The Power of Routine for Creative Entrepreneurs

As a creative entrepreneur, the idea of having a routine might leave you cold. Perhaps you've always prided yourself on your ability to work in bursts of inspiration, burning the midnight oil to finish a project. You might even fear that too much structure could stifle your creativity.

But what if I told you that embracing routine is key, especially if you want to sustain the passion for your business 10 years down the road?

Let’s pause for a moment and consider your typical day. Are you constantly juggling tasks, feeling like you're always behind? Do you find yourself struggling to switch between your creative work and the necessary business tasks? You’re not alone. Many creative entrepreneurs, especially those who are neurodivergent, find themselves in this chaotic dance.

The reality is, running a creative business is far more complex than simply creating. You’re not just a creative anymore; you’re also a marketer, an accountant, a customer service representative, and so much more. It’s no wonder you're feeling overwhelmed!

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. By incorporating a flexible routine into your life, you can create a structure that supports both your creativity and your business growth.

Now I can almost hear you thinking, "But I’ve tried routines before and they never stick!"

Perhaps you’ve attempted to follow rigid schedules or productivity systems that work well for others, but left you feeling constrained and uninspired. The key is to create a routine that works with your unique brain wiring, not against it.

For neurodivergent creatives, traditional advice about waking up at dawn and tackling the hardest tasks first thing might not be the best approach. Instead, consider building a routine around your natural rhythms and tendencies.

Are you a night owl who does your best creative work after dark? Embrace it! Structure your day so that you handle business tasks during traditional work hours and reserve your evenings for creative pursuits. Or perhaps you find that your focus comes in short, intense bursts. In that case, try the Pomodoro Technique: working in 25-minute sprints followed by short breaks.

The beauty of creating your own routine is that you can experiment and adjust until you find what works best for you. It’s not about conforming to someone else’s idea of productivity; it’s about setting yourself up for success on your own terms.

Here’s a simple way to start: identify the three most important tasks you need to accomplish each day. 🚀 These might include creating new work, responding to client emails, or updating your social media. By focusing on just three key tasks, you avoid the overwhelm that comes with a long to-do list.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. There will be days when your routine goes out the window, and that’s okay. The power of routine lies in its ability to guide you back on track when you've veered off course.

As you begin to incorporate more structure into your days, you might be surprised to find that it actually enhances your creativity rather than hinders it. By taking care of business tasks efficiently, you free up mental space for your creative projects. And by setting aside dedicated time for creation, you’re more likely to show up for your art, even on days when inspiration feels elusive.

Start small, be patient with yourself, and watch as your creative business begins to thrive in ways you never thought possible.