Developing a Productivity System to Channel (Not Strangle) Your Creativity

If you’re unorganized, you won’t get where you want to go. If you’re uncreative, you won’t get anywhere at all. Here’s how to be both at the same time.

Do you consider yourself an “organized” person? I don’t. Actually, for a long time I believed that organization was the arch nemesis of creativity. I thought if I started scheduling, planning, and analyzing my life, inspiration would shrivel up like Dracula in front of a silver cross.

Most creative people share this fear. But I’m here to tell you that organization isn’t your enemy. In fact, if you want to really unleash your creative energy and accomplish huge goals, organization needs to become your new BFF. And the best way to do that is to create a “productivity system.” So grab your cape, we’re diving in.

An Overload of Freedom

While I was working as a copywriter at my first (and only) agency job, I developed a strong dislike for project managers. I cynically assumed that their only purpose was to distract creatives, who did all the real work (you can see where this is headed).

When I quit and started my own business, I ditched all the “boring” stuff: timesheets, meetings, check-ins, processes, etc. Things went great at first. I was living the dream…