All Things Inspired

Greatness is not defined by our capability, but in our willingness to take action!

I believe that the good Lord above instills in each of us the capability to live a successful life and calls us to achieve the plans He has for us to prosper. But how many of us fail to answer the call? Greatness is not defined by our capability, but in our willingness to take action toward achievement. You see, skills provide potential, that's the capability part. Willingness is what drives the results. This action is what separates achievers from dreamers. The fundamental difference is that the achievers in the world take consistent daily action in realizing their goals, while the dreamers get stuck at the stage of imagination and excessive planning.

If you have struggled to enact on willingness, ask yourself why? Do you feel that you are not quite ready to commit to this action? If that's the case, reconsider your feelings, and quickly. Here's why, you'll never feel ready because being ready is not a feeling. It is a decision. That's right, willingness is a choice that you either make or avoid. Consider it this way; not being willing to take action on your capabilities is like saying, "I've been planning on doing something spontaneous." Think about that!

When we discuss the topic of capable versus willing, again the key differences are capable equals ability, while willing equals desire. Would you believe me if I told you that your lack of willingness is negligence on your part? That's right you are failing to take proper care of your capabilities with the lack a lack of willingness. The graphic below will help you analyze where your capabilities meet your level of willingness. Take a look at this and then we'll discuss what each quadrant means.

An exercise to determine if you are both capable and willing.

In reviewing each of the quadrants, let's hope to define each of the four combinations more clearly.

Capable and Willing (green quad): without any doubt, this is the ideal quadrant to be in. It means you have both the capabilities and the willingness to act on your goals. These are the high performers, the rock stars who have both talent and desire!
Capable, but not Willing (gold quad): this is the frustrating quadrant. This person has the skills, but for one reason or another, they lack the desire or motivation to execute on their goals. They are most often seen as inconsistent performers.
Willing, but not Capable (blue quad): this is the 'has hope' quadrant. This person has tremendous desire, but lacks the necessary skills. While this requires additional training or mentoring, this person may have enough drive and determination to develop their skills to match their willingness. This person has potential to move to the green quadrant in time.
Neither Capable nor Willing (red quad): this is the 'red alarm' quadrant. This person lacks both the skills and desire to achieve goals. Is there hope for this person? There's always hope, but typically the lack of desire or willingness is not trainable or coachable.

There are some perspectives on this subject that deserve consideration. First, the success of the combination of capability and willingness is just that; the combination, as one without the other is not often successful. As for the second perspective, over the years, I have hired and trained numerous people. If I was unable to find that perfect combination of capability and willingness, I often cared more about finding someone who was willing to 'do' (desire or willingness) over just what they were capable of doing. Coachability was important, both in fulfilling the hiring needs I had and the development of the person I hired. And a final perspective to consider is that sometimes people are capable of change but due to lack of confidence or fear of exploring opportunities outside of their comfort zone, they were not willing to take that risk. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do with this until they are willing to adjust their mindset. Sometimes the reality is that many people are capable but fewer people are willing.

I just mentioned the adjustment of mindset. Did you know your mind will believe what you tell it? It's true. You must tell yourself that you are capable, you are smart, you are courageous, and that you can be anything you set your mind to. The more you repeat this communication to your mind, the more your mind will believe you! Remember this; it may be scary to execute on the willingness to pursue your goals. But this is only because it's new, not because that you are not capable!

Capability exists within each of us. Right now! At this very moment! It doesn't grow, it doesn't change, it just sits there waiting to be used. Willingness is the exercise that makes capability the catalyst required to absolutely change your life! So, off your seat and on your feet! Be willing and take action now! And also...

Be inspired! Inspire others!