Limits stimulate creativity

Communication coach Jon Torrens explains why limits are a good thing.

 

Jon writes:

When trying to create something new and interesting, limits are good – really good. Two examples:

1. Design a video game. ‘So I can do whatever I want? Cool!’ Except it’s not, because there’s no challenge, no problem to solve, and therefore no real achievement when the project’s finished. The brief was too open, even if the exercise seemed fun to start with.

2. Design a video game for Android phones based on Dinosaurs playing football, with a turn-based interface and monetisation options. By next Tuesday. ‘Crikey, there’s not much room for creativity, is there?’ Wrong. Such clear objectives force your creative muscles to really work, even if it seems daunting and too difficult to start with. The bonus is that the objectives also make success very clear when it’s achieved. So:

Apply this philosophy to your life. (Hold on, that’s too broad.)

Apply this to your communication. (Better.)

Apply this to your verbal communication in business. (Ah, that’s it.)

Whenever you experience a limitation such as not being able to see the person on the other end of the phone, the laptop failing during a presentation, or the poor sound quality of the microphone at the seminar, remember this:

Limits stimulate your creativity. They allow you to show people what a great problem-solver you are.

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