Constraints remind us of the preciousness of what we have. With too much time, too many ideas, and an unlimited amount of materials, we can become paralyzed, lazy, and drown in decision fatigue. Limitations create value. They challenge us to make more intentional decisions and work with less. Constraints give us a sandbox where we can play and utilize everything we have to create something new. Remarkable art has been created with limitations. Beethoven composed some of the best masterpieces without his ability to hear. Grant Achatz, the famous chef of the Chicago restaurant Alinia, cooked many of his dishes without the ability to taste after he was diagnosed with tongue cancer.
Some people, however, use limitations as excuses.
I don’t have enough time. I have a bad knee and crippling arthritis. I have three kids under the age of 10 and I’m a single mom working full-time. I’m losing my vision. I’m past my prime. I’ve been rejected by 30 publishers already.
Others use constraints as a playground for creativity.
“Limitations are a necessary partner in the creative act as well as in the crafting of a successful life.”
Below was my exploration of this in real-time, using only two different flower types and a 45-minute time limit.
Honoring the Four Directions.
Spread love and share your gifts.
Expand beyond your comfort zone and dance along the edges.
Instead of allowing the constraints and limitations in your life to stifle your creativity, how can you learn to create from them?