"Your problem is to bridge the gap which exists between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach."

So, let's dive into this idea. Essentially, it's all about figuring out how to get from your current situation to where you want to be. Think of it as a journey. You’re standing at Point A, and Point B is your goal. The challenge is figuring out the best way to bridge that gap.

This kind of thinking has deep roots in history and personal development. Take the Apollo moon landing, for instance. When President Kennedy announced in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth before the decade was out, many thought it was impossible. The gap between the technology of the time and the moon was vast. But they focused on bridging that gap. By breaking down the goal into smaller, manageable steps, and leveraging the expertise of countless individuals, they achieved it. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. That’s a perfect example of bridging a seemingly insurmountable gap.

Now, for a practical application. Imagine you're a fresh graduate who dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Right now, you might be working a 9-5 job that doesn’t exactly scream “future CEO.” The gap seems huge, maybe even impossible to cross. But start by breaking it down. What skills do you need? What resources can you tap into? Maybe you need to take some online courses, find a mentor, or even start a side hustle to gain some experience. Each step, no matter how small, is a plank in that bridge.

Here’s some advice to apply this wisdom. Start by clearly defining your goal. Be specific. Instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” say, “I want to launch a startup that achieves $1 million in revenue within five years.” Then, identify the gaps. What don’t you have right now that you need? Make a list. Next, break those needs into actionable steps. Do you need funding? Research how to write a compelling business plan. Need skills? Find courses or workshops. And remember, it's okay if some steps are small or seem insignificant. They all add up.

Let’s think about this through a relatable story. Imagine Jane, an avid reader, who dreams of becoming a published author. Right now, she’s just jotting down ideas in a notebook. Her goal feels miles away. But Jane doesn’t just sit and wish for it to happen. She starts by setting a small, achievable target: write 500 words a day. Every day, she chips away at this. She joins a local writing group to get feedback. She reads books on writing to hone her craft. Over time, those 500 words a day add up to a complete manuscript. Then she learns about the publishing process, maybe getting a few rejections along the way, but each one teaches her something new. Eventually, Jane’s book gets published, and she’s standing at Point B, looking back at the bridge she built one step at a time.

Remember, the key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by the distance between where you are and where you want to be. Focus on the next step in front of you. You’ll get there.