It sounds complicated, but a gap analysis is actually pretty simple. The process, described below, involves nothing more than identifying the differences in the attributes you currently have and the ones you would like to have. The trick is to be narrowly focused on a specific area, concrete and detailed about attributes, and as honest and objective as you can be. Of course, it always helps to enlist the help of others.
Be concrete and specific. For example, "being a better person" is both broad and vague, and it is not action oriented. Try something more like "get a promotion or a better job" or "have more friends." The steps below should help.
Begin with selecting a specific improvement in your life, such as lowering your stress level, exercising more, or budgeting your money.
Describe specific behaviors that would reflect the ideal you. This might be creating and living within a budget, or gaining the skills needed for a promotion at work.
List the specific behaviors and beliefs that would show you have attained your goal, such as living within a budget for three months in a row, or attending at least two social events each month.
The "ideal you" focuses on the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors would like to exhibit. When following the steps below remember to stick to the narrow scope you provided above. Also, be sure to seek input from others. You may believe that one of your beliefs or behaviors is perfectly fine when those around you might feel quite differently about it.
Imagine yourself in the future, in a situation where you are being the person you want to be. Think about the attitudes, beliefs, skills, et cetera you would have to have in order to behave the way you are in this imagined scenario. Write down a description of this future you.
Now, list the specific attributes -- attitudes, skills, behaviors, et cetera -- that best describe the you in this future scenario.
Think about it, and then do some research. Ask your friends and family, your coworkers and boss, whoever might know more or have a more objective view. Polish it up, and move on to the next step.
Now we're going to look at the real you. Try to remain narrowly focused on the scenario you picked and the area in which you are trying to improve.
Use the same scenario you used above. Now think about past situations you have been in and how you behaved. Try writing a version of the scenario in which you behave how the real you would behave. Try to be honest and objective, and seek input from others.
Now, list the specific attributes -- attitudes, skills, behaviors, et cetera -- that best describe the you in this more realistic scenario. Again, try to be honest and objective, and seek input from others.
As before, seek feedback from others. Then polish the list, and move on to the next step.
We're just about there. In this step you'll not only identify the changes you need but assign values and priorities as well.
Study the two lists you have created. Identify all of the attitudes, beliefs, skills, behaviors, et cetera that are in the qualities of the ideal you that are not present in the real you. Enter them into a new list. Once you have the new list, you are ready to move on to the Assessing Severity page.
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