A Creative Paradox of Constraints

Why limitations unlock genius and unlimited freedom leads to paralysis

You know what's funny?

The most creative people I know don't want more freedom.

They want less.

I was talking to my buddy who runs a content agency. He told me something that confused me:

"When I have a blank page and can write about anything, I freeze up. But when a client gives me a specific assignment with tight constraints, I crush it."

This is the paradox of creativity that nobody talks about:

Freedom = Paralysis

Constraints = Power

Let me explain with a story from this book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance¹ (don't worry, it's not as pretentious as it sounds).