The Unintuitive Power of Constraints

8th October 2025 · Matteo Merola

As an Engineering Manager, one of the most common questions I get is, “How can I grow?”, or “How do I become better at what I do?”. These are big questions, and there’s no single magic answer. However, throughout my career, I’ve consistently observed one powerful, often counter-intuitive principle that helps: the intentional application of constraints.

We often view constraints as limitations, obstacles that prevent us from achieving our goals. But what if we flipped that perspective? What if well-chosen constraints became catalysts for innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, greater impact?

Why Constraints Drive Growth

The core idea is simple: when you limit a resource – be it time, tools, or budget – without lowering your output expectations, you force yourself to find better, more efficient ways of working. You move beyond established habits and comfort zones, sparking creativity and problem-solving.

This isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter (beware: finding out the way to work smarter most certainly entails working harder for a good while!). In the short term, the goal is to maintain your current productivity with the new constraint. In the long term, the refined processes and newfound efficiencies will significantly boost your overall output and impact. It’s a forcing function for optimization.

Practical Examples of Self-Imposed Constraints

Let’s look at a few ways you can apply this principle, from broad habits to specific technical challenges.

Constraining Your Working Hours

If work-life balance is a priority, commit to a strict 9-to-5 workday. No exceptions, no late-night emails. Initially, this might feel suffocating. But this constraint forces you to:

  • Prioritize ruthlessly. Is this task really the most important thing you could be doing?
  • Delegate more effectively. You can’t do it all, so you learn to trust others.
  • Minimize distractions. Every minute counts, so you become allergic to time-wasters.
  • Run fewer, better meetings. An hour-long meeting suddenly feels incredibly expensive.

You’ll quickly discover inefficiencies you previously tolerated. The goal isn’t to work less, it’s to achieve the same or more in a focused, constrained window.

Constraining Your Operating Environment

For those who value a minimalist, distraction-free workspace, consider, as an example, stripping down your operating system. My personal journey led me to Arch Linux without a desktop environment, as detailed in my dotfiles. While seemingly extreme, this constraint:

  • Eliminated bloat and resource-hungry background processes.
  • Forced me to deeply understand my tools and workflows, from the shell to my editor.
  • Required me to build an environment tailored precisely to my needs, where every tool serves a purpose.

I had to give up some conveniences, but the result is an incredibly lean, fast, and productive environment that translates directly into more deliberate work.

Constraining Your Toolset and Dependencies

This can be a powerful driver for technical growth. On your next project, try one of these:

  • No new dependencies. Force yourself to solve a problem using only the libraries already in the project. This deepens your understanding of your existing stack and prevents software bloat.
  • Vanilla JS, not a framework. Building a small feature with plain JavaScript instead of reaching for React or Vue will solidify your understanding of the fundamentals of the web.
  • Use a “dumber” tool. Instead of a full-fledged IDE, try a simpler text editor for a while. It forces you to learn the command line, understand your build tools, and rely on your own knowledge.

Constraining Your Communication

For one week, default to asynchronous communication. Ban yourself from using Slack for anything that isn’t a true emergency. This forces you to:

  • Write clearer, more thoughtful messages.
  • Document decisions properly in places like design docs or closer to source code.
  • Respect your colleagues’ focus time.

It will quickly reveal which meetings could have been an email and which conversations are just noise.

Crucial Considerations for Setting Constraints

Applying constraints effectively isn’t about blind restriction; it requires thought and strategy.

  1. The Goal is Not Lower Output. I can’t stress this enough. The primary objective is to maintain or increase productivity under the new conditions. A constraint is a tool for optimization, not an excuse for delivering less.
  2. Choose Wisely – Avoid Unrealistic Constraints. Setting impossible constraints will only lead to frustration, burnout, and a quick retreat to your comfort zone. Start small, make gradual changes, and ensure the constraint is just challenging enough to push you. Pondered and informed constraint setting is key.
  3. Allow Ample Time for Evaluation. Don’t expect immediate results. Give yourself a proper time window – weeks or even a few months – to adapt and evaluate. A common pitfall is abandoning a constraint too soon, before its benefits have a chance to materialize.
  4. Measure Your Progress. You can’t know if a constraint is working if you don’t have a baseline. Before you start, take note of key metrics. Re-evaluate after the trial period. Data helps you distinguish between “this feels uncomfortable” and “this is hurting my performance.”
  5. Know When to Quit (or Iterate). A good constraint is a productive challenge, not a source of misery. Define your “escape hatch.” If a constraint is causing a sustained drop in critical output or undue stress, don’t be afraid to abandon or modify it. Maybe a strict 9-5 is too rigid, but a “no work after 7 PM” rule is the perfect fit.
  6. Embrace the Discomfort. It will feel weird and inefficient at first. That feeling of friction is the signal that you’re pushing against old habits. Lean into it. Differentiate between productive discomfort and genuine pain. The first is a sign of growth; the second is a sign to re-evaluate.

By intentionally imposing constraints, you’re not limiting yourself; you’re creating the conditions for profound growth and unlocking new levels of performance and creativity. It’s an uncomfortable journey, but one that consistently yields significant rewards.