How to overcome hurdles and make constraints your friend?
How often do we crib about our circumstances and crave opportunities?
But, little do we know that our present circumstances are actually, disguised opportunities.
Constraints, definitely are not looked upon with welcoming eyes but, there is a perspective that may not make sense initially, but will hold value if we dig deeper into the argument that constraint leads to creativity.
There is a need for innovation and creativity in every profession but, the road to achieving it is a struggle in itself. Often, we use our present settings as an excuse to not get started, to not pivot, to not change, and several other reasons. But, the greatest innovations and art in history have come to life by making the best use of the limited resources.
Legendary artist, Pablo Picasso’s famous work “Blue Period”, came into existence because of emotional and financial constraints. In addition to his financial struggles, he also lost his very dear friend Carlos Casagemas. These limitations nudged him to focus on themes of poverty, misery, and loneliness, using a blue palette that became monumental.
India’s Mission Mangal, for instance, is an extraordinary example that created history, making it the first country to land on Mars. But what makes it even more historic are the constraints which would seem a huge hurdle for us but, were embraced by the team graciously. Budget constraints, time constraints, technological constraints, human resource constraints, and many others wouldn’t have come up to our ears. All these were large-scale problems but, every limitation was used wisely by the team in their favor.
Countless examples in history are proof of how limitations and constraints are actually blessings disguised as hurdles.
But, how do we rewire ourselves to make the best use of whatever we have?
The best possible way is to ask yourself some questions.
1. Do you really want to do this?
Sometimes, the reason we depend on resources and keep on procrastinating the task is that we don’t really want to do the work. There is nothing about the task which makes you curious. In the absence of that much-needed curiosity, you are not driven intrinsically and you keep blaming your situation and available resources.
If you are struggling with something, ask yourself; “Do you genuinely want to do this?”. If the answer is “NO”, then it’s time to reconsider that task, and if it is a “YES”, keep reading. There is no point in doing something half-heartedly and expecting huge results. It is always better to do something that you like.
2. What is stopping you from starting?
Once you are sure about your goals, ask yourself; “why haven’t you started yet?”. It is not the availability of resources that we need, but the urgency to get started. In most cases, when we actually sit back and think deeply about what we require, it turns out that all these requirements were actually “wants” and not “needs”. A mindful conversation with yourself and you will realize that you have everything to begin the journey. Our assumed perceptions make us believe in the illusion of wanting specific things for our goal, but that isn’t accurate. Just start and everything will fall in place.
3. How do I change my mindset?
We all tend to believe that certain rules have to be followed, and criteria that have to be met, but here’s a catch. As long as you want to get somewhere badly, there are no rules. Once you get started and get attached to that process, you will observe a change in your mindset eventually. Waiting for a resource will appear a waste of time and your urge to keep moving will take care of the rest of the matters.
It is not as hard as it sounds, the only condition to use “constraint” is; absolute love for whatever you are doing or absolute devotion towards your goal. Keep doing what you like and you will be a master of this art.
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