Constraints often feel like roadblocks, but what if they could be springboards? The world’s most innovative leaders don’t fear limitations—they embrace them. They design solutions around what others see as insurmountable barriers.
Next time you face a problem, don’t ask, Why me? Instead, ask, What if? With a little creative maneuvering, you can transform even the toughest challenges into your greatest opportunities.
Constraints are your call to action. Lean into them, and you’ll unlock transformative solutions.
Attack the problem, not the person.
Problems are inevitable, but how you approach them defines your results. When a setback occurs, don’t waste energy on blame. Instead, focus on designing solutions around the issue.
Start by breaking down the problem: What’s really causing this? What tweaks to the system or process could turn this challenge into an advantage? Viewing problems through this lens shifts you from reactive to proactive – from blame to curiosity – unlocking new perspectives and creative answers.
When you hit the inevitable speed bump, remember that curiosity and ingenuity are the antidotes to obstacles.
Anger and blame accomplish nothing, whereas creativity designing around the problem is the key to progress.
Be-leaf in yourself to overcome challenges.
Exotic bio-leather company Nova Kaeru’s Beleaf is more than just a sustainable innovation; it’s a masterclass in designing around constraints. By transforming Alocasia Macrorrhiza leaves into a leather alternative to reduce environmental impact and economically support local populations, Nova Kaeru faced daunting challenges—from labor-intensive production to market hesitancy. Yet, they refused to compromise the vision. Instead of giving up, the company embraced creative solutions: targeting luxury collaborations, doubling down on the material’s unique authenticity, and shifting the messaging to meet the market instead of their product.
The result? A revolutionary product that not only redefined the leather industry but also set a precedent for sustainability and innovation with collaborators like Nike, Loewe, Botter, and Christopher Esber in their corner.
Their story is a powerful reminder: when challenges arise, ask, “How can I turn this constraint into a competitive edge?” Often, the best innovations come from designing around the problem rather than avoiding it.
Conquering problems with humor.
When life throws curveballs—or combatants—your way, you don’t always need to fight fire with fire. Sometimes, humor is the most effective strategy for tackling hard problems. Instead of escalating tension, humor can defuse situations, disarm opponents, and shift perspectives.
Take the story of airline passenger Richard Dunn. Stranded overnight at Las Vegas airport, Dunn could have vented frustration or wallowed in despair. Instead, he filmed a brilliantly funny lip-sync music video to Celine Dion’s All By Myself. His playful take on solitude at a desolate airport went viral, earning millions of views and showing how humor could turn frustration into shared laughter and connection.
Humor doesn’t just lighten the mood—it shifts perspectives and inspires new behavior. When you face your next big challenge, ask yourself how humor could play a role. You might just find that the best punchline is a solution that no one saw coming.
To your creative success…
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About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
