Parkinson's Law
How Resources Create Their Own Demand
"Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion."
— C. Northcote Parkinson
Think about your last project deadline. Did it mysteriously expand to consume every last minute available?
That's Parkinson's Law in action—a principle that reveals how we manage (or waste) our time and resources.
This dynamic extends far beyond deadlines, infiltrating nearly every aspect of life. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
It’s everywhere:
Storage: More phone space = more useless photos
Systems: More bureaucrats = more paperwork
Meetings: Longer slots = more pointless talk
Money: Higher income = higher spending
Space: Bigger house = more clutter
The rule is simple: available resources create their own demand.
This explains why constraints breed creativity:
Less Money: Reduce and prioritize.
Less Space: Organize better and declutter.
Less Time: Find faster, smarter ways to work.
Fewer Resources: Think differently and create more with less.
The key isn't having more—it's boxing in the expansion.
Set artificial constraints. Create false deadlines. Limit available resources.
Remember: Resources tend to be consumed not by necessity, but by availability.
Before your next project, ask: "What's the minimum this truly needs?"
Often, the constraint is the solution.
⚡️ P.S.: If you want to explore mastering constraints (and leveling up your business and life operations) more deeply, check out Mosaic, my all-in-one system for building a mind that tackles problems from every angle.
No pressure, just a heads-up.
Mosaic contains all the inspiration and resources for MindVault and much more.
It’s currently 50% off. But prices will increase very soon.
And because MindVault 🤝 Mosaic, you will get another 25%.
Just use PARKINSONSLAW25 at checkout.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) more than 6 years ago. The tremors started affecting my left hand at first; 3 years later, it affected my left leg, causing me to walk funny (jerking movements) every time. I was taking levodopa/carbidopa. In April 2017, I had a deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure done. DBS helps me tremendously, but I still have to take levodopa/carbidopa 3 times a day, maximum dose: 25 mg/100 mg x 2. I try amantadine, but it's no help. I was approved by my neurologist to try feasible alternatives to my current prescribed medication in the hope of improving my quality of life. And I have to say this natural treatment is a 100% game changer for anyone with PD. There has been a complete turnaround with my balance, mobility, swollen feet, speech, and tremors. This is the best that I've felt in years. VISIT Limitlesshealthcenter .com. Thank you. I have stopped taking levodopa completely for several months, at least 7 months now, and still feel great.”