Capacity?

Taking in, taking on, adding to, bringing in new requires capacity.  Capacity is defined as the maximum amount or number that can be contained or accommodated.  It’s easy to forget that capacity plays into anything new we’re adding to our lives.  When you’re already operating at capacity and you add something new, something has to give, there is no more room.  Frustration and anxiety often follow, especially when we act as if there is limitless capacity.  See the following thoughts related to capacity.

Thought 1:  Physical objects.  Unless you’re starting from scratch, any time you bring something new into your home or office, dispose of something by donating it or throwing it away.  This rule of thumb can assist in keeping your physical world from getting cluttered up.  You only need so much stuff.  I’ve seen parents teach this to children – one new toy means an old one is going to charity.

Thought 2:  Storage game.  Think about all the “stuff” you have in storage (in the garage, basement, attic, closets, etc.).  What if you didn’t have the room to store the stuff, would you rent a storage locker to keep it?  Storage units can cost anywhere from $50/month to $200/month.  Is your stuff worth $600 – $2,400 a year to keep?  For how many years are you willing to keep it?  If you’re not willing to pay that amount per year, consider giving away what you’re not using.

Thought 3:  Busy?  Do you have enough to do?  Do you get everything you want to get done in the time period you want to?  If your days are filled to capacity, set some boundaries before taking on any new responsibilities.  If your boss asks you to do one more thing, and you are on overflow, time to sit down and have a priority discussion.  Show you boss what you’re currently attempting to accomplish, how much time it will take for each project and ask for help prioritizing all that needs to get done.  Outside of work, stop the automatic “yes” when someone wants you to do something.  It’s OK to say that you are at capacity and you’ll consider helping out another time.

Thought 4:  New responsibilities.  When you want to take on new responsibilities, inside or outside of work, assess how much time they may take.  Let go of old responsibilities by passing them onto someone else, through training and delegation.  Allow someone else to get involved in afterwork committees or volunteer work.  I’ve seen many take on new tasks and keep all their old ones, a sure career stopper.

Thought 5:  Time.  The day is the ultimate capacity lesson.  You can’t add any more hours, even when you desperately want to.  Take a moment to prioritize your day and what you want to accomplish.  Pick no more than three items from your “to-do” list.  Think about the people you want to give your time to.

Consciously living each day and taking a realistic approach to your capacity will help to smooth any frustrations that may spring up.  What have you done so you don’t exceed your capacity?  Leave your comments below.

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