It’s February 10th.

So let me ask the question we all love to hear this time of year:

“How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions?” 😑

Yeah. Not my favorite either.

By the end of January, many people already feel behind, discouraged, or quietly resigned to the idea that this year won’t be much different from last. But here’s the truth:

Most people don’t quit on their goals because they lack discipline or motivation.

They quit because they’re using a faulty measuring system.

The Measurement Trap That Kills Momentum

Most of us measure progress like this:

Where I am today vs. where I want to be

That comparison drops us straight into what Dan Sullivan calls “the Gap.”

And the Gap is discouraging.

When you live in the Gap, all you can see is:

  • How far you still have to go
  • What isn’t working yet
  • The results you don’t have

Even when you’re making progress, it feels like you’re losing ground.

A Better Way: Measure Gains, Not Gaps

There’s a healthier and far more productive way to measure progress:

Compare where you are today to where you used to be.

That’s the Gain.

And recognizing Gains is what fuels consistency, confidence, and execution.

Let me give you a real example from my own life.

A Personal Example: Progress You Can’t See on the Scale

Back in September, I suffered a knee injury that knocked me out of Peloton rides and kettlebell training.

The result?

  • Less movement
  • Interrupted routines
  • Some unwanted weight gain

In December, I finally started riding again.

Now here’s the honest part:
The weight hasn’t come off as fast as I’d like.

But when I looked back at my workouts, I noticed something important.

My power output has steadily increased.

That’s a gain.

And recognizing that gain has a powerful effect, it gives me the motivation to keep going. Far more than staring at a number on the scale ever could.

Why This Matters for Leaders, Sales Teams, and Businesses

I see this same dynamic play out in business all the time.

Especially in:

  • Sales
  • Leadership development
  • Culture change
  • Long-term strategic initiatives

Sometimes it takes months after initial prospecting, training, or strategy changes before results show up.

If you only measure outcomes, it can feel like:

  • Nothing is working
  • Effort isn’t paying off
  • People should be “further along.”

But under the surface, momentum is often building quietly.

Execution doesn’t fail because people aren’t trying.
It fails because progress isn’t being recognized.

The Gap vs. Gain Lens for Leaders

Here’s what I’ve observed:

When teams live in the Gap:

  • Motivation drops
  • People disengage
  • Effort feels pointless
  • Consistency breaks down

When leaders measure Gains:

  • Progress becomes visible
  • Confidence increases
  • Momentum builds
  • Execution improves

People don’t need constant praise.
They need evidence that what they’re doing matters.

As January Comes to a Close, Try This Instead

Here’s a simple reset as we move into February:

  • Start measuring daily and weekly wins
  • Track effort, consistency, conversations, and progress
  • Reflect on how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go

When it feels like nothing is happening, that’s often when the gains are stacking quietly in the background.

And that’s usually the moment most people quit.

Keep Going

Execution isn’t about motivation.
It’s about measuring the right things long enough for results to show up.

This idea, shifting how leaders and teams measure progress, is a core part of the work I do with organizations that are serious about follow-through, accountability, and results.

If this resonates and you’re planning a leadership event or session this year, I’d love to start a conversation.

Keep going.

By Eric Papp

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