The BIGG Difference Between Ability and Capability

BIGG success is life on your own terms. So we really like to look deep into the meaning of terms. Terms are rich. They have layers.

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Today, we want to talk about two terms – ability and capability. According to the dictionary, these two terms are essentially the same.

We disagree.

Ability is about your present. You have the ability right now to do certain things. Your abilities are manifested by action.

Capability rests on both sides of ability.

Capability on the negative side

On the negative side, you may be capable of doing something already, but aren’t doing it because you’re not taking action.

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George, let’s say we’re talking about hiring a virtual assistant for a specific project. I suggest Sally.

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I ask if you think she can handle it.

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I say, “She’s able to do it.”

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I’m satisfied. But let’s look at capability. I ask if Sally can handle it.

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I say, “She capable of doing it.”

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I might have some reservations if that’s the answer.

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It’s a subtle difference. The first one – “She’s able to do it” – implies she will do it. She currently has the necessary qualities to get the job done.

The second one – “She’s capable of doing it” – implies the potential exists for her to do it. But the overriding question in my mind is: “Will she do it?”

On the Knowing – Doing spectrum, this sounds like a “doing” issue. It’s sad when people have the potential but don’t act upon it.

Capability on the positive side

The other side of capability is the positive side. You may have the potential to do something but it needs to be refined or developed further.

So capability is about your future. Capability is worthless unless it is converted into ability. Just like ability is demonstrated by our actions, capability is converted into ability by action.

The bridge from capability to ability

It’s all about growth – one of the five elements of BIGG success. BIGG success is about entrepreneuring your life – taking full control to create the life of your dreams.

Two critical terms of entrepreneuring are resources and opportunities. Entrepreneurs apply resources to an opportunity to create value.

When we break down the five elements, we realize that two of them – money and time – are resources. And two of the five – work and play – are opportunities.

Growth is the bridge.

It begins as an opportunity to which you must commit resources. When you do this, you grow. You learn. You become more proficient. You develop new skills.

You can convert capability into ability. Then your new wisdom and your new skills become a resource. You can use this new resource to speed your journey toward BIGG success. 

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