There is an awkward phase in the growth process that can feel disorienting, complicated and confusing – Let’s refer to it as the gap. It’s the space between who we are today and the person we are striving to be.

Because change does not happen all at once, our actions and thoughts go through a period of adjusting to the new reality we are trying to live in. During this period, we may be aware of a habit we want to change, but our actions may reflect a different reality.

For example, we may want to make healthier choices everyday or spend more time on creative endeavors. But, when we are in the gap phase of growth, we may make unhealthy choices or waste time because our new habits are not yet fully aligned to the point where they can consistently overcome old habits.

The gap just means that there is a part of us that still needs to catch up to our new reality. Some people may give up during this phase, thinking that the change they want is impossible. The reality is, we must go through the perceived struggle that the gap phase produces to realize the change we want in our lives.