Is It About Potential?

I received an excellent and thoughtful e-mail from author Robert Anthony (one of my favorite authors). The message discussed the difference between potential and capacity. I found it very interesting and helpful, so I thought I should share.

He says the two ideas are contrasting. He defines potential as something occurring in the future, and someone becoming something other than they are now. Capacity, he says, is based on the present moment, and doing something we can do today.

Which do you think is more effective? If you've read a number of my thoughts (many of which I've learned from Dr. Anthony) blogs on this site, you will guess capacity is more effective. Why? Because we have much more control of what we can do now in the present, than what we can "potentially" do. Dr. Anthony shares, for example, that we have the potential to accomplish many things and help many people. However, we only have the capacity to do what we can do in this present moment. It is that capacity that we need to focus on. If we do, we ultimately reach our potential.

For me, this is very comforting. Instead of trying to do everything at once, why not just focus on doing all we can now. In the end, if our efforts are sincere, potential is no longer a future tense word.

Have an excellent day : )