Let me guess: you have more dreams and vision than you do resources. You either have little or not enough equipment, people or money to execute some ideas. Constraints are often more reality; abundance is rare though not impossible. The mission doesn’t change because the resources have. Despite constraints, you still have to advance and deliver.
With limited resources, progress is difficult but not impossible. So, how do we go about overcoming resource constraints? I don’t have it all figured out but here are some suggestions:
Alternatives
It is possible that we can be so focused on the ideal we miss out on other possibilities. A less sophisticated car can get you to the same destination a Porsche can. In the ‘lesser’ car you won’t arrive in pomp, or at the same speed, but you will arrive. One way of overcoming resource constraints is paying attention to alternatives.
Remember, the mission is most important. For example, consider using free, open source alternatives, like WordPress.org. These generally come with great support and communities, making use and adoption easier.
Creative
When you don’t have the resources, it’s time to get creative. Instead of the 7K footage you prefer, use B&W or other filters on lower resolution footage. Instead of wallpaper, use chalkboard paint and simple chalk. Instead of a high tech stage design, repurpose materials and go rustic instead.
Creativity is key for overcoming resource constraints.
Lay It Down
One thing I’ve struggled with, in different contexts, is letting go of personal preferences. Familiarity with certain solutions often one of the reasons we’ve opted for some solutions.
Sometimes we just can’t bear the thought of having to learn something new. There are times constraints are a result of our own ‘conjuring’, based on preferences. In those instances, waving goodbye to the preferences could help you get around constraints.
Fresh Eyes
When you look at something long enough, the obvious can elude you. It can be worthwhile to invite people who haven’t stared at the drawing board as long as you have. I’m sure there’s at leas one instance you can think of when someone new solved a problem in an instant. You know when someone goes past, drops an answer and walks away? That…
Settle
Constraints can be a matter of perspectives. We can want something so bad that we work ourselves into distress. It might be nice to have the device, but you might not be as incapacitated as you make yourself feel. Do the best you can with what you have; deliver that.
I’m not suggesting you completely forget about doing something, or getting that gadget. The problem can be that we obsess about what we don’t have, that we get so unhappy, when we could be happy otherwise.
Ask
There are times I’ve forgotten that DuckDuckGo, Google, Bing etc. exist. Remember YouTube also? This thing called the Internet often proves helpful. Chances are, you’re not the first to face the challenge. Some kind Internet people, share how they worked through it.
Think about speaking to someone responsible for a similar thing at the church on the other side of the city. Attend relevant meetups and ask questions. Ask others.
Outsource
Depending on the nature of your constraints and resources in hand, outsourcing may be a great option. Where constraint is time and or expertise, outsourcing can be a great way to solve that problem. One of best things about outsourcing is that you get ‘experts’ to focus on your solution.
Forget It
Forget what you’re trying to do completely. Problem gone. Focus on something else. What’s your next thing or on the to-do list? I remember obsessing about what and why we couldn’t do some things. I got a shock about what other things we could’ve done but stayed not done because our focus was amiss.
Overcoming resource constraints could mean agreeing with them. Perhaps it’s time to park the idea and focus on something completely different. Archive the idea, there might come a time where everything aligns. Could it be time to let the idea rest for now?
Note
We’re never going to be completely free of constraints. The important thing is to keep our eyes on the prize. Constraints can help you refine focus. They often can help us evaluate our pursuits and the way we do. Never let them rob you of the pursuit.
[Image by Booke Cagle via Unsplash]
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