Your problem isn’t capacity, it’s prioritization

“Capacity vs. Prioritization: what are you and your organizational struggling with most?

I really want to, but I just don’t have the capacity to do that,” said my client. He leaned back dejectedly in his squeaky chair, and his image froze for a moment on Skype. 

“Your problem isn’t capacity,” I said. “Your problem is prioritization.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“I mean you don’t want to do this, so you’re finding any way you can to avoid it. You’re doing everything else under the sun so you can say you’re too busy to do this. Stop that. Make this the priority. Let’s focus on what you need to get started.”

I got him started on the project, and as soon as his engine was primed, he rocked it. But he was stuck at the getting started stage, because he didn’t know if he was proceeding the “right way.” Anxiety will take the wind out of your sails every time.

I see this same situation with leaders of organization’s of every size. Either the leader is trying to accomplish it, or someone on staff has been assigned to do it, and just can’t seem to get it done. Invariably, I’ll find that procrastination based on anxiety of failure is responsible for it not getting done. There’s usually plenty of capacity. 

The key is to recognize this early on, and stop if from happening. Outline specifics of what is needed to get it done. Set hard deadlines. Create accountability through milestones. But most of all, just get started. 

Time for you to implement. It’s Ron’s Monday Mission™:

What’s not getting done on your end? Professionally or personally? What seems so daunting that you “haven’t been able to start it yet.” Be honest with yourself. Are you avoiding it and making excuses? If so, why? Recognize that this is happening, and counter it. I’ve found that just getting started fixes 90% of these issues. Once your brain is on the task, it will start solving the problems and ease the way for you.

Have a great week, 

Ron