Why Boundaries Boost Creativity : Embracing Constraints for Better Ideas
How I wrote an article while walking?
It may sound counterintuitive, but it's true.
Working within limitations forces us to think differently and explore new possibilities. When we have complete freedom, we often choose the easiest option and settle for average ideas. However, when limitations are in place, it pushes us to explore deeper and come up with innovative solutions.
In this article, I will share my journey to finding the right balance between physical exercise and content creation. By embracing constraints, I transformed ordinary moments of waiting into opportunities for creativity and productivity.
Turning Waiting Time to Productive Walks
One of the times I had extra time in my day was when my kids were at their after-school classes. Instead of wasting this time, I used it to walk and reach my daily step goal. I also took advantage of this chance by listening to podcasts while walking, which made the activity even more enjoyable and informative.
Transitioning from Consumer to Creator
As I walked and absorbed the knowledge from podcasts, I realized it was time to shift from being a passive consumer to an active creator. Consuming content was enriching, but creating content would allow me to express my thoughts and ideas while providing value to others.
A Creative Solution to a Writing Obstacle
However, one challenge stood in my way - sitting down to write during the waiting period would hinder me from reaching my walking goal. It felt like an impossible situation until I came up with a creative idea.
I began pondering if there was a way for me to write while walking. Although typing was not feasible, an idea struck me - I could speak instead of writing. To implement this concept, I utilized the audio notes feature in Obsidian, an application that automatically transcribes spoken words into written notes. This enabled me to convert my spoken thoughts into written content effortlessly.
Boosting Content Quality with an Efficient Strategy
I developed a simple yet effective strategy for transcribing my thoughts into coherent and well-structured articles. By following this approach, I was able to create high-quality content without the need for extensive editing. Let me walk you through the steps I took:
Step 1: Drafting an Outline
Before embarking on my walk, I would start by quickly outlining the main topics and subtopics that I wanted to cover in my article. This outline acted as a roadmap for me during my walk, ensuring that I stayed focused and organized throughout the process.
Step 2: Walking and Talking
Once I had my outline ready, I would start walking. As I walked, I would speak about each topic in detail. By verbalizing my ideas aloud, it allowed me to think more freely and express myself naturally.
Step 3: Refining and Structuring
When I got back from my walk, I edited the content for structure. By following a clear plan with an outlined structure and explaining each topic verbally while walking, editing became much easier.
How Limitations Fuel Innovation and Creativity
Interestingly, working within constraints proved to be beneficial for my creativity.
Constraints act as creative challenges, prompting individuals to seek innovative solutions. Without constraints, people often opt for the easiest ideas, rather than investing effort into developing better ones. By embracing constraints, we are encouraged to think differently and explore new possibilities, ultimately leading to more creative and innovative solutions.
Conclusion:
I successfully integrated my daily step goal with my writing goals by effectively utilizing my waiting time, leveraging technology, and embracing constraints. This experience not only allowed me to achieve both objectives simultaneously but also reinforced the idea.
Embrace the opportunities for creativity that exist within your daily routines and unlock your untapped potential!
P.S. If you're curious about the article I wrote while walking, here's the link. This article also provides instructions on setting up Obsidian to transcribe audio notes.
