The Gift of Limitation and What can you limit?
Limitations often carry a negative connotation in our minds. We usually associate them with missed opportunities and the idea that we have less available to us. The truth is, limitations can actually serve as a form of freedom and a valuable gift.
With fewer options to navigate, life can become much simpler and more organized. This reduction in choices often leads to less stress and a clearer perspective on what truly matters. When we subtract the excess from our lives, we reveal what is truly important. By filtering out distractions and the superfluous, we create space to focus on elements that contribute meaningfully to our happiness and well-being.
Taking inspiration from Michael Falch, who chose to perform concerts only on Mondays, we can see how setting limits can foster creativity and productivity. In artistic fields, having clear boundaries can spark innovation. For example, strict guidelines in filmmaking often lead to unique and compelling storytelling.
Consider what you can choose to limit in your own life. Regardless of your current circumstances, aspirations, or profession, embracing limitations can offer significant benefits. Here are some ways I impose limits on myself in everyday life:
I avoid drinking coffee after 2 p.m. to ensure restful sleep. I allow myself a maximum of three appointments per week, which helps manage my time effectively. When I write, I turn off the internet to minimize distractions. I restrict my wardrobe to five colors: black, brown, white, gray, and blue. This cuts down on decision-making time in the morning. I transfer any extra money to savings whenever I can, preventing unnecessary spending.
In cooking, I challenge myself to use only five ingredients, streamlining meal prep. I prefer to write in only black notebooks, which simplifies my choices. I canceled cable TV and no longer engage with flow TV, focusing instead on more meaningful entertainment. At work, I strive to concentrate on one project at a time, though I am still working on this skill.
Each morning, I use the same meditation app, Calm, to establish a routine. I do not answer calls from unknown numbers, preserving my focus. I limit myself to three news sources that provide a diversity of perspectives to avoid being swayed by a single narrative.
These examples illustrate how simple limitations can refine and enhance daily life. I encourage you to think about your own limits. Start small—choose one limit to experiment with over the next week. You may discover that these boundaries make life not only easier but also more meaningful.