Rethinking Capacity: A Mindset Shift for High Performers
“I’m at capacity.”
It’s a phrase I hear from clients, colleagues, and friends all the time lately. And, if I’m honest, I’ve said it myself plenty of times.
Usually, it comes with an anxious vibe. A slump in the shoulders. Or a feeling of, “I can’t take on one more thing.”
In our culture, being “at capacity” has become shorthand for being burnt out, stretched too thin, or teetering on the edge of collapse. It’s a fear-based phrase—one that focuses on what we don’t have: time, energy, space, bandwidth.
But what if we shifted the lens?
What if instead of focusing on what we lack, we celebrated what we’re capable of?
What if “I’m at capacity” meant this instead:
“Wow. Look at how much I am holding right now. I’m running a business, managing a household, supporting other humans, showing up for clients, kids, and myself, and somehow, I’m still going.”
That’s not a failing. That’s phenomenal capacity.
That’s evidence of strength, not weakness.
When we focus only on what’s hard, it’s easy to forget how much we’re actually doing.
We downplay our resilience. We ignore our power.
And we risk staying stuck in the energy of fear and scarcity, the fight-or-flight state that makes everything feel heavier.
The Power of the Reframe
It responds to how we think about what’s happening.
When we’re in fear – worried we won’t cope, can’t do it all, will drop the ball – we close down. We tense up. Our energy contracts.
But when we shift into pride, presence, and self-trust, everything starts to feel lighter.
Our system opens. We move with more flow.
And suddenly, the things that felt overwhelming feel… doable.
This doesn’t mean pretending you’re not tired.
It’s not about pushing harder or glorifying “doing it all.”
It’s about softening the inner resistance so you can move forward with more ease.
A Gentle Daily Practice
If you’re feeling at capacity, here’s a small practice that can bring clarity and grounding:
Ask yourself:
“Of all the things I’m holding right now, what needs my focus most today?”
Let that one thing be enough.
That’s your anchor.
And if you’re navigating a full life this summer…
You might like to know I’ve created a gentle, supportive space for self-employed parents just like you:
🌞 The Summer Momentum Group 🌞
It’s a small, encouraging container for those who want to keep their business moving forward over the summer—without sacrificing time with family, holidays, or sunshine.
This isn’t about hustle.
It’s about clarity, accountability, and support, so you can do just enough to feel good and stay connected to your momentum, even in a season that’s often chaotic.
It’s not too late to join.
If this speaks to you, you can find out more information and join here or send me a message. I’d love to welcome you in.
Any time you feel at capacity, or that life is “too much”, remember that you’re capable of more than you realise.
Let’s honour that—and move forward gently, one day at a time.