Creativity is an amazing talent to possess, but it can be easy to get lost in the chaos of ideas swirling around in your head. That’s where I use structure to help me keep everything together.  Instead of trying to brainstorm and execute in a haphazard way, try setting up some organization for your creativity to flourish. With a little bit of structure, you’ll be amazed at how your creativity flows.

When talking to some creative entrepreneurs, there is a sense that structure limits flow. There is concern that structure may stop us from creating our best work. For this reason, it can be easy to throw structure out the window. It sometimes feels hard to apply processes like outlines, deadlines, or other creative limitations when we’re trying our absolute hardest to get through one day without feeling restricted by some outside force.

But with uncertainty comes confusion. I find it difficult to concentrate without direction. In the past, I ended up working harder, not smarter, by being less productive.

It can be hard to reach the perfect flow without any direction if you’re anything like me. But, even if it’s a simple outline on a napkin or sticky note, I find that some type of direction is better than nothing at all. So here are five tips on applying a little bit of structure to the creative process.

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#1  Use regular brainstorming sessions to maintain creativity

Every creative project deserves at least one brainstorming session. Brainstorming is a great way to explore various ideas and options before starting any creative project.

Whether you decide to conduct research, talk to friends, use photos, or pull out the whiteboard, brainstorming may be the boost your project needs to get started.

#2  Allow scheduling to help you stay on track

Creativity is messy. Some creative entrepreneurs hear the sound of a schedule and cringe. However, scheduling time for your creative work offers the organization you need to help you focus. When do you have the most energy during the day? At what time of day do you get your best ideas? During these times, schedule time to capture your ideas. Then, write your thoughts down in a journal or notebook.

#3 Declutter your work environment

To say creativity can be messy is an understatement. Caught up in the passion of using your imagination to connect unseen dots does not always result in a clean environment. However, when the clutter builds up, it is no longer a representation of the method to your madness but rather a blockage. So keep your creative workspace clear of unnecessary clutter.

#4  Find tools that help you stay creative

After brainstorming, scheduling, and cleaning, you might wonder how to add structure to your creative process. Since inspiration can strike at any time, always have something handy to capture ideas, whether a recorder, camera, or notebook.

I also like to use tools that help me stay creative. I’ve used PowerPoint, Adobe, and Microsoft Word to create graphics, presentations, and templates in the past. Today, I use Canva, the perfect online graphic design tool that anyone can use. With its intuitive and straightforward interface, you can create beautiful designs.

#5  Use deadlines to reach your goals

The first step in managing a project is setting yourself a reasonable deadline because then you can work backward from that point and make sure it gets done. Next, you can use a simple planner to organize your project. I always start with a deadline and end goal in mind. Then, I set aside specific blocks of time to get each component done. Using deadlines allows me to utilize my time effectively while leaving room for new perspectives, changes, or mishaps. Most importantly, it limits procrastination. The earlier I complete one project, the quicker I can move on to the next.