Adding Structure to Gain Freedom

As we near the end of another passing year, it feels like the right time to take stock of the months that have come before us and the days and months that lie ahead.

We’ve discussed creating and honoring space to gain added clarity and creativity on decisions, ideas and direction.  Is there a “right way”‘ to best make use of this space we create?  I loved this post on Psychology Today, Stimulating Imagination Through Constraints, which discusses the paradoxical benefit of imposing parameters and structure around creative processes to enhance the quality of creative outcomes.

Their point?  It’s hard to be creative when someone gives a vague directive, “Write a Story.  Be creative”.  Hmmm….immediately your brain goes to work trying to create parameters around this mission:  A story, huh?  Should it be fiction or non-fiction?  First person or third?  Autobiographical or fantasy?  And on and on, worrying whether you’re doing it “right”.  Whereas if you’re given some built-in parameters, “Write a Children’s Story involving an Enchanted Wishing Well”, you mind immediately goes to work on filling in the more creative details and doesn’t have to worry about as many “rules”.

This has obvious implications from a business perspective.  Most of us have endured “brainstorming” meetings gone bad…some brilliant mind in the office has decided it’s time to “brainstorm” about the new year.  “Remember, no idea is a bad idea…the ground rules are that all ideas are accepted and no one makes negative comments about anything.”  The topic?  “Improving the business.  And….go!”  Everyone looks around at one another, internally rolling their eyes.  It’s not because group brainstorming is a bad idea, it’s because without the proper structure, no one knows where to focus their creative juices.  It’s much more fun to think of creative ways to get from point A to point B if you know where “A” and “B” are.

This concept of adding structure to gain freedom has application in multiple areas.  Think of parenting small children.  Without good structure and routine, kids flounder.  With well-defined limits on acceptable behavior, the entire family unit functions more smoothly.  Kids don’t have to constantly “test” to figure out where the limits are (not saying they won’t do this occasionally).  They’re more free to be able to concentrate on playing the game when they understand the rules.

Similarly (and my husband fights me on this on), scheduling free time allows you to more fully enjoy it.  If you have a plan for your day or week, you know you’ve addressed the important priorities.  When it comes time for your afternoon out with friends or a lazy evening reading, you’re more fully able to enjoy the time.  Other priorities aren’t as likely to interrupt your personal time.  The argument for structure, parameters and boundaries is an important one.

Where in your personal life could benefit from some structure?  What about your business?  If we seek a life of freedom, creativity and intention, it appears that spending some time creating boundaries and parameters may be our first homework assignment.