the way… it already has helped someone. Me. Thanks.
20 May 2009 @ 6:07 am
Thanks for following my tweets and this post.
I have a different view about gaps that came to mind when riding the London tube. I saw that the gap is that still place that exists between a stimulus and response; it’s where (if we know how to be there) that we are truly in control because there we can exercise choice about our response to a situation. Depending on our level of awareness, that gap can be fleeting or infinite in length. The quantum physicists are now proving that 99% of the stuff of the universe is not stuff – but a gap between stuff! Heavy thoughts, I know, but wonderfully liberating. Good luck with your blog Anna
29 May 2009 @ 8:48 am
Fantastic focus for a blog, best of luck sticking with it and seeing where it takes you. My post topics have moved around a bit since started but my main focus is still on matching what we love to the daily work we do. I’ve found that those most successful and satisfied had great passion for their work, forging forward with greater intensity than those with simply talent or training.
29 May 2009 @ 9:06 am
Growing up in London, one doesn’t give “Mind the gap” a second thought, of course – although I suppose it does teach you to always look where you’re putting your feet (the gaps aren’t consistent! On stations with curved platforms they can be huge).
Anyway, an interesting use to put this instruction to.
In Scotland, to “mind” something isn’t to look out for it but to get it in you brain & give it a good workout – I suppose “grok” might be close
Understanding “Mind the gap” in that way may often, as you say, be more profitable.
Thanks!
4 June 2009 @ 9:48 pm
I like it that you see the value of gaps, and not just the negativity of them. Gaps can be good safety buffers or invitations to leap beyond a mere single step. Thanks for this, Russ.
I’m looking forward to reading about more of your explorations in gapland.
8 June 2009 @ 1:08 am
Well done!~Well said!~ Where I grow up if you heard “mind”= (”watch what your doing”); “mind your manners” it mostly came from your Grandparents or Elders~which makes me think about the Baby Bommer generation as there is a segment called the “Gap Generation”~(72 and beyond) These are folks bridging the Gap between Senior Years transitioning into Elder care years~ For some this is a time of great reflection and appreciation for the journey they have lived ~others its the ultimate time of true surrender, trust and faith~The Gap here is where rubber meets the road~ I’ve been a senior & elder-care advocate for over a decade~ (I’m just turning 40 myself)~ I have supported and walked along side many individuals and families during this time~ Russ, I agree with you that how we choose to response to our “gaps” can determine whether its negative or positive experience~ As this Gap is a natural one that many of us will face personaly or with another?~ Now some may see it as facing a challenge and want to “eliminate” this gap by not thinking about it~ others may “embrace” and celebrate the joyous gifts life has given ~ Trust me there are many “realization” that happen going through this “gap”~ My hope is that during this leg of the journey~ there is comfort, peace and strength~ for those who enter~ You implied that there are lessons in a “gap”~ Well I have found wisdom is a unfailing guide ~the greater awaken of lessons are given to the adult children, love-ones or caregivers who are supporting and paying attention~as this gap time is about being present in each moment ~ those moments becomes a gift of inheritance ~ the prosperity that comes from it is greater insight~~ which allow those who participate to grow and improve the life they are living~ I have found as my quest down the strange curving highway of life continues~ its a time of rediscovering of wholeness and understanding and presence of something greater then we ever known~. You mention the beginning of an “endeavor” That exactly where I am ~The “idea and the realization of my objective to Publish Refined Magazine with a department focused and dedicated to our “Refined Seniors”.org those going through the “Gaps” This sections writers offers their vastly diverse guidance~ shared experiences~ triumphs, and expert advice ~ guiding our reader to the solutions that may appear invisible from their subjective point of view. That said this blog is brilliant! as “minding the gaps” is what its about!~ My next trip to London I must get on the tube it will never be the same~ Russ I honor you for the candor, humility and transparency~ its refreshing~ I will keep my eye on this blog~ Hold it up in my prays and thoughts~And in this moment I send you tranquility and grace with true abundance as you realize this vision to share the blessing of you through this blog will bring~ one of my favorite quotes : “Not what we give, But what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare~ by James Russell Lowell ~ his work at times is a part of my “musings” which motivated and inspired me to create Refined~ If you read his work/bio~(free of temerity)the intention of your blog is inline with who he was~(not his rebel side LOL) good for you!
namaste
Shawnshine
8 June 2009 @ 12:48 pm
This is just what I needed to read today. Thanks for this thoughtful post!
