Structure plays an important role in our lives, doesn’t it? As a coach, consultant and speaker, I use structure to communicate, create and get things done. A to-do list has contributed to my productivity and sanity for as long as I can remember! I also use various forms of structure to support my clients such as speaking and story templates, a creativity process, and leadership development platforms. Structure provides a road map, guideposts and guardrails.

On the other hand, too much structure can become a hindrance. The advice to “think outside the box” is both freeing and enlightening when you want to gain new insights and ideas. Often allowing ourselves to let go of the known and step into the unknown in any area of our lives creates wonder, joy, and a whole new take on whatever we’re focused on. Who doesn’t want that?

So, the question is, when is structure a help and when is it a hindrance? Here are my thoughts:

  1. Learn the rules so you can break them! By rules, I mean structure. We learn how to do something first by following a template or process that will lead us to a certain outcome. When I was in college, I majored in broadcasting/journalism. I learned how to interview and write a news story using a particular format. When I ventured into magazine writing, I used a different format. These gave me the tools and confidence to continue, meet expectations and do no harm. As a coach, for example, I share presentation formats for the same reason. My clients can feel confident they are presenting their ideas in a way their audience will value and understand.
  2. Trust the process. At some point, to find your authentic voice or try something new, you need to step into the unknown and trust the process. You need to consciously choose to let go of structure and dive into the unknown to allow for those intuitive hits and crazy ideas. This isn’t always comfortable. To make it more so, it’s important to take baby steps, otherwise our survival brain kicks in, and we either procrastinate or stop altogether. I love the process of coaching my clients into their creativity, whether for next steps, stories, or programs. I wrote a book about it from my own and others’ experiences – Finding Your Authentic Voice. It’s always a joy to watch my clients discover new, authentic possibilities through this process.
  3. “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” The magic is in the love. We choose to pursue a goal or dream because we value it. Because we care, we’re happy to try and take the risk that we might not succeed. 
  4. Prepare, do your best, let go. To give us the best chance of success, it’s important to prepare as well as possible, do our best, and then let go. That last part is the tough part – letting go of the outcome. That’s why structure is so appealing. We’re human. It’s so easy to equate our success or failure with our self-worth. We hold on tight. When we let go, we allow the process to continue unabated, discovering new opportunities and ideas as we go along.
  5. Nothing’s certain but death and taxes. We are not guaranteed anything, really. Structure is a powerful tool – it can help provide that stability or launching pad for great things! But it can’t protect you from the uncertainties of life or business, and if misused, can rob you of the creative possibilities that exist outside of that box. 

I invite you to consider how structure plays out in your life and work – where it’s a help and where it’s a hindrance. I’d love to support you!