Ally Mexicotte
2y ago
Writing about the art and science of learning effectively and making good decisions.
A life with constraints is a well balanced one. And a potentially very creative one.
I've had ample experience thinking to myself "if only I didn't have this constraint, I would __________," only to get rid of the constraint and realize that they afforded me a unique advantage or focus.
So I thought, what if the goal isn't to live a life of no constraints, but to choose which constraints will best help us stay focused?
The right constraints reduce decision fatigue and improve your expertise in a certain set of circumstances.
My husband recently showed me a photographer who only shoots black and white images with a camera that has a very limited focal length (the camera can't zoom in or out).
The limited focal length allows the photographer to get really good at shooting from a very specific distance from his subject.
Because he doesn't have to learn how to shoot from multiple distances, he can only get certain shots, but he's perfected that range and made a name for himself within the photography world.
He designed in a constraint and let it narrow his focus.
2. Know when to accept a constraint or design around it
If you're facing a problem, ask yourself, is this a gravity problem? Gravity can't be changed, so complaining about it gets you nowhere. You simply have to design around gravity.
Even if a problem can be addressed, if you're not willing to address it, it's a gravity problem and it's best if you acknowledge that quickly.
4. Recognizing when the constraint actually doesn't exist
Sometimes, the constraint exists only in your mind.
I hated the experience of being part of the conventional medical system, but I didn't think I had any other options. Until I actually started looking. Eventually, I found an "alternative" doctor who spends at least an hour with me and coming up with custom health plans.
When I looked back, it was easy to see that there was no constraint, except maybe curiosity and drive to take action on it.
If you enjoyed this mini-essay, check out my personal newsletter on how to design a creative, focused life.