Constraints

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned in your life?

This question is tough. Tough because you have to go through your memories of your entire life. Tough because you have to sort and rank your memories. Likely you’ve thought about it and decided, it’s just too much work.

What if we constrained it to the most interesting thing you’ve learned in the past year? In the past month? Week?

It becomes easier. Because constraints focus our thoughts. Constraints do this by forcing us to make choices and eliminate options. 

So the next time you're tackling a big hairy problem and you’re not sure where to begin, ask yourself, what constraints are there? What trade-offs do I have to make?

Imagine what impact you might have if you tackle the big hairy problems. They’re often the most valuable.

Thanks for caring!

With gratitude,

Anwell Tsai