Too Few Constraints
Problem: Outputs remain generic and predictable ```text "Write a blog post about leadership" - No focus - No unique angle - No creative pressure ```text
Too Many Constraints
Problem: Creativity gets strangled ```text "Write a blog post about leadership that's exactly 847 words, uses the word 'synergy' 7 times, includes 3 Star Wars references, rhymes every third sentence, appeals to left-handed dentists in Toledo, and can be read backwards with a different meaning" - Impossible to satisfy all requirements - Focus shifts to constraint juggling - Quality suffers ```text
Just Right Constraints
Sweet Spot: 3-5 meaningful constraints that create productive tension ```text "Write a blog post about leadership that: - Uses only one-syllable words - Tells a story backwards - Takes 60 seconds to read - Changes someone's mind about power"
- Challenging but achievable - Forces creative solutions - Maintains quality focus ```text