The foundational principles of The Gap Strategy — your roadmap to deeper connections and greater fulfillment in every area of life.
Each law applies to career, relationships, family, and personal growth. Click any law to see a real-life example.
The quickest way to make an impact isn't to focus on yourself — it's to identify what's slowing down the people who matter to you and step in to help. Whether it's your manager, your spouse, or a friend, easing their burden makes you indispensable.
Reactive help is appreciated, but proactive solutions make you irreplaceable — at work, at home, and in your community. When you anticipate what someone needs before they ask, you build deep trust and become the person everyone counts on.
Don't just complete tasks — address the deeper needs that drive real impact. Whether at work or at home, the people who solve root causes instead of symptoms are the ones who become truly valued.
Critics are often insecure. When you fill their emotional gap, you help address their insecurity, increasing the chances of them becoming an ally. Jealousy and sabotage exist everywhere — at work, in families, and in friendships. Don't meet negativity with negativity. Fill their gaps without expecting anything in return.
Your individual achievements matter, but how you lift others determines your true impact. At work, be a team multiplier. At home, be the one who helps everyone around you succeed. The strongest teams and families are those where everyone lifts each other up.
Don't limit your relationships to one group. Connecting across different circles — at work, in your neighborhood, at school, in your community — creates a support network that enriches every area of your life and opens unexpected doors.
Filling gaps out of obligation instead of genuine desire leads to resentment and burnout — whether at work, in your family, or in friendships. Healthy relationships require boundaries. Fill gaps because you want to, not because you feel you have to.
Generic praise falls flat. Be specific when recognizing others — whether it's a colleague, your spouse, or your child. Genuine, detailed appreciation fills emotional needs and makes people feel truly seen and valued in every relationship.
Real impact comes from nurturing relationships in every direction — not just upward. At work, invest in the people who report to you. At home, invest in your children, your younger siblings, and those who look up to you. The strongest leaders and families nurture in all directions.
Filling gaps doesn't mean being available around the clock. Whether at work, at home, or with friends — when you hold firm to the value of your time, others learn to respect it too. Protecting your energy is what allows you to show up fully when it matters most.
Remember: Gaps are everywhere — at work, at home, and in your community. Whether you're navigating a challenging manager, a difficult family dynamic, or a strained friendship, the same principles apply. Fill the gaps where you're needed most, and you'll see every relationship become deeper and more meaningful.
Get personalized coaching from Cindy Keyes, The Gap Strategist™, and learn how to apply these laws to your career, relationships, and personal life.