The power of constraints (w/ Master Fixer David Epstein)

Constraints often feel frustrating and limiting — but they can also create the friction that sparks creative breakthroughs, reveals better solutions, and leads to more thoughtful decisionmaking. In this episode, Anne and Frances are joined by David Epstein, an investigative reporter and bestselling author of the new book Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better. They discuss why limits are powerful tools for clarity and innovation, examining case studies of companies that used constraints to accelerate their success (and others that struggled after removing them). They also explore the constraints-based strategies elite athletes use in their training routines.

Featured guest

• Follow David Epstein on Instagram • , LinkedIn • , Facebook • , and at davidepstein.com/ • Buy Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better • Subscribe to David's substack Range Widely

Connect with the team

• Follow Anne on Instagram • and LinkedIn • • Follow Frances on Instagram • and LinkedIn • Watch Fixable videos on youtube.com/@TEDPodsVisit Anne and Frances’ website • Have a question you want Anne and Frances to solve? Email the team at fixable@ted.com • or leave a voicemail at 234-349-2253 • Follow TED on X • , Instagram • , Facebook • , LinkedIn • , and TikTok For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/fixable-transcripts

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