Self imposed constraints

We’ve likely heard the story of fleas in a jar, that jump only as high as the clear barrier above them. Remove the lid, and they still jump only to the level of their imaginary constraint.

For the past year, when using our office microwave and warming objects larger than a sandwich, we’ve repeatedly removed and reattached a metal rack dividing the centre of the device. This slight irritation was generally accepted as necessary.

This week, however, while completing the same routine, a colleague and I finally asked why we kept putting the grate back in place at all. “I had assumed we needed it”, was my observation, as I realized no one had ever stopped to ask why.  We happily removed this self-imposed constraint, and with it any future irritation. 

It made me wonder how many other make-believe ‘limitations’ we construct around ourselves, creating friction for no reason. It is likely time to remove a few more 'racks'.

• Now that’s a peak ethos.