The importance of operating below your capacity

How often do you hear, “I’m giving one hundred and ten percent!”

It’s said with pride. It communicates dedication, focus and drive. We say it about work, school, relationships and more.

But there’s a problem. In many instances we’re committing more time, energy and other resources than we truly have to give. We consistently fall short of unreasonable expectations. Moments out from under the heavy weight of overcommitments are rare and too brief.

The problem isn’t just the extra ten percent. The problem is the extra twenty percent. To show others that we’re more dedicated, more productive or can juggle a dizzying amount of obligations, we give up something really important: whitespace or capacity.

What if you reoriented your life to only commit ninety percent of your capacity, whether measured in time, resources, energy, etc. What if you intentionally held back ten percent to create space to think, reflect or be spontaneous?

Are you satisfied with a life rushing everywhere, always running late and falling just short of unreasonable expectations? How would it feel to saunter, to arrive early and consistently exceed reasonable expectations? How would it feel to not finish days or weeks exhausted, yearning for a few moments to catch your breath? What would be the impact on your work, family and key relationships? Share you thoughts in the comments below.

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