You’re Capable But Do You Have The Capacity?

Do you have the capacity?

I was talking with some of my A-List Program clients recently and the conversation turned deep.

We were discussing the fears that come up when speaking in front of intimidating audiences, the scariness that comes from stepping on stage in rooms filled with impressive, top-level, credentialed professionals who have their act together!

How do we not only confidently step up, but also inspire and motivate the already accomplished folks to step it up even further?

The participants in my A-List Coach program are pretty impressive themselves. They’re all senior coaches who bring in-depth knowledge and noteworthy experience to the table too. It’s why they do what they do!

So, I shouldn’t have been surprised when one woman piped up with a brilliant observation. “That audience has capability,” she said. “But do they have capacity?”

Interesting question, right? What’s the difference?

Your capability is comprised of what you know, your past achievements, and what you’re likely able to accomplish based on your skill set.

While Your capacity, is based on a deeper sense of who you are as a human being. Your openness and effectiveness for connection, compassion, communication, leadership, trust-building, patience, peace, and more.

A lot of us are perfectly capable of accomplishing something we set out to do. We have the skill set. But we may be lacking in our capacity to step up and do what it takes.

Capability growth might come from a training, certification, or gaining specific experience.

But growing your capacity is an inside job; it doesn’t come from checking off certain boxes.

This is a big reason why we get so frustrated when we KNOW we’re capable of doing something but for some reason, we just can’t do it.

If this is something you’re struggling with, here’s what I suggest:

1. Slow down. You’ll want to pay closer attention to yourself and what is going on around you. Become an observer and practice mindfulness.

2. Be kind to yourself. You’re developing your openness to love and self-love.

3. Recognize that reaching the next level requires showing up for yourself and others more powerfully and profoundly.

Leadership is about understanding the human condition. You can’t effectively inspire, motivate, and guide people if you can’t connect with them.