Toastmasters International -Expanding Your Capacity

A smiling woman in a blue blazer stands in front of a bright orange background.

In my leadership journey, one truth has remained constant: We all have 24 hours in a day. No more, no less. Yet the deeper we go into leadership—whether in Toastmasters or in life—the demands on our time, energy, and focus seem to multiply.

As our responsibilities grow, so must our capacity. I’ve learned that expanding capacity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, with intention.

For me, that means approaching the time I dedicate to Toastmasters with focus and clarity. It means asking myself, What deserves my energy today? rather than trying to do it all. Some days, that’s easier said than done! When I feel that familiar rush of anxiety over my never-ending to-do list, I know it’s time to pause, take a breath, and plan. Slowing down allows me to speed up later.

Expanding capacity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, with intention.

I remember one evening, after a particularly busy week, I sat surrounded by notes and unfinished emails. My mind was scattered, my attention pulled in every direction—and my productivity had vanished. I realized that scattered attention leads to scattered results. The moment I narrowed my focus to one task, calm replaced chaos. Focus brings clarity—and clarity restores calm.

Another vital part of staying mentally strong is self-care. Paying attention to my own energy levels has become an essential leadership practice. When I notice that my energy is low, I make it a priority to recharge. My favorite way to do that is to get outside—whether for a walk, a run, or simply a quiet cup of tea in the sunshine. Those moments in nature clear my head and restore my energy so I can return with renewed purpose.

And perhaps my biggest learning has been this: Done is better than perfect. Progress beats paralysis every time. Get it done, move forward, and accept that “good enough” is often exactly what’s needed. I’ve also learned the value of connection. Leadership isn’t meant to be a solo act, and there is real strength in reaching out. Demands will always be high—but how we respond makes all the difference. When we combine focus, self-care, and connection, we create the resilience to meet those demands with calm confidence and clear purpose.