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Creative people often gush about the need for freedom. We like to have free rein to allow our ideas to expand, develop and bloom. We chafe at perceived restrictions and revere poetic license. Our imaginations are like wide open fields, a rainbow of flowers to enjoy.

But in my work with artists, writers and business people, I have discovered that some structure is actually desired by people who make things up as part of their work. The format provided by structure can actually allow more freedom.

I saw this when I taught a poetry in form class. The ‘rules’ given by a form such as a sestina or a pantoum provided walls for the creativity to push against, and for the inventiveness of the poet to be held.

If it is a secret that we creative people actually crave structure, it is no surprise that we aren’t masters of creating systems and following them. I’ve developed a few structures that give me added focus so that I can bring my ideas to fruition and completion. Here are a few of the things that have worked for me and for my clients.

Clipboard:

This one is so simple it is almost silly. To-do lists, schedules, notes for articles are all worthless if they are tucked away somewhere. I put the things I need to do on a daily and weekly basis on a clipboard that sits on my desk. I can easily move to the couch to work and take the neat and organized pile with me.

At the end of the week, I remove the things I have done and am ready to add the next week’s items. The clipboard also imbues me with an aura of authority. My cat is extra compliant when I strut around with the clipboard.

Colored Pens:

For those of us who still keep track of things on paper, and who have multiple roles, the colored pen system can be a godsend. At a glance, you can see what needs attending to and what can wait for later. This is especially good for people who have children and are responsible for many schedules.

Calendar:

Speaking of schedules, if you want to make room and time for your creativity, you have to schedule it in first. Our art projects and creative passions get squeezed to the edges of our lives.

If you put it in first, you are more likely to get to it. (You have to actually show up for it, not just schedule it in.) Fill in an entire month’s worth of creative time. Do it now. My novel writing time is Thursday afternoons. With this blocked out, I know not to schedule other appointments during that time. Seeing it on my calendar reminds me that this has a place in my life.

Connections:

While you have your calendar out, make appointments with friends, colleagues or creative buddies. I have several partnerships that keep me on track with things that might otherwise slip through the cracks. Focused friendships are a great way to have supported structure.

Simple Rules:

Most of you are probably cringing at the word ‘rule’, but I have found that a few simple rules (I won’t say restriction, I promise!) help to keep me on track.

One rule that I follow assiduously is the ‘no books on the desk’ rule. This may seem odd for a bibliophile, but I noticed that books on the desk seem like clutter to me. I get too distracted and want to read rather than write. When I get a book down to consult it, I immediately put it away when I am finished. This little rule keeps me sane.

The Beloved Notebook:

Notebooks are second to books in my list of passions. I use notebooks to help keep track of my ideas, my notes, and my writings. I have a different notebook for different areas of my life, both personal and professional. This may seem excessive, but it helps me to stay focused.

What structures work for you? I hope these ideas have sparked an urge to give your creativity a contained space within which it can flourish. I challenge you to try one structure for three months. See how it works for you and what needs to be tweaked.

Structure can be like a vase that holds a bouquet of flowers, providing form and beauty at the same time.

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