Judy
10 June 2009 @ 4:36 am
great blog–it brought to mind someones famous saying ” the person who hasn’t made a mistake hasn’t made anything”
it amuses me when people take things literally ie the train gap
13 June 2009 @ 6:44 pm
Hi, interest post. I’ll write you later about few questions!
15 June 2009 @ 3:17 am
Great post! I’ll subscribe right now wth my feedreader software!
16 June 2009 @ 4:56 pm
Hi! I like your srticle and I would like very much to read some more information on this issue. Will you post some more?
17 June 2009 @ 3:14 am
Interesting post. Looking forward to more.
19 June 2009 @ 2:05 am
Thank you for article. It’s very imformative read.
I love to browse http://www.mindingthegaps.com.
22 June 2009 @ 11:00 pm
It is the valuable answer
24 June 2009 @ 5:03 pm
I think i’ve seen this somewhere before…but it’s not bad at all
25 June 2009 @ 7:14 am
Russ,
Nice message. It reminds of something that’s been a guiding principal for me. I read it a book called ‘The Believing Heart’ by Bruce C. Hafen. It goes like this: Draw circle on piece of paper. This circle represents ‘reality’. Draw a second circle around this circle. This circle represents the ideal. Some people only see the inner circle. You might call them realists or pragmatic or even pessimists. There are others who only see the outer circle. You might call them idealists or optimists or maybe dreamers. Then there’s a third group of people who see both circles and recognize the gap between them. Some may be overwhelmed by the difference and are afraid of it and withdraw. Others see it but don’t think anything can be done about it. But there is a special group of others who see both and find a to bring reality up to the ideal. Hafen likes to call these ‘improvers’. I’ve always tried to be an improver wherever I can.
Jon.
30 June 2009 @ 1:41 pm
Russ – Absolutely I agree…perspective in life, work, etc. is key.
Where one thing (gap) ends, another is bound to begin.
So many people who are job searching right now (like myself) have the opportunity to stop, take a breath (or several) to truly assess and re-evaluate what they want in life. Well, for those who take this time to think about their ‘gap’, it is helpful and I’m sure, beneficial in the broad scheme of things.
Thanks,
Courtney
3 July 2009 @ 6:39 pm
Excellent post, Russ!
As I was reading it, it reminded me of a post I wrote sometime ago called “Expanding Into What?”
That post suggest that even the Universe as explained by the Big Bang theory needs “something” into which to expand. In other words, even “the universe” needs a gap – else it can’t expand…
Thanks for sharing – and Keep STRONG, Russ!
Vincent
6 July 2009 @ 7:17 pm
Great post!
6 July 2009 @ 10:42 pm
Hi. I like the way you write. Will you post some more articles?
7 July 2009 @ 12:34 pm
Think I will change our saying of “fell through the cracks” to “didn’t Mind the Gap”
ahl
12 July 2009 @ 9:28 am
Rather interesting. Has few times re-read for this purpose to remember. Thanks for interesting article. Waiting for trackback
21 July 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Pretty cool post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say
that I have really liked reading your blog posts. Anyway
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!
22 July 2009 @ 6:01 pm
tks for the effort you put in here I appreciate it!
4 August 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Keep working ,great job!
4 August 2009 @ 11:47 pm
I’m glad you found me on twitter, and i’m glad i found this blog. keep writing, we’re reading.
@sarahdoran
21 August 2009 @ 4:13 am
Hello. And Bye.
