Write Smarter, Not Harder
How the Power of Limits Can Improve Your Writing
I’ve always believed that creativity knows no bounds. I’ve always felt that the more freely I can write, the better my work would be. But I’ve recently discovered the opposite can also be true. By exploring my process, I’ve found that setting limits and constraints on my writing has actually led to more creativity and success.
The Power of Limits
The Power of Limits is a concept theorizing that by setting constraints, limitations or specific challenges in creative work, we can push ourselves to be more innovative, resourceful and produce work that is more impactful and meaningful. By embracing limits, instead of viewing them as obstacles, we can unlock our creativity and explore new paths that we may not have considered before.
The power of limits in writing is not a new concept. Some of the most famous works of literature were written under strict constraints. You have no doubt heard of Ernest Hemingway’s famous six-word story: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” This immensely powerful story was created under one of the tightest constraints a writer can have — limited word count — proving that the power of writing lies not in the quantity of words, but in their quality.
