Many authors state that creativity will be enhanced by accepting limitations, such as for example on a physical limitation on the format, size, number of words, or on the method and means.
I certainly believe so, because it enables us to focus without having our mind wandering endlessly into the infinite possibilities to express what we need to bring to the world. It also creates a welcome challenge that is more conductive to put us in a state of Flow.
The best artists (which is a denomination I like to use for all of us engaged in creative endeavors) then manage to transcend the self-imposed limitations to create awesome art.
Let us reverse then the statement. It is essential to set a number of limits before we release our creativity. Going further, creative endeavor won’t work before you’ve set these limits. And it is important then not to change the rules of the game in the midst of creation.
If you find that you have difficulties to be creative, maybe you should first review the limitations you’ve set and check whether you should not add a few.
