Capability is the range of skills and knowledge that we currently possess. It stands to reason that we don't use all of these at anyone time and some are more developed than others. We also know that some of the skills diminish over time if we don't properly maintain these or use these in a meaningful and relevant way.
Now, if we consider our potential we find that this exists outside of ourselves. It is a future state that we can choose and make decisions to move into. There is a gap that needs to be traversed and that gap is learning. As we reduce this gap, we are pulling this new knowledge and skills into our capability. The more we can grasp onto, the more we can further build our capability in this area. We are not developing or working to our potential, but rather working to expand our capability.
Next, this expansion does come at somewhat of a cost as we find that there is an element of prioritization that occurs in your capability. That is, if you no longer have time to maintain aspects of capability then these will diminish over time. Much like that second language you learnt in time, broader aspects won't stay without practice and only small minute, often unconnected parts remain. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, however it does prompt you to do one thing with some urgency. And that is to be deliberate in what you reach for.
The reason to be deliberate is that you are putting yourself in control through self and situation awareness. You are making decisions that align with your situation and promote the right type of expansion (we can term this as growth). We also have control over making decisions around what aspects of our life are no longer in alignment or we have outgrown these. We don't lose these straight away, they are not lopped off and discarded forever. We know that over time parts of these remain, however our focus moves in a different direction.
What does a deliberate approach look like? Taking pause for a moment to consider, acknowledge and understand choice. This first step provides you with the steps to build the insights that connect your current state with your future potential. Remember, it might be a case that you can't yet see how to bridge the gap, and being intentional in seeking understanding to inform choice becomes a priority. Limited options might not allow the progress required, or too many might not provide a specific scope. The OAR Approach as a progression tool promotes an initial consideration of:
Current knowledge and skills
Independent research and exploration
Seeking external guidance
Imagination
Each of these provides the appropriate insights for alignment with your future potential. Most importantly, imagination at this initial stage provides both a mental representation as well as seeking unique solutions to overcoming the resistance in learning.
This deliberate approach then requires action, that is for you to make a decision and commit to this. Don't mistake this with "choosing" a pathway ahead. This is expressing a preference and often leads to a lack of action and progress. Making a decision only occurs when you take the first step, in this case when you move towards your future potential. This would then consider:
Making decisions
Adding value
Minimal viable action
Execution and adaptability
Reflection is the final component. This can be an evaluation or simply an acknowledgment of what is gained.
Comparison of intention
Self reflection
Seek external acknowledgment
Consolidate
Your ability to "pull" your potential into your current alignment and capability will be improved through this process. There is no lack of goal or determination from this, rather a repeatable cycle that thrives where you are deliberate in your focus and attention
Michael.
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