Happy New Year!
As we start the new year, I want to share a powerful mindset shift that can help you feel more accomplished and motivated as you work toward your goals (big or small).
This insight comes from the book 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and it has completely changed how I measure success in my own life.
If you’ve been feeling like you’re falling behind or not making enough progress—whether it’s decluttering your kitchen, starting a new business, or simply trying to connect more with your kids—you’re not alone.
But the truth is, you might just be looking at success in the wrong way.
Why Measuring Success Can Feel Frustrating
So many moms are focused on the future and constantly chasing the next goal or milestone.
While ambition is great, this mindset can sometimes leave us feeling discouraged.
Why? Because goals often feel like the horizon—no matter how far you go, they keep moving further away.
This creates a sense of dissatisfaction, even when you’re making progress.
Look Backward to Move Forward
In 10x is Easier Than 2x, the authors introduce the concept of “The Gap and the Gain.”
Instead of measuring success based on how far you are from your future goals (the gap), measure it based on how far you’ve come (the gain).
For example, imagine you’re training for a marathon. Two years ago, you could barely walk a mile.
Now, you can run three or four miles without feeling like you’re about to collapse.
That’s incredible progress!
If you only focus on the fact that you still have 22 miles to go, you’ll feel discouraged.
But when you recognize how much you’ve improved, you’ll feel motivated and empowered to keep going.
Why This Mindset Shift Works
Looking backward allows you to celebrate your progress and appreciate how far you’ve come.
It reduces comparison to others, stops the cycle of self-doubt, and keeps you focused on your own journey.
It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the steps you’ve taken to get there.
How Moms Can Apply This to Everyday Life
This shift isn’t just for big goals like running a marathon or building a business. It works for all areas of life:
- At Home: If you’re working on decluttering, don’t focus on how much is left to do. Celebrate the progress you’ve made in organizing your kitchen or clearing out one closet.
- At Work: Instead of stressing about a promotion you haven’t earned yet, look at the new skills you’ve developed or the projects you’ve completed.
- With Your Kids: Don’t worry about being the “perfect” mom. Reflect on the small, meaningful moments you’ve shared with your kids and how your bond has grown.
Final Thoughts: You’re Making Progress
As busy moms, we’re juggling so much, and it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough.
But I want to remind you that you’re already making progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Look back at where you were a few months or years ago, and you’ll see how far you’ve come.
You’re amazing, and you’ve got this!
Let’s make this year a great one. Measure your success by your gains, not the gaps, and you’ll feel more motivated and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
LISTEN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER
Links Mentioned in This Episode
- 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
- Magic Mind
- New Year Success Bundle for Busy Moms
- Let’s Get More Time Virtual Summit
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcast
Have you subscribed to the Real Happy Mom podcast? If not, I’m encouraging you to do it today.
I don’t want you to miss any upcoming episodes. I plan to add some bonus episodes that you won’t find on this website, and if you’re not subscribed, you might miss out on those. Click here to subscribe on Apple Podcast!
I would be so happy and grateful if you left me a review on Apple Podcast too. Reviews help Apple Podcast to know that this is a podcast for other moms so that other moms can find this podcast. Plus, it makes my day to read the reviews.
Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know your favorite part of the podcast. I really appreciate any help you can provide.
Don’t have Apple Podcast? You can subscribe to the podcast Anchor, Spotify, Breaker, Castbox, Overcast, RadioPublic, and Stitcher.
