Episode Details

I’ve been thinking about capacity lately, not just how much time we have, but how much energy and attention we have available.

Those are not unlimited resources.

My calendar can sometimes show that I have time for things and my brain is telling me no, that’s too much for one day. 

There might technically be an open hour in the day, but that doesn’t mean we have the emotional or mental capacity to fill it with another difficult task.

Recognizing that isn’t laziness. It’s self-awareness. I am fortunate to have a lot of control over my daily schedule, and I’ve learned the hard way to be realistic about what I can do well in a day. 

For example, I really enjoy zoom calls with clients and potential new clients, but more than 3 in one day is a no. I know that mentally, that’s just too much. My brain needs a break. 

Understanding our personal capacity is about understanding what we have to give, mentally, emotionally, as well as our time. It’s also knowing when to pause, recover and protect our energy we’ll need for what matters most.  

Capacity is also about doing what we love as often as possible, at least that’s how I see it. I don’t want my life to be endless tasks and to-do lists. I want time to do other things, and sometimes to do nothing. Rest matters too! 

Think about what is using your capacity right now.

Is it meaningful work? A person you care about? A problem that genuinely needs your attention?

Or is your energy being consumed by things that no longer fit? I know we can’t always avoid things like work and other responsibilities, which is why I think it’s even more important to protect the capacity you have for the things in life that matter most. 

You don’t have to treat every request as equally important.

Today, give yourself permission to save some of your energy for something you.