339 Why Planning isn't the Enemy of Creativity

What if I told you that planning could actually be your creativity's best friend instead of its enemy?

In today's episode, I'm getting real about how my relationship with planning completely transformed - especially as a new mom navigating the biggest identity shift of my life. If you've ever resisted planning because it feels restrictive or anti-creative, this episode is for you.

I used to be that free-spirited creative who thought planning would kill my spontaneity and rob me of those magical moments of inspiration. I believed that "Artists" worked purely from flow, not structure. Sound familiar?

But here's what I've discovered: planning isn't the enemy of creativity - it's actually what creates MORE space for your creative flow to happen.

In this episode, I share:

• Why I used to resist planning with everything in my creative being (and the fears that held me back)
• How becoming a new mom made planning absolutely essential for my mental wellness
• Why "I don't have time to plan" is actually the biggest sign that you NEED to start planning
• How planning has become part of my creative practice and mental health routine
• The reframe that changed everything: planning as a container for freedom, not a restriction
• Practical tips for creatives who struggle with structure, including working with your natural energy rhythms

The truth is, when you have a framework to work within, you actually free up mental energy to focus on what matters most. Planning brings presence, peace, and perceptivity to your creative practice.

As I share in this episode, planning has literally become my best friend during one of the most challenging seasons of my life. It's not about perfection - it's about creating a practice that brings you back to yourself and helps you make progress on what truly matters.

If this episode inspires you, and you're ready to discover how planning can actually amplify your creativity while supporting your mental wellness, join me for the summertime session of the Profitable Artist Planning Challenge.

This is the perfect time to check in on what you set in motion at the beginning of the year, celebrate your progress, and create a sustainable plan for the second half of 2025. We'll go from big picture vision all the way down to your daily practices.

 

Join us starting June 16th at profitableartistchallenge.com - because the most successful artists aren't the ones who wait for inspiration to strike. They're the ones who create the conditions for creativity to flourish.

 

You can find all things Marisa and Creative Thursday creativethursday.com and on instagram @creativethursday