High Performers and the Capacity Gap: Why Doing More Isn’t Enough
Mind the gap.
The Capacity Gap: What’s Holding Back High Performers?
High performers are known for their drive, discipline, and dedication. They’re the ones who always step up, tackle challenges head-on, and seem to have an endless supply of motivation. But even the most ambitious professionals can hit a wall—a point where effort no longer leads to progress.
If you’ve ever wondered why doing more isn’t moving you forward like it used to, you might be facing what I call the capacity gap.
Busy ≠ Progress
For many high achievers, the default response to rising demands is to push harder, longer hours, tighter deadlines, more tasks. But the truth is, being busy doesn’t equal making progress.
This is where capacity cost comes into play. Every task, meeting, and decision comes with a cost, not just in time, but in attention, focus, and energy. When your capacity is constantly spent on low-impact activities, the return on your effort diminishes.
In Chapter 6 of Capacity: The New Advantage, I dive deep into capacity cost, how it silently impacts your productivity and what to do about it.
What is the Capacity Gap?
The capacity gap appears when your potential no longer matches your results. You have the skills, the drive, and the ambition, but your current work style is draining your capacity before you can put it to meaningful use.
You’re doing more, but getting less in return. And over time, that gap widens.
Signs You’re Paying Too Much Capacity Cost
You’re always working, but rarely feel ahead.
You handle everything, yet your most important projects stall.
You feel accomplished for being busy, but outcomes aren’t improving.
You think, “If I just had more time,”but more time never solves it.
These signs point to a high capacity cost, you’re spending effort in too many directions, with too little payoff.
How to Bridge the Gap and Reduce Capacity Cost
Audit your demands. Where is your capacity going—and is it worth it?
Align with outcomes. Focus on work that drives real results, not just activity.
Remodel your approach. Let go of habits that reward motion over progress.
Track your capacity cost. Understand what tasks drain you vs. what drives value.
The New Advantage
High performers don’t need more to do—they need to be more intentional with their capacity. When you understand capacity cost, you can stop spending effort carelessly and start investing it where it matters.
In Capacity: The New Advantage, Chapter 6 gives you the tools to identify and reduce capacity cost, so you can close the gap that’s been holding you back.