Contraints = Creativity

When you a beginner it is easier to bowl with the bumpers up so you don't throw gutter balls.

Over time, you get good enough to where you don't need them anymore. You understand the proper form and tricks you need to bowl so you move onto a more complex game involving more work. Getting started with any creative habit is the same way.

Most think that creativity comes from having total freedom, but it is actually the total opposite.

When you are first starting to create anything it is better to give yourself constraints. They force you to get resourceful and learn the craft rather than going where ever the flow takes you. While you do want to eventually have a "flow" we all know it can be tough to find when attempting something new.

So here are few questions to ask yourself to help you setup constraints that lead to creativity:

• Run Time - How long will you give yourself to finish the creation? Is it a week? a day? an hour? or a few minutes? The amount of time you allow yourself to work on a creation can drastically effect the final output.

• Environment - Where are you when you are creating? Are you inside or outside? Are you sitting in a chair or laying on the ground? Your environment can have a huge impact on your mood and also to stop you from being distracted.

• Medium - Are you creating on a digital or analog setup? What tools are you using if any? What is your "canvas" or "workspace" you are using? The medium you are doing the work on can be just as important as the idea itself. You need to be purposeful with your choice of medium to get make sure you get your creative ideas across.

• People - Who else is around when you are creating? Do you want to have minds to be able to collaborate with or is this something that needs to be done alone? Collective thinking can be good at times, and bad at other. Make sure you are conscious of which you choose.

• Time of day - Can I create at the same time everyday? Is it in the morning? At night? Find your best hours and use them for yourself.

• Cadence - How often do you create? Do you have one creation daily? one weekly? one monthly? The more consistent you are with your cadence the quicker you will learn.

• Audience - Who will this creation be shown to? Is it one person or is it many? Understanding who will be viewing the piece can change your perception on how you create it.

Whenever you are feeling stuck, or in a creative rut ask yourself some of these questions and build constraints for yourself. Then, watch the magic take place.