Pablo Picasso is said to have said, “Every creation is first an act of destruction.” It’s a seemingly paradoxical insight, but it captures something fundamental about creativity and change. In order for something new to emerge, the old often has to be torn down, questioned, and abandoned. We see this in art, technology, societal development, and even in our own lives.
It’s easy to think that progress is about adding, improving, and refining. But sometimes we’ve built up so many layers of improvements that we’ve created a system of dependencies that stifles new thinking. In these cases, a more radical measure is needed—starting over. Letting go of the old is a difficult process, but that’s also where the freedom to create something better lies.
Letting go of the old to make room for the new
Many of our current systems and structures have been built over decades or even centuries. They are the result of gradual improvements, with each generation adding something new without always questioning the foundation. But when we face major changes, these established systems can become obstacles rather than assets.
Look at urban planning. Throughout the 20th century, we built cities adapted to cars. Large highways, parking lots and shopping centers were shaped according to the logic of the car. But as we have realized the negative consequences of car dependence – traffic jams, emissions and unsafe urban environments – we have begun to think differently. In many cities, a conscious “destruction” of the old urban model is now underway. Streets are being closed to car traffic, parking lots are being converted into parks and public transport is being prioritized.
It is not only a physical transformation, but also a mental one. The old way of thinking – that the car is the obvious means of transport – must be questioned and partly abandoned. It is a process that meets with resistance, but it is also a process that creates the opportunity to build something new and better.
Destruction as a catalyst for freedom and innovation
Actively choosing to end something can feel threatening, but it is often a necessary catalyst for change. When we let go of established systems and ways of working, energy and resources are freed up that can be channeled into something more sustainable and innovative.
Consider the music industry. In the 20th century, record labels were the undisputed rulers. For an artist to get their music out there, they required a record deal, studio recordings, and physical distribution of records. But with digitalization, the rules of the game changed. Streaming platforms, social media, and home-produced music broke down the old system and made it possible for anyone to reach an audience.
Record labels tried to hold on to their old business model for a long time and fought against change – but those who instead embraced the new were able to find new ways to thrive. It was a painful transition, but also one that opened doors to more freedom and creativity for artists.
Accelerating change by actively quitting
Change often happens slowly, but it can be accelerated if we actively choose to quit. When we decide to quit a certain habit, way of working, or structure, we are forced to find new solutions more quickly.
Look at the plastic bans in many countries. Instead of slowly reducing plastic consumption, some governments have simply banned single-use plastics. This initially created problems – companies needed to find alternatives quickly, customers needed to adapt – but it also accelerated innovation. Suddenly, biodegradable packaging and reusable solutions became the norm instead of the exception.
The 3-Box Model: a tool for balancing destruction and creation
To navigate this balance between preserving the existing and introducing the new, the 3-Box Model, developed by Vijay Govindarajan, can be a powerful tool. It helps us understand how to deal with change in a structured way:
- Box 1: Manage and optimize what we already have – some things work well and just need to be improved.
- Box 2: Stop what no longer works – daring to peel away the obsolete is an active strategy.
- Box 3: Create the future – innovation and new ideas require space to grow, which we get by clearing out the old.
The biggest challenge often lies in box 2 – stopping doing what is comfortable, familiar and once worked well. But this is also where real creativity is unleashed.
Destruction + creativity = innovation?
Picasso’s words remind us that destruction and creation are two sides of the same coin. If we really want to create something new and better, we sometimes have to have the courage to question and dismantle the old. This applies to art, technology, urban development and our own lives.
Destruction sounds negative, but in the right context it is a prerequisite for renewal. Daring to break down established structures gives us the freedom needed to build something bigger, better and more sustainable. Sometimes it is only when we let go of the old that we can truly begin to create.
