We often underestimate the importance of structure in our lives. We mischaracterize structure as confinement that must be shed in order to reach our “potential.”
But what can structure do for us? I would argue that healthy structure facilitates calm, creativity, and freedom.
Consider: The fundamental structure that’s needed to create music. We have the Clef and Staff – the five lines and four spaces of structure we need to compose…
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All music can be expressed within this structure. Symphonic music, jazz, rock, pop, opera and much more. Within this simple structure lies boundless potential for creativity. Outside of this structure, all we have is noise.
So, what structure do people need to enhance their creativity and potential?
The primary structure starts with self-care: things such as scheduled healthy eating, consistent sleep, exercise, time for relaxation, meaningful socialization. Most of us have seen the research endorsing self-care, yet we tend to set it aside because we have “too much to do.” We grit our teeth and charge forward, dismissing the very disciplines necessary to enhance our lives.
So, if you’re anxious, stuck, lacking creativity, or generally frustrated with your “slow” progress, don’t be too quick to blame factors not in your scope of control. Instead, consider adding healthy structure to your life in the form of self-care. Then assess what that does for you.
The very best to you all.