We often talk about capacity in the singular. But what if we’re thinking about capacity the wrong way? Thinking of capacity as one thing is too limiting.
In the previous two chapters on awareness, I discussed how our capacity is not set. It’s expandable. In this section I want to talk to you about how we can make the most of the abilities we have.
After awareness, the second step to changing our capacity is to recognize that we have many capacities. You have dozens, maybe even hundreds. Each capacity is based on your talents and choices. Right now, I want to focus on the top seven capacities that rely more on talent than choices, though both are involved:
Energy Capacity—Your Ability to Push On Physically
Emotional Capacity—Your Ability to Manage Your Emotions
Thinking Capacity—Your Ability to Think Effectively
People Capacity—Your Ability to Build Relationships
Creative Capacity—Your Ability to See Options and Find Answers
Production Capacity—Your Ability to Accomplish Results
Leadership Capacity—Your Ability to Lift and Lead Others
Everyone possesses these capacities, and every one of these capacities is significant to a person’s success. By continually maximizing today’s capacity in these areas, you will increase tomorrow’s potential.
Before we dive into the specific capacities, I want to say one more thing about them. They don’t develop in isolation. They work together. It may be helpful to think about this idea in two ways. First, your capacities build in layers. This creates a great foundation that you can build your life upon. It’s like constructing a house on layers of solid rock instead of building it in soft sand. It can carry weight. You can build a large, weighty structure that has the potential to stand for a long time.
Second, they connect to one another. Each time you increase a capacity, it has the potential to synergize with another capacity and increase your potential. For example, if you increase your energy capacity so that you can push on physically, and you increase your leadership capacity, which is the ability to lift and lead others, your overall effectiveness increases. Where you once ran out of energy and stopped engaging with people when you really needed to, you’ll learn to push through and be at your best as you interact with them.
As you develop your seven core capacities, explore your options. Look for ways to expand your ability. You will be amazed by the compounding effect you will experience and the increased potential that will result.