Constraints are a gift
“If only” is a soothing refrain. If only the constraints were lifted, and the things that are scarce were abundant. If only the barriers were lifted and there was more time or fewer obstacles…
That’s a trap.
If the constraints went away, you’d be playing a totally different game, because your competitors would see their constraints lifted as well.
Constraints are a gift because they bring us something to lean against, and they give us the chance to focus on work we can actually do.
Every once in a while, the situation changes and constraints are lifted. In those moments, we need to be hyper-aware of the new possibilities. The rest of the time, instead of cursing the boundaries, we can celebrate them.