November 2023 Newsletter The Capability Gap

The capability gap

Nick Sabin, head coach of the University of Alabama’s seven-time national champion football team Crimson Tide, talks about the difference between what we are capable of doing and what we are actually doing. He calls this the capability gap.

When I heard him talk about this topic recently, he asked questions such as “What are we capable of?” and “What are we doing about it?” I am constantly preaching that we all need to use every ounce of our God-given talent while we are still here on this earth.

So let me ask you, what are you doing with the talent you have inside you? Are you using it every day? Do you only use it once in a while? Do you ever tap into it at all? The only person who can answer this question is you, because you alone know what you are capable of. If you aren’t doing what you are capable of doing, then you have a capability gap!

“God does not begin by asking our ability, only our availability, and if we prove our dependability, He will increase our capability.” —Neal A. Maxwell

“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.” —E.O. Wilson

“If you have the ability to do something, then you have the responsibility to do it.” I include this statement in the majority of my speaking events and presentations. Why? Because I know that everything I have been able to accomplish in my life has happened because this phrase reminded me to use what I already have inside of me… my ability! When you take the time to think about it, you are probably aware that you have abilities you are not using. If you think otherwise, then you are not being honest with yourself.

The best way to uncover your true potential is to be on the lookout for abilities you are not using fully. Start by getting a pad of paper and a pen. (Don’t use your iPad to do this. Believe me, there is tremendous value in writing things down on paper.) At the top of the page write “I AM CAPABLE OF THE FOLLOWING:” and then make a list, numbering each item. Your list does not have to be completed in one day. Leave the pad on your table or desk for a few days or a few weeks, and every time you think of another ability that you possess, write it down. At least once a day, make sure to read what you have already written. Your list may end up looking something like this one.

I AM CAPABLE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Waking up a little earlier each day to accomplish a little more.
2. Calling up at least a couple of people who have served in our military and telling them “THANK YOU” on Veterans Day.
3. Listening more and talking less when someone needs my attention.
4. Being less quick to judge other people and trying to understand each person’s point of view.
5. Thinking of ways to add value for my customers or clients so I can be more successful in my career.
6. Inspiring more people through my actions on a daily basis.
7. Encouraging people whenever possible and lifting them up.
8. Telling people how much I care about them instead of assuming that they already know it.
9. Being a better provider for my family and the people who are counting on me.
10. Having a positive mindset, avoiding negative thinking, and spending more time with like-minded people.

Life is not a dress rehearsal. This is the real deal, right now, right this very minute. If you don’t hold yourself accountable for using all of your abilities, no one else will.

When you recognize the abilities that you’re not using and you start making positive changes to implement them, it can create a brand new you. It can truly be a game changer! You will manifest new opportunities in your life, you will bring quality people into your network, and most of all, you will be happier because you will be using all of your God-given talents.

In 1993 I started a real estate firm that would become one of the largest real estate firms in the Midwest, and one of my main goals in starting my company was to help bring out the best in everybody I worked with. It wasn’t always easy to do that; I can be very direct and say things without a filter. That can be both good and bad. The bottom line is that I see things in people that they don’t see in themselves, which I believe we all have the ability to do. I believe it’s our responsibility to help people bring out the best in themselves.

“If we did all the things that we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” —Thomas Edison

I have recently re-branded one of my companies, Big Omaha Realty, as Prime Home Realty. My main goal as I enter my 41st year in real estate is to play a significant, impactful role in bringing out the very best in the people I will be working with. I want to help them eliminate their capability gap. I am super excited about doing this, and I am looking forward to the challenges involved. Prime Home Realty will be known as having some of the absolute best real estate professionals who want to be the best version of themselves.

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” —Mahatma Gandhi

What are you doing to eliminate your capability gap? And what are you doing to help others do the same? Not only do we have the ability to change our own lives, but we also have the responsibility to change other people’s lives for the better.

So let’s make this a priority, starting today. Let’s close the capability gap one person at a time, starting with ourselves.

I would be honored and thrilled to visit your company and speak on this topic. Please reach out to me so we can figure out which dates might work best. You can email me at van@vandeeb.com or call my direct line at 402-680-8448.