Reverse gap, in psychological terms, is a technique that involves looking back and reflecting on one's past journey and experiences.
Understanding Reverse Gap
The concept of reverse gap contrasts with the more common practice of planning for the future. While future planning focuses on setting goals and charting a course forward, reverse gap involves deliberately reviewing the path already traveled.
According to the provided reference, reverse gap means that "just like we plan our future, we must also go back in time and relive our past." This process is described as a "simple technique" with significant benefits.
Why Practice Reverse Gap?
The reference highlights two primary reasons for engaging in the reverse gap technique:
- Understanding Progress: It "helps us to understand how far we have travelled." By reviewing past challenges, milestones, and growth, individuals can gain perspective on their progress over time.
- Redefining Happiness: It helps demonstrate "that our today's happiness is not based on today's achievement." This suggests that current well-being is influenced by a cumulative journey of experiences, learning, and past successes, rather than solely by present circumstances or recent accomplishments.
How Does it Work?
Practicing reverse gap might involve:
- Reflecting on Past Events: Taking time to recall significant moments, challenges overcome, and achievements from years or even decades past.
- Reviewing Old Journals or Photos: Using personal records as triggers for memory and reflection.
- Identifying Growth: Noting personal development, skills acquired, and lessons learned over time.
- Connecting Past and Present: Seeing how past experiences have shaped the current self and contributed to present capabilities and perspective.
This reflective process allows individuals to appreciate their resilience, acknowledge their journey, and recognize the foundation built by their past, which contributes to their present state and potential future.
