The truth is… your business possibilities are endless and opportunity is everywhere.

And as busy leaders that might be our biggest problem.

Without forced focus, we have a tendency to wonder and wander away from our top priorities.

What if I told you that constraints could actually be the key to your next batch of success?

Let’s thought-engineer this out:

I want you to think like a world-class artist. You’ve got the skills and the vibe to go with it. You spend your days wandering around NYC painting tiny murals on street corners and you get lots of interest from the tourist foot-traffic. These small bursts of creativity are masterful, but never recognized as a part of your collective genius, because it’s spread out and spread thin.

Now, let’s imagine that you take that artistry and apply self-inflicted, forced-constraints.

For an artist, a forced constraint can be the medium, the size of the canvas, the subject matter or even where it sells. Limitations create a certain scarcity to their body of work.

For a busy leader, forced constraints can help you focus your efforts and create a masterful body of work as well.

Instead of being paralyzed by endless options, forced constraints provide a framework within which to operate. They force you to prioritize, make decisions, and focus your energy on what truly matters.

Think of it as setting boundaries for yourself that help you unleash your creativity and innovation.


Here a few examples of how Forced Constraints may help You:

  1. Clarity and Focus: By defining specific parameters or limitations, you gain clarity on what you need to accomplish and where to direct your efforts. This focused approach helps you avoid distractions and stay on track towards your goals.
  2. Efficiency and Productivity: When you have clear boundaries, you can streamline your processes and workflows. With fewer options to consider, decision-making becomes faster and more efficient, allowing you to accomplish more in less time.
  3. Creativity and Innovation: Constraints can spark creativity by encouraging you to think outside the box and find innovative solutions within the limitations you’ve set. Like a puzzle, you’re challenged to find creative ways to achieve your objectives, leading to breakthrough ideas and solutions.
  4. Resource Optimization: Forced constraints help you make the most of your resources, whether it’s time, money, or manpower. By focusing your resources on the most critical tasks or opportunities, you can maximize your impact and achieve better results.

So, how can you implement forced constraints in your business?

Start by identifying areas where you feel overwhelmed or unfocused. Then, set specific limitations or boundaries to guide your actions in those areas. Whether it’s setting a budget for a project, establishing a timeframe for completion, or defining the scope of a new initiative, find ways to create structure and focus.

Remember, forced constraints are not about limiting yourself; they’re about channeling your energy and resources towards what truly matters. Embrace them as a tool to unlock your creativity, productivity, and success in business.

Here’s to painting your masterpiece within the canvas of forced constraints!


Micah Foster headshot, Co-Owner of Dream Support for executive assistants

Micah Foster, Co-Owner

Micah Foster is a partner at Dream Support LLC who has been providing remote executive assistants to busy leaders who need administrative and organizational help for over five years.

He has a passion for creating and maintaining positive and productive work environments and empowering people to reach their full potential.