Thread by @cortexfutura

Constraints breed creativity, but not all constraints are made equal.

Finding the right constraint for your current situation is key to getting the most out of it.

So here's a small framework for choosing the right constraint.

Constraints breed creativity, but some constraints are better than others.
Which constraint you should create for yourself depends on what your problem is. If you have trouble starting, set tight format constraints. If you have trouble finishing, set tight time constraints.

Format constraints for the procrastinator, time constraints for the perfectionist.

Format Constraints
Probably the biggest source of procrastination is not knowing what exactly the first step is. With an infinite canvas of what the work could look like, finding the first step is super hard – even with a deadline looming.

In fact, a time constraint can make this even worse, because you fear you won't be able to course-correct if you make a wrong choice.

So to fight procrastination, set tight format constraints for yourself. Format constraints make the first step easier, because you know where you're going.

Time Constraints
You can polish and tweak forever, no matter what you're working on. And if that is the reason why you're not shipping your work, format constraints won't help.

In fact, they'll likely push you to polish more so you get closer to the "ideal" set by the format constraint.

So to fight perfectionism, set tight time constraints for yourself. Ship when the alarm rings, no matter what.