You know that question: What would you do if money were no object?

Nice icebreaker. Maybe a good insight into someone’s goals, hopes and dreams.

But it’s almost turned into a bit of a pet peeve for me lately. No, I’m not turning into a grumpy old man (I hope not anyway). Let me explain.

In retrospect, I’ve had situations where resources were abundant. Yet, the results didn’t follow. Conversely, when I had constraints, the output was better.

So I can’t help thinking that having all the time and resources in the world can actually be counterproductive.

Counterintuitively, not having all the resources can be the best gift: the limits force you to focus. Your room for manoeuvre is small but clear.

That’s why deadlines are good, that’s why bootstrapping is good, that’s why being limited is good.

Cases in point: back in the day, I wrote more music in 2 weeks with borrowed equipment than I usually did in 2 years having my own.  Fast forward to 2024, I launched 2 additional websites and wrote content for 3 different websites for 3 months. Some of you were here for the mad ride.

Also, in 2025, I aimed to end the year with a bang, so I published my first collection of short stories and another non-fiction book, again within 3 months. Seems I love things in threes. It’s a pattern.

Having all the time in the world breeds procrastination, but a constraint, such as a deadline, self-imposed or not, can be a crystallizing force.

Stepping outside my own experience for a minute, don’t people say that just throwing money at a problem doesn’t solve it? And another adage says, “Desperation is the mother of invention.”

What really pushes the needle isn’t resources; it’s resourcefulness.

What are the biggest hurdles when we’re limited? Often, it’s not the lack of resources but the inability to prioritise. Without priorities, there’s no North Star, no focus; analysis paralysis comes a-knocking, overwhelm soon following.

Let’s not be satisfied with the epiphany, though. Theory doesn’t bring results. Application does.

So here’s my application: I’m working on reorganising my short stories into 3 new collections: one with all the stories featuring the barn animals (like Professor Hoot, Billy Goat, Misty…), one with all the stories that are thinly veiled social commentaries (like The Day our Brains Broke, The Richest Man in the Graveyard) , and one that is more Bible-centred (featuring Summers Kiss of Death, The Library’s Unveiling). I’m also going to record an audio version of them. No AI. My own French Caribbean voice.

This is my project. Now the self-imposed deadline: I aim to ship them all before the year is done. First collection proposed release date: September 26th.

Stay tuned!

And remember, unlimited resources aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Don’t blame your limits. They can be a great compass.

Reflect, redefine, rise.

R.