How structure can help creative solo business owners
When we think of creativity, it can perhaps conjure images of chaos: a painter's cluttered studio or a writer's scattered notes. It’s a common belief among creative solo business owners that imposing any kind of structure is likely to stifle the spirit that drives their creative work and ideas. Come on - admit it - you have thought it right? The fear is that too much “order” might dry up the creativity fountain!
BUT, this is where don’t agree, and I have found evidence of this when working with my super creative clients who range from artists, to coaches, to marketing leaders. This resistance to structure is not warranted; instead of limiting creativity, a bit of carefully chosen structure can actually enhance it, giving you the freedom necessary to explore ideas more fully and even produce your best work.
In this blog, we'll explore why creative individuals frequently resist structure, why this resistance can be detrimental, and how embracing a systematic approach can not only streamline your workflow but also multiply your creative output. By the end of this post, you’ll see that proper structure doesn't constrict—it liberates, giving you the time, energy, and headspace to not only be truly inventive, but to reach your business goals in a way that is super-aligned to YOU.
Why Creative People Often Resist Structure
Creativity is about exploring boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and often, breaking the rules. This I think is why many creative solo business owners instinctively shy away from structured approaches. They fear that strict schedules or rigid frameworks might box in their creative flow, preferring instead the freedom to follow their inspiration wherever it may lead. And this is of course true to some extent, however, this spontaneity can sometimes lead to chaos rather than creativity, making it hard to complete projects or achieve business goals. AND IMPORTANTLY - the 2 things are not mutually exclusive - you can have structure that isn’t strict and definitely not rigid if you do it right.
what happens when you don’t have any, or enough, structure
Without structure, many creative entrepreneurs find themselves facing a load of issues:
Overwhelm and Directionlessness: With an billions of ideas but no clear plan, it’s easy to start to feel lost and frustrated. This often results in going in circles, which can be disheartening and pretty damn inefficient. Without a clear direction, you waste valuable time that could have been spent on working in your creative zone, so yhe quality and impact of your work is lessened.
Procrastination and Lack of Productivity: Creatives often flit from task to task, mistaking busy-ness for productivity. This can keep you from engaging deeply with your creative work, leading to projects that are started but never finished. The time lost in unproductive activities directly cuts into the time available for doing what you love most—creating your products or working with clients helping them.
Loneliness and Lack of Accountability: Working solo can be isolating without the camaraderie and accountability that come from being part of a team. Feeling disconnected can sap your motivation and creative energy, making it harder to initiate or pursue new creative projects.
Reduced Creative Time: A scattered approach means spending more time figuring out what to do next and managing chaos rather than immersing yourself in the creative process. This not only stalls your business growth but also deprives you of the joy found in uninterrupted creative expression.
These testimonials from my clients illustrate how a structured approach has transformed their creative processes:
Susi , a freelance Senior Marketer, found that breaking down her overwhelming to-do list into manageable tasks energized her creative sessions;
Helen, a copywriter and journalist business owner, experienced a renewed excitement in her business, escaping the "hamster wheel" of unproductive habits; and
Emma, a solo service providing businessowner, described feeling "energised rather than drained" as she could move forward creatively with a clear mind.
So how can it be on the other side? With a bit of good structure.
So I have the proof! some carefully chosen structure can miraculously clear the mental clutter cloud! So you can focus and think more deeply about your business and the parts of it that led you to start the business in the first place. From clear, well-defined goals and steps to achieve them mean you spend less time wondering what to do next and more time actually doing it giving you clarity and focus, to Enhanced Productivity when you ensure each day’s tasks align closely with your ultimate business goals, ensuring that every step you take is a productive one. Then there is ensuring Built-in Support and Motivation in your business- regular check-ins and group sessions create a support network that mimics the collaborative environment of a traditional workplace, boosting your motivation and providing emotional and practical support - so important.
Practical Tips for Integrating Structure
Here are some practical ways you can begin integrating more structure into your creative business endeavors:
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve clearly and measurably. If the measurable part doesn’t sit right for you, think instead of “what am i trying to get to and how will I know when I get there”.
Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar activities together - so meetings on certain days, accounts in one session rather than spread through the week etc - this will reduce the mental load and increase your efficiency leaving more blocks of time and headspace for the things you want to do.
Use Digital Tools: Leverage apps like Trello for task management and a digital Calendar for scheduling to keep track of your plans and progress.
Establish Regular Check-ins: Whether with a mentor, through a membership group, or even with a peer, regular accountability can dramatically increase your productivity and focus.
So there you have it - embracing structure does not mean giving up on creativity. Instead, it provides the framework needed to channel your creative energies more effectively. By implementing carefully chosen strategies, you can enjoy the freedom to be truly creative, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives (that’s a bit cheesy isnt it but so true!).
To help you get started You can download my free video and workbook 20 MINS TO MASTER YOUR MONTH: YOUR 28 DAYS ROADMAP TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH which in 20 minutes walks you through understanding your key priorities for this month so you get your business growing and feel fab and for it and importantly- helps you create that frame for creativity and working on what you love.
You will walk away with
❤️Clarity and direction: You will know where you are headed in the next few months and what your first priority is for the next 28 days
❤️A 28 day roadmap: A simple achievable plan to make your plans happen and positively impact your business growth
❤️A strategy for success: A toolkit for overcoming blockers in whatever form they appear
Get it here: 20 MINS TO MASTER YOUR MONTH: YOUR 28 DAYS ROADMAP TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Litsa x