Knowing your body’s “no” can help you find creative solutions to real limitations.
This is also helpful for when you feel the need to have everything perfect before taking a step.
Limits compel you into action so you don’t stagnate in possibilities and what-ifs.
In creativity, limitations are actually a good thing. They ignite new realms of creativity.
If you’re not aware of your body’s “no”– your real limitations, you may become convinced by the thoughts in your head telling you that you aren’t enough, you should be doing more, or you could have done so much better…
Limitations are real but they are often unseen and unacknowledged.
By naming your valid limitations, you can find creative solutions that get you moving toward your desires.
You know that feeling where you want to get it right, but then you never take action because nothing is right-enough? Valid limitations might be at play. Your body might be saying no to something that your mind is trying to override.
You can consciously use constraints to spark creativity.
These constraints may be based on time, resources, finances, energy, skill. Examples:
Skill-Limitation
Your writing is flat and generic on the page, and you don’t know how to make it better.
Time-Limitation
Your job is fulfilling but drains your creative time and energy, or you have family obligations.
Finances-Limitation
You only have so much of a budget to spend on books and writing classes.
Resources-Limitation
You’re new to writing and don’t know where to go to ask for help.
Energy-Limitation
You’ve been feeling tired a lot and exercise helps, but you get too tired to write after working out.
All of these might make you stop entirely. “There’s not enough time,” or “I’m not a good enough writer,” or “I’ll get to it when…”
The truth is when you honor your no, your yes naturally opens up.
With a little bit of friction, you can discover even more beauty in the depths than in the shallow end.
Everyone has limits. You can use your limits to come up with solutions that work for you, and might lead to grander results than initially imagined. Here’s how.
Map out all of your limitations.
- Where does your body say “no?” List your limits, or boundaries.
It’s good practice to begin with a calming and centering ritual before beginning. We’re looking specifically for your body’s no, which may feel like a subtle contraction. In contrast, your mind’s no may be a long-winded explanation.
- Once you’ve listed your constraints, have a dialogue with your body. What do you need around these limits?
- Pick just one constraint and brainstorm possibilities around it.
As you list your constraints, you might find that you naturally start coming up with solutions. Examples:
- Set a timer to write for 15 minutes. Set a weekly word count goal.
- Write only the major plot points on 5 post-it notes instead of taking up pages for your outline.
- Give yourself a budget on how much you spend on books to research a project (or classes on craft before starting your draft).
Good luck. Remember that limitations play a beneficial role in creativity. And this is also why you can’t compare yourself with someone else–your limits are different from theirs. If trying to follow someone else’s way isn’t working, check in with yourself to find your own path.
About the author
I help people reconnect to themselves and tell stories that make their soul sing.
I am a certified coach, writing mentor, writer, and group facilitator who enjoys helping people who’ve felt different to write from the heart.
Since 2008, I’ve worked with writers in every messy step of the creation process. I’m passionate about delving deep into the story underneath the story — the root cause of the struggle with self-expression — so you can feel good about the results.
For more, I invite you to sign up for my mailing list or explore how we can work together.