We all have things that limit our capacity – things that keep us stuck where we are. The first thing most people think of is time or money – things we like to think are out of our control. However in reality neither of these things are really the crux of the issue. The real capacity limiters are our thoughts or beliefs about these things. For example, I don’t have enough time. It’s a common justification for not taking action or doing something. But is it true? Yes, we’re busy. But do we have enough time? Potentially. If we choose to prioritize it. If we shift how we talk about the things that limit our capacity (like time, or money, or fear) and instead recognize the choice we have in the situation, we expand our capacity. For example, I don’t have enough time becomes I’ll consider prioritizing that. Or, I can’t do that becomes I won’t do that. There’s choice in “won’t”.
Even if the only change we experience is the recognition that we can choose to see things differently, respond to situations differently, react to people differently. We each have the power of choice and when we recognize the power we have to choose, we expand our capacity.
Common Capacity Limiters
- Fear
- Mistaken Beliefs About Ourselves (I’m not good enough; I’m not okay)
- Glitchy Thoughts (I can’t do that; I don’t have enough time; I’m just not that type of person)