It is not what we intellectually know, but it is the way we apply our knowledge and live our life that determines the quality of our life and our future. There are times we can clearly see that we are acting contrary to our beliefs and value system. Very often our behaviour does not reflect our values. It will serve us well to understand why this gap surfaces time and again.

Our value system resides in our intellect. We understand what is right and have decided for ourselves the boundaries within which we would like to live our life. Our behaviour, on the other hand, gets determined by our thoughts. When our thoughts are guided by our intellect, there is alignment between our values and behaviour. However, when our mind gets carried away, breaking away from the influence of our intellect, we start living with a gap between our values and behaviour.

The stress in our life comes not so much from what happens to us, as much as living with the inner realisation that we are not always the way we want to be. Bridging the gap within helps cross several challenging bridges out there. Easy as this sounds, it requires our complete attention and commitment.

When we constantly remind ourselves of our values, they slowly become our conviction, giving us clarity when faced with choices and temptations. Regular daily study, even for a few minutes helps bridge the gap.

No matter how good a driver is, it takes just a few minutes of dozing off which leads to a bad accident. When we drop our alertness, even for a short time, our mind drives the car of our behaviour off the road. Constantly aware within and vigilant outside helps bridge the gap.

Our behaviour has short term enjoyment value, but also long term consequences. Committing to creating long term value by managing short term pressures bridges the gap.

At the heart of what we truly desire is to be happy. When we realise that happiness is the outcome of being integrated within, we strengthen our resolve, bridging the gap.

Values can be spoken about, but we live through our behaviour. Only we know where our behaviour is stemming from. When we stop behaving to impress and start living to be authentic, we take the pressure off ourselves, bridging the gap.

There are many bridges in the world that we will cross, many for which we will be appreciated and admired. Of course, we must continue creating a great life for ourselves. But all of that will really be meaningful if we bridge the gap within. And we will know that we have succeeded when we hold ourselves to a simple standard – our behaviour is a true reflection of our values.

(Picture – Caux, Switzerland)