You can’t think outside the box unless there is a box to think inside of.
One of the great paradoxes of creativity is that it flourishes with constraints.
Now you might be thinking that sounds contradictory to how creativity works. You should be totally free to unleash your curiosity and let it take you anywhere, right?
But constraints shouldn’t be thought of as barriers or hinderances to creativity, rather as challenges that stimulate our creative impulses. The challenges that creative constraints impose, enable us to figure out new ways to boost creativity.
When we face impeding deadlines or scarcity, we gain more freedom to think outside the box because we have to.
Limitations prevent overwhelm and decision fatigue, allowing you to dedicate more mental energy to being more resourceful.
Don’t believe me?
Let’s look at some famous synthesizers who thrived by imposing creative constraints on their work.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Wright imposed the constraint of designing buildings that synthesized the natural environment with architectural design to seamlessly blend together, a principle he called “organic architecture.” This approach limited his material choices and design elements but resulted in iconic structures like Fallingwater.
“Constraints are limitations on design, but they are also an impetus to creativity.
The artist’s struggle against them sharpens his skills and leads to truly unique and inspired solutions.”
–Frank Lloyd Wright
Richard Feynman
Nobel prize winning physicist Richard Feynman self-imposed creative constraints by developing a thinking technique which consisted of establishing 12 favorite problems he considered fundamental and challenging.
He used this method as a thinking tool to inspire creative problem solving by imposing constraints.
Some of Feynman’s 12 favorite problems included:
- How can I accurately keep track of time in my head?
- How can I sustain a two-handed polyrhythm on the drums?
- How can I write a sentence in perfect handwritten Chinese script?
Solving any of these problems could easily become life-long pursuits. But by imposing the constraints of focusing only on solving 12 problems, it will produce valuable solutions to a set of unique problems.
Igor Stravinsky
Stravinsky purposely imposed creative constraints inspired by classical forms of musical composition. He drew from the music of earlier composers, such as Bach and Mozart, and synthesized elements of pastiche and parody into his compositions.
This self-imposed constraint allowed him to explore new creative possibilities within the framework of established musical traditions.
“The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees oneself. And the arbitrariness of the constraint serves only to obtain precision of execution.”
–Igor Stravinsky
Niklas Luhmann
Luhmann also used creative constraints through his Zettelkasten system itself, exemplifying how imposing certain limitations can enhance creativity, clarity, and productivity.
By adhering to the physical constraints of the note box, Luhmann was able to develop a highly efficient and innovative system to synthesize 108 categories of knowledge, publish 50 books and over 600 articles.
One of my own creative constraints is telling you that you will receive this newsletter every Saturday morning and be able to read it in 3 minutes or less. I have only missed one Saturday since I imposed that constraint on myself nearly a year ago.
Now it’s your turn to establish some of your own creative constraint principles for inputs, note-making and outputs.
Study how others who inspire you are using creative restraints. Apply your own. Refine and adjust accordingly if they are too limiting or broad.
The point is to trigger creative flow.
Make your constraints challenging enough to keep yourself engaged but not so challenging you want to rage quit.