Creative? You can get organised
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
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.
A few weeks ago, a client emailed to tell me how she’s been energized and has been creating beautiful things again.
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 organised; rather tell yourself that you organise yourself in non-traditional ways 
2. 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?!
3. 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 the important things are on your list.
4. Workspace
When you can find your equipment and supplies easily, your valuable energy is used for actual creativity and not wasted 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 organised is because you’re actually an electronic person.
I’ve had clients with very messy offices whose computers are perfectly organised, and vice versa. It’s so important to play to your strengths.
If you register for the Virtual Organising Seminar, you’ll definitely discover 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.
Want to use this article in your ezine or on your blog? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb.
Marcia Francois is a time management and business organising coach who helps small business owners break out of overwhelm, make the most of their time and get important projects done. Visit http://organiseyourbusiness.com for your free 7-part audio series, 7 tips for time-strapped business owners.
