Passions That Pay

4 ways creative people can get organized

Creative people need different ways to organise themselves because traditional methods won’t work too well for them.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to organising; in fact, I believe that since each person is unique, each person’s organising system should also be different.

Let’s look at four areas to organise yourself for success:

1. Attitude

There’s a myth going around that creative people can’t work in a structured environment. On the contrary, having a bit of structure in your life actually enables you to be even more creative and to do better work.

Just a few weeks ago, a client emailed to tell me how she’s been energized and scrapping up a storm.

What was the difference in her life? We’d worked on organising her office space and within the order; she could be creative once again.

Stop telling yourself that you can’t be organized; rather tell yourself that you organise yourself in non-traditional ways. And that’s perfectly in order.

1. Schedule

Traditionally, we’ve all been told to work according to the clock. I’m telling you to work with your energy cycles; don’t try to battle them.

If you know that you go through a bit of a slump around lunch time, maybe that’s when you want to run errands or exercise to give yourself an energy boost.

If you design websites and you know that you’re most creative at midnight, then design your websites at midnight Who says you have to start working at 8am?

1. To-do list

Scrap the to-do list. Yes, you read that correctly. The to-do list may set you up for failure especially when you feel you’re not getting things done.

Rather use an Eat the Frog list. This list helps you be more flexible so you only need to get the most important things done. My clients are always a bit shocked when I tell them, “The less you have on your list, the better it is”. Just make sure those are important things on your list.

1. Workspace

When you can find your equipment and supplies easily, your valuable energy is used for actual creativity and not wasted on looking for things.

It’s so important to have your workspace set up according to your organising style. Are you a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner? Are you a paper or electronic person? Maybe the reason you can’t seem to get your papers organized is because you’re actually an electronic person.

I’ve had clients with very messy offices whose computers are perfectly organized, and vice versa. It’s so important to play to your strengths.

If you’re on the Virtual Organising Seminar, we’ll definitely be uncovering your unique organising style.

My challenge to you

Check your attitude and tell yourself you can get more productive once you organise according to your style.

About the author

Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You’ll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org for your free Organising Success Pack.

If you would like to guest blog please contact me at coach@passionsthatpay.com – Katherine Reschke