Capability vs Capacity: Knowing the Difference Matters

There's a quiet, but powerful distinction between capability and capacity- understanding it can be the difference between thriving and burning out.

Capability is what you can do. It's your skillset, your knowledge, your experience, your resourcefulness. It's the strength of your abilities-the things you've built through time, effort, and growth.

Capacity, on the other hand, is what you can hold. It's the energetic bandwidth you have in this moment-emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It fluctuates. It depends on your rest, your alignment, your environment, and how full your plate already is.

Many people mistake capability for capacity.

They think, "I should be able to handle this— know how." But just because you can doesn't mean you should right now.

You might be fully capable, but if your capacity is low, you'll move through your days drained, distracted, and disconnected.

Likewise, when your capacity is high-when your energy, focus, and emotional reserves are nourished-your capabilities expand naturally.

It's not about doing less; it's about doing from alignment.

Before taking something on, ask yourself:

Do I have the capability for this?
Do I have the capacity for this right now?

Both matter. Both require care.

Protecting your capacity allows your capability to shine-without depletion, without resentment, and without losing your centre. You’re not here to just do it all. You're here to do it well, from a place of wholeness.

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