Entrepreneurship Personal Growth

Use your limitations to your advantage

September 12, 2013

All the colors of the rainbow

The other evening Michael and I sat in our kitchen and colored. We had two 99 cent coloring books and a box of 24 crayons.

There was something wonderfully freeing about the limiting pre-drawn pictures of happy puppies and kittens and only having 24 colors to choose from. It let our minds relax and become creative with what we had.

Limitations can be tricky. From the outside, they look like an overweight jockey on a race horse, slowing us down. We feel woefully limited by our limitations. But, I would argue that we do our best work and are the happiest with strict limitations.

We like to complain that our circumstances aren’t ideal, and if we had more options than we could do what we really want to do.

But what was so delightful about our coloring session was the limitations that were there. Pre-drawn pictures and the use of 24 colors. That was it.

When our son, Jude, was only 3 months old, he was up every two hours through the night and barely slept more than 45 minutes during the day. I had some major time limitations, but to my surprise I did some of my best writing during that time. I found the lack of time made me very disciplined when I did have time.

I am challenging you to use your limitations to your advantage. Instead of complaining about them, see what you can do within the confines of what you have. You will be amazed at yourself and your resourcefulness.

If you want to write a book and you only have a half hour a day to write, than start writing. You will accomplish more than you ever thought possible in that half hour and eventually you will have a book, which is much more than you would have if you spent the half hour watching TV.

Your limitations can be the most helpful part of your life if you choose to view them that way.

Question: Are you using your limitations to your advantage?

Photo Credit: EJP Photo via Compfight cc

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  • Ann Musico September 12, 2013 at 9:31 am

    Wow Claudia – I totally relate – I do MUCH better when I have strict time constraints! When I have to fit writing in around my job I find I’m so much more intentional and careful about using my time to best advantage! I agree certain limitations can be the most helpful part of our lives – IF we choose to look at them that way!

    • Claudia Good September 12, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      Yes Ann – IF we choose to look at them that way is right! 😉
      I too find my writing fills the time I have whether it is 1 hour or 5 hours… crazy how that works! But it is most fulfilling when I only have a small amount of time and can get something written with clarity and ease.

      Thanks for your comment friend!

  • Alex Barker September 12, 2013 at 11:41 am

    I have to! I wake up around 5:00 am (after staying up until 11) to write my ebooks and blog. It’s hard work, but I have never had this much fun in my life

    • Claudia Good September 12, 2013 at 9:43 pm

      So glad to hear it Alex! You have found a purpose and what wonderful things flow out of a life that feels useful!

  • jodyberkey September 12, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Agreed! Having a flexible schedule is a huge blessing, but it also takes more self-control and planning to get things done and avoid distractions. I’m always working to establish more strict limitations to stay focused while trying to keep a balance of just being and allow myself to absorb new things that I wouldn’t if I were on strict deadlines. It’s a balancing act for sure.

    • Claudia Good September 12, 2013 at 9:42 pm

      Yes it does Jody!
      I found this especially challenging going from working full time to being at home. It has taken me a few months (or is it years) to adjust! 😉

      What limitations have you established during your home days? I would love to hear and maybe steal a few ideas 😉