Stretch

1. Shift from chasing resources to stretching what you have

Better use of resources = getting better results

Reject the chasing mentality. Many people and organizations believe that having more resources automatically leads to better outcomes. This "chasing" mindset leads to constant dissatisfaction and inefficiency. Instead, adopt a "stretching" mindset that focuses on making the most of existing resources.

Embrace resourcefulness. Successful individuals and companies often thrive by creatively using what they already have, rather than constantly seeking more. Examples include:

• Dick Yuengling growing his beer empire while larger competitors faltered
• Robert Rodriguez creating critically acclaimed films on shoestring budgets
• Daniel Norris, the MLB pitcher who lives in a van to appreciate what he has

By shifting your perspective from what you lack to what you can do with what you have, you open up new possibilities for success and satisfaction.

2. Embrace constraints to spark creativity and innovation

A limitation could actually drive creativity.

Constraints breed ingenuity. When faced with limitations, people often become more creative and resourceful. This counterintuitive principle has been demonstrated by artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs alike.

Examples of creativity through constraints:

• Claude Monet's artistic breakthroughs by limiting his color palette
• Dr. Seuss writing "Green Eggs and Ham" using only 50 unique words
• Researchers finding that scarcity mindsets lead to more novel problem-solving

Instead of viewing constraints as obstacles, see them as catalysts for innovation. Embrace limitations in time, budget, or resources as opportunities to think differently and find unique solutions.

3. Cultivate psychological ownership to unlock hidden potential

I have people ask me all the time if I own the store—all the time.

Foster a sense of ownership. When people feel a strong sense of psychological ownership over their work, they become more engaged, creative, and productive. This principle applies regardless of actual legal ownership.

Ways to cultivate psychological ownership:

• Give employees autonomy and decision-making power
• Encourage personal investment in projects and outcomes
• Recognize and reward innovative thinking and problem-solving

Research shows that psychological ownership leads to higher job satisfaction and improved financial performance. By creating an environment where people feel invested in their work, organizations can tap into hidden potential and drive better results.

4. Diversify experiences to enhance problem-solving abilities

My ideas just sort of come. I don't know [how] to explain it. It's all intuitive.

Embrace the multi-c rule. Cultivating a diversity of experiences, or "multi-context" (multi-c) knowledge, enhances problem-solving abilities and creativity. This approach allows individuals to draw connections between seemingly unrelated fields and apply novel solutions to challenges.

Benefits of diverse experiences:

• Enhanced ability to approach problems from multiple angles
• Increased capacity for innovative thinking
• Improved adaptability in changing environments

Examples of multi-c thinkers:

• Story Musgrave: From farmer to mechanic to astronaut to surgeon
• Leonardo da Vinci: Artist, inventor, scientist, and engineer

Actively seek out new experiences, learn about different fields, and cultivate a broad range of interests to strengthen your ability to stretch resources and solve complex problems.

5. Act first, plan later: The power of improvisation

Even if I didn't know what to do, [I] just had to begin.

Embrace spontaneous action. While planning has its place, excessive planning can lead to paralysis and missed opportunities. Adopting an action-oriented approach allows for real-time learning and adaptation.

Benefits of improvisation:

• Faster response to changing circumstances
• Increased ability to seize unexpected opportunities
• Enhanced learning through direct experience

Examples of successful improvisation:

• Robert Rodriguez's filmmaking approach: Acting on instinct and adapting on the fly
• Jazz musicians: Responding to each other in real-time to create unique performances

To cultivate an improvisational mindset:

• Start projects without extensive planning
• Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities
• Practice rapid prototyping and iteration

6. Set positive expectations to create self-fulfilling prophecies

If people think situations are real, they start acting on them, leading to real consequences that change the future.

Harness the power of expectations. Our expectations, both for ourselves and others, can significantly influence outcomes. This phenomenon, known as the Pygmalion effect, demonstrates how positive expectations can lead to improved performance and results.

Key aspects of the Pygmalion effect:

• Teachers' expectations influence student performance
• Managers' expectations shape employee productivity
• Self-expectations impact personal achievement

To leverage positive expectations:

• Consciously set high but achievable expectations for yourself and others
• Communicate these expectations clearly and supportively
• Provide resources and support to help meet these expectations

By fostering an environment of positive expectations, individuals and organizations can unlock hidden potential and achieve better results.

7. Combine unlikely resources for breakthrough solutions

To have and to hold.

Seek unexpected combinations. Innovation often arises from combining seemingly unrelated resources or ideas. By looking beyond conventional pairings, individuals and organizations can create unique solutions and opportunities.

Examples of successful unlikely combinations:

• Roy Choi's Korean BBQ tacos: Fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisines
• Airbnb: Combining spare rooms with short-term rentals
• Play-Doh: Repurposing a wallpaper cleaner as a children's toy

To foster innovative combinations:

• Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Practice analogical thinking to connect disparate ideas
• Challenge assumptions about resource limitations and uses

By actively seeking unexpected combinations, you can unlock new value from existing resources and create breakthrough solutions.

8. Avoid the pitfalls of overstretching

The creative person with limitless imagination and no money can make a better film than the talentless mogul with the limitless checkbook every time.

Balance stretching with caution. While stretching resources is powerful, it's important to avoid common pitfalls that can arise from overstretching.

Potential dangers of overstretching:

• Becoming overly frugal to the point of ineffectiveness
• Losing focus by pursuing too many diverse experiences
• Relying too heavily on intuition without learning from mistakes
• Setting unrealistic expectations that lead to disappointment

To stretch effectively:

• Maintain a balance between frugality and necessary investment
• Focus on experiences that complement your core strengths
• Combine intuition with deliberate learning and reflection
• Set challenging but achievable expectations

By being mindful of these potential pitfalls, you can harness the power of stretching while avoiding its dangers, leading to sustainable success and satisfaction.

Last updated: April 20, 2025