Recently we hired a builder to re-make the deck attached to our house. Because the deck is such a good party deck, when people visit, they ask, What's the weight capacity of the deck? I've yet to find that out and will do that soon because it's important to know the capacity with regard to almost anything we do.
When we embark on events, we need to know our own capacity. Throughout I've often disregarded my capacity and pushed myself to the edge. I tend to see life with rose colored glasses and think I can do more than I can do. I too-often disregard what I need with regard to time, energy, rest, and space to be at my best. I don't consider my capacity prior to events, and it's only when I've exceeded my capacity that I begin to realize I did too much, went to far, and put myself at a disadvantage.
There's a sweet spot between pragmatism and idealism, and that sweet spot pushes you to do more, but not too much.
Recently I ignored the forewarnings of a pragmatic friend and pushed myself way beyond my capacity which resulted in an unsuccessful event. Fortunately I changed course before a true disaster struck, but still I was disappointed with myself that I didn't have the wisdom to consider my friend's pragmatic advice more. Before we act in any way, we have to consider our capacity for the endeavor. Often that will mean that we reach out for more help in order to be successful.
I'm married to a pragmatic guy, so the combination of my idealism and his pragmatism usually results in positive events. When either one of us goes off on our own, we rarely have the same success as when we plan together. As an educator, working with a team was far more successful for me than most endeavors I engaged in on my own. Teamwork, in most cases, leads to greater success. As they say, we are often better, together.
Today, I'll do a bit of thinking about my capacity. What can I do? What can't I do? What do I need to maintain a healthy capacity for the goals and endeavor I desire? This is a positive arena of consideration. Onward.