Water fills the shape of the container it is put in. A project takes the amount of time (and money) it is given. Often the time we need for something expands and contracts in relation to the constraints.

And yet we often pay little attention to the constraints. We take them to be absolute. But what happens when we change them? What possibilities does that open up?

In the end, constraints are both a hinderance and a benefit. For most of us, focus and ‘single-tasking’ are the biggest challenges. This is true of individuals and organisations.

So go ahead, turn off those notifications, perhaps even unplug from the web for a few hours, and do the work you know needs to be done. Embrace the constraints. Change them around.

Photo by Naomi August