4 September 2009 @ 11:04 am
Nice post, I am just visitng your site/blog for the first time, and have decided to follow you back on twitter. In my personal training business it is the gaps people have with their health and fitness that lead them to me, and give me the opportunity to help them close those gaps with motivation and training so right on, thanks again for the good post hey I also have another thing I do over at http://www.internetcontentpublishing.com can you check it out please I can tell I would value your opinion but we can chat with this new widget I found it is awseome I promise it’s called a js-kit any other takers are also welcome thank you
19 September 2009 @ 4:53 pm
my God, i thought you were going to chip in with some decisive insght at the end there, not leave it with ‘we leave it to you to decide’.
17 October 2009 @ 1:05 pm
hello,
thanks for the great quality of your blog, every time i come here, i’m amazed.
[url=http://blackhattitude.rondeetvoyante.com]black hattitude[/url].
20 October 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Hello. Great job. I did not expect this on a Wednesday. This is a great story. Thanks!
29 October 2009 @ 3:12 pm
I could agree in 100%.
He’s the first portion if this.
cheers,
______________
mockach
[url=http://board.muse.mu/member.php?u=127208]buy soma mastercard[/url]
http://board.muse.mu/member.php?u=127208
2 November 2009 @ 12:40 pm
I wrote a similar article about this subject but you did a better job
5 November 2009 @ 7:23 am
Hello,
)
i’m pretty confused, but is this a good place to say “Hi”?
(I’m new here
cheers,
______________
[url=http://forums.coolchaser.com/users/5239]buy acai burn[/url]
12 November 2009 @ 7:29 am
This makes me remember something my grandpa pretty much always said…
Of course its most likely inappropriate just now…
13 November 2009 @ 9:50 pm
Howdy!
Im Rogers and i’ve been reading this board for a quite long time and decided to register.
Hope to have some nice topics with you, regards!
[img]http://flashlightgirls.com/novo.gif[/img][img]http://flashlightgirls.com/novo2.gif[/img]
14 November 2009 @ 4:19 pm
I could agree in 100%.
He’s the best part if this.
cheers,
______________
Almophy
[url=http://forum.37signals.com/backpack/users/20871]slim fast meal[/url]
http://www.yodphu2nudi.com/webboard/index.php?action=profile;u=318
17 November 2009 @ 11:57 pm
Great job! Can’t wait to start my own blog.
28 November 2009 @ 3:08 pm
Normally I don’t comment frivolously, however I want say “Happy Thanksgiving” to everyone!
2 December 2009 @ 12:06 pm
good post
[url=http://quoniam.univ-tln.fr]competitive intelligence[/url]
8 December 2009 @ 2:29 am
very informative article… I would like to use a piece of this on my blog, is that feasible?
9 December 2009 @ 5:13 pm
Hey there,
I’ve been following this forum for awhile and thought I’d sign up and see if I can contribute anything… I work in the [url=http://www.strokeprevention.ie/]health screening[/url] industry. Thanks!
Kindly,
Kylebolt
27 December 2009 @ 8:24 am
Hello. I am new to the forum. I wanted to see if you would share your ideas with me about why you choose this forum over others. I guess I just want
to make sure that this is the best forum so I do not waste my time. I am looking forward to your suggestions.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[url=html://www.menssandals.biz]mens sandals[/url] make my feet feel fine in the sand
29 December 2009 @ 9:15 am
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking you feeds also, Thanks.
rH3uYcBX
6 January 2010 @ 11:02 pm
So I think that there is good information here. Thanks for the contribution!
13 January 2010 @ 4:22 am
This is really interesting. I am glad I found this place. I guess it is true, We really do learn something new everyday!
16 January 2010 @ 7:35 pm
Thats right! Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. This is the 21st century, right?
27 January 2010 @ 4:30 am
love the post, great work!
28 January 2010 @ 9:50 am
You made some Good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree.