UnderestimatIng Our Own Capacity 

So often, I hear people say "I could never do that." They could be talking about a physical activity or a financial undertaking. But so many people underestimate their own capacity to do things or over estimate how hard it is to get something done.

For example, “I could never run a marathon.” For starters, you don’t have to actually run to do a marathon. You can just walk it. It’s just one step after another for 26.2 miles. You might even be able to do it tomorrow. 

While you may not feel great afterward or for the next week, you can likely get through it. Sure, it would be great to actually enjoy the miles versus just getting through it, but sometimes just starting and finishing something is good enough. 

Just starting is one hurdle to overcome when trying something that is out of your comfort zone.

My husband and I know that we don’t get invited to do things with other people because they know we are going to push people beyond their comfort zone. This fact came up recently on the same day during two separate events where both speakers mentioned that traveling with us pushed them past their typical boundaries. 

The first was our exchange student, who we took to Estes Park, Colorado, so he could experience staying in a rustic mountain cabin. We mentioned that we would go hiking but didn’t mention how long or strenuous it would be  planned. 

I don’t think it was much more than three or four miles but it may very well have been five or six or eight. Regardless, everyone finished unhurt, well hydrated and well fed since we had backpacks loaded with enough nourishment for three days. 

While some may have lamented how long the hikes were, no one complained about the stickers highlighting their trek used to decorate their water bottles. And that experience is still vivid in their memories to this day.

Later the same day, another friend spoke about the races he had done. Again, he noted that when hanging out with my family or traveling with us, you had better be prepared to physically test yourself. And to his credit, he has completed so many races now and can wear his finisher shirts with pride. 

It is not just physical obstacles which we need to overcome. 

Very often, financial barriers seem insurmountable but when broken into smaller pieces and with determination, the project can be accomplished. 

For years, Youth Change Reaction - McCook Community Foundation Fund’s youth group - wanted to do a large impactful project. While they enjoy smaller projects such as Baskets of Sunshine for elementary students having a bad day or playing with younger students over lunch or recess, the YCR members wanted something that out lasted their time at McCook High School. This dream led to the idea of a drive-in movie theater.

But there were doubts.

The project needed significant financial backing. Plus, the youth leading the project are some of the busiest students in both the school and the community. This meant their time was limited to ask for money and research what was needed to build the drive-in.

Ultimately, these students - nor the community - didn't underestimate themselves. While there were many highs and lows along the way, YCR, MCFF and the community overcame the doubts and the hurdles to make Cars Under the Stars happen. And the third season kicked off last month at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds.

It is not just large projects that can seem out of reach. As we talk about capacity, plans are underway for the 11th annual Southwest Nebraska Big Give, which will take place Thursday, Nov. 5. 

Many people don’t participate in the one day of giving because they can’t give a “big” donation to the local non-profit organizations. Yet, many people underestimate how important just a few dollars are to these groups, which help keep the lights on, which keep their doors open. Both the large and the small donations matter and add up to make a difference in our community. 

When considering the capacity to do something, whether a physical activity or a financial donation, we need to not underestimate what we are capable of - because usually it is a lot more than we think.