Myth Busted: I can’t get organised, I’m creative

Being organised and improving your productivity is not only the domain of non-creative people. Creative people have exactly that same ability (if they have the inclination). In this article, I’d like to dispel some of the myths that make creative and artistic people think they are forever doomed to disorganisation and not getting stuff done.

• Organisation stifles my creativity

• My brain works differently

• I can’t be creative in an organised environment

• I can’t be tied down by rules or I can’t express myself creatively

These are just some of the arguments I have heard creative people use as an excuse not to attempt getting organised or use time management techniques. Luckily, they’re just that, excuses.

If you’re creative, there are many tips, hacks and techniques that work very well. They might not be the same ones that non-creatives use, but they work, nevertheless.

It’s also not about changing your personality or stifling your creativity. On the contrary! Getting the boring everyday stuff out of the way more quickly will simply give you more time and freedom to be creative. Having your stuff organised in some way will make it easier for you to find the space and the tools to be creative. It saves you from having to spend large amounts of time making space and looking for your tools.

Some techniques that work well for creative types are

• finding your peak creative hours and organising everything else around it

• balancing work that nourishes you with work that drains you throughout the day

• just like everyone else, you need to find a way to minimise distractions and interruptions

• creating a way of being organised that works for your style and your personality

It’s all about personal style and preference, whether you’re creative or not. Just because something works well for one person, doesn’t mean it’ll work for the next one. Realising that is the first step to find something that will work for you, whether you’re creative or not.

If this resonates with you, and you’re looking for someone to help you get your life back and have more time to let creativity flow, then get in touch. I provide one-to-one productivity coaching that’s tailored to each client. I don’t believe in one size fits all. You can email me at isi@wellorganised.org and we’ll set up a time for an informal chat.