The Warning Signs are Clear

This month’s letter is for every high-functioning, get-it-done, always-pushing person out there. You know who you are. You don’t drop balls. You handle pressure. You’ve made a habit of doing a little more than most; and you do it well.

But what happens when you hit capacity?

Recently, I’ve had to ask myself that exact question. And let me be honest; it takes a lot for me to reach my limit. But lately, I’ve felt that slow creep of overwhelm. The kind that doesn’t go away with one good night of sleep or a weekend off. The kind that whispers, “This might not just be a busy season. This might be too much.”

So how do you know if you’ve truly hit capacity? These are some of the signs I’ve noticed in myself and others:

• You’re forgetting things you never used to forget
• You feel irritated by small asks
• You have zero margin, and even small tasks feel heavy
• You can’t remember the last time you felt truly present
• You’re excelling publicly but crumbling privately

If any of that resonates, I want you to hear this clearly—you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You’re just at capacity.

Here’s how I’m coping with it. (and what might help you too)

For quick relief, start with these three things:

• Name it. Say out loud, “I’m at capacity.” Acknowledging it gives you permission to stop pretending it’s just temporary when it may not be.
• Cancel one thing this week. Just one. Choose something that doesn’t move the needle or refill your tank, and give yourself the gift of space.
• Ask for help. From your team, your partner, your friends, your kids. If you’re usually the strong one, this might feel uncomfortable, but it’s necessary.

For longer-term solutions, I’m working on a few bigger changes:

• Audit your calendar with honesty. What’s required? What’s just expected? What’s self-imposed? You don’t have to do everything, especially if it’s costing your peace.
• Rebuild your boundaries. Your time and energy are not unlimited resources. Treat them like they matter, because they do.
• Redefine what success looks like. Sometimes, we’re chasing a version of success that no longer fits our life or values. Make sure your effort is still aligned with what truly matters to you.
• Make margin non-negotiable. Schedule space to breathe, reflect, rest, and reset. Margin isn’t a luxury. It’s a leadership skill.

You don’t have to wait for a breaking point to make a change. You don’t have to earn your rest. And hitting capacity doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human.

If this letter hits close to home and you’re not sure what your next step should be, reach out. I’d love to help you find clarity, set boundaries, and reclaim your capacity.

With you always,