bu Kusha Karvandi
In 1843, Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard published his first book, entitled “Either/Or.”
In the book, there are passages where the famous Soren discusses how boredom is a negative influence that human beings use to justify their jumping from one thing to another.
He asserts that the behavior is anchored on the fact and belief that wealth, more things and opportunities are prerequisites if we want to find meaning in our lives.
Human beings believe that when they move to new areas, it’s a chance to correct their past mistakes. They also believe that living in a new location, securing a new job is the only thing that will grant them permission and ability to do things they have always wanted to do. That anyone would be more comfortable if there was more.
According Kierkegaard, we can get the life we want by learning how to achieve more with less.
If you read history, you will find examples of people who have worked within their limitations rather than those that have fought for more.
Examples:
- Seuss was able to write a book using 50 words only
- Ingvar Kamprad started a business by selling match sticks because he didn’t have enough capital but was able to turn it into IKEA
- George R.R. Martin wrote one bestselling book using a decades old technology.
- Richard Branson was able to build more than 400 businesses even though he had dyslexia.
Thus, our limitations will provide us with a great opportunity for creativity and inventiveness. Human beings find it easy to spend most of their lives complaining about opportunities withheld from them and the resources they need to make their goals a reality.
This notwithstanding, there are plenty of alternatives. It is possible to use the limitations and the constraints to drive creativity. One is able to embrace limitations by fostering development. The problem is not the opportunities we do or don’t have but is all about how best we can use the ones we do have.
If you are a talented writer, you should never worry about lack of a large audience. This is a constraint that can make you write and create a small corner that will be admired by the whole universe.
If you cannot be as athletic as other people, you need not be worried. This is a constraint that can make you pick on what your body can do best within the given circumstances.
Our constraints force us to be more decisive, leading to more action. Ensure that you use your limitations to inspire you, rather than deprive you of happiness and self-esteem.
Thus, the more limitations we embrace the more valuable we become.