Ever feel like you’re capable of more, but you’re not sure how to unlock it? Maybe you’ve hit a plateau, or you’re wondering if you’ve reached your limit. The truth is, your capacity, capability, and potential aren’t set in stone—they can grow.
The secret? It’s all about how you think, what you do, and the habits you build. Let’s break it down and explore some powerful thinking models to help you get there.
What Do These Words Really Mean?
- Capacity – This is how much you can handle, whether mentally, physically, or emotionally. Think of it like a muscle—it expands with training. When people say, “I can’t take on any more,” they’re talking about their current capacity, but capacity isn’t fixed. You can develop the ability to handle more.
- Capability – This is your actual ability to do things effectively. Capability is about skill, execution, and competence. You might have the capacity to do something, but without capability, you won’t be effective.
- Potential – Potential is the untapped greatness within you. It’s the space between where you are now and what you’re truly capable of becoming. Your potential expands every time you increase your capacity and improve your capability.
These three work together: You first build the capacity to take on more, then develop the capability to do it well, which ultimately unlocks new levels of potential.
Thinking Models That Help You Grow
Shane Parrish, the mind behind Farnam Street, teaches that the way we think determines the quality of our decisions—and ultimately, the quality of our lives. Here are three powerful thinking models that will help you expand your capacity, capability, and potential.
1. The Map is Not the Territory
We often mistake our perceptions for reality, but in truth, our understanding is just a simplified version of the real world. Your beliefs about yourself and your limitations may not be accurate—they’re just the “map” you’ve built over time.
👉 How to apply this:
- Challenge your self-imposed limits. If you believe you’re “not good at learning new things” or “not creative,” question where that belief came from.
- Seek new perspectives—read books, talk to diverse people, and explore unfamiliar ideas.
- Be willing to update your mental map when you gain new knowledge. Growth happens when you allow yourself to change your views.
2. First Principles Thinking
Instead of accepting things as they are, break them down to their core components and rebuild from there. This is the kind of thinking Elon Musk uses to innovate—he doesn’t accept the way things have always been done; he asks, “What’s the fundamental truth here?”
👉 How to apply this:
- When learning something new, don’t just follow conventional wisdom—ask why things work the way they do.
- If you feel stuck in an area of life, strip away assumptions and look at the basics.
- Apply this to problem-solving—whether it’s personal development, business, or relationships, break issues down and rebuild solutions from the ground up.
3. The 1% Rule (Compounding Growth)
Massive change doesn’t happen overnight—it comes from small, consistent improvements that build up over time. Even if you improve by just 1% each day, that growth compounds into something extraordinary.
👉 How to apply this:
- Focus on daily, incremental improvements instead of chasing big, sudden changes.
- Track your progress—small wins lead to big breakthroughs.
- Apply this in all areas: fitness, learning, finances, relationships, and skills.
What the Greats Say About Growth
Many of the most successful people in history have spoken about the power of continuous improvement and pushing past perceived limits:
- John C. Maxwell: “The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying.” → Growth happens when you keep pushing forward, even when it’s difficult.
- James Clear (Atomic Habits): “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” → Small, daily actions define who you become.
- Mahatma Gandhi: “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” → The gap between your current self and your full potential is where the magic happens.
How to Actually Expand Yourself
Now that we’ve covered how to think differently, let’s get into actionable ways you can increase your capacity, capability, and potential.
1. Expand Your Mental Capacity
Your mind is like a muscle—it grows when you challenge it. Expanding your mental capacity means training yourself to think, learn, and process information better.
👉 How to apply this:
- Read daily. Even 10 minutes a day expands your knowledge and perspective.
- Practice deep work. Avoid multitasking and give your full attention to one task at a time.
- Build mental endurance. Push through discomfort when learning something new.
2. Strengthen Your Capabilities
Your capability is about skill. It’s not enough to simply know things—you need to be able to do things effectively.
👉 How to apply this:
- Identify the key skills that will take you to the next level (public speaking, leadership, problem-solving, etc.).
- Seek feedback. Ask mentors or trusted friends where you can improve.
- Practice deliberately. Focus on improving weaknesses instead of just repeating what you’re already good at.
3. Step Into Your Potential
Your potential isn’t determined by where you are now—it’s determined by how much you’re willing to grow. Expanding potential requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
👉 How to apply this:
- Do hard things. Challenge yourself regularly—whether it’s a tough conversation, a new skill, or a bold opportunity.
- Set bigger goals. Make them ambitious but break them down into small, actionable steps.
- Surround yourself with growth-minded people. The energy of those around you will either lift you up or hold you back.
Final Thought: You’re Not Stuck—You’re Expanding
The limits you feel right now? They’re just a reflection of your current state, not your ultimate potential. The more you challenge yourself, the more you grow.
Here’s the challenge: Pick one area—capacity, capability, or potential—and take action today to push your limits. Even a small step counts. Let me know what you choose!