Systems can sometimes get a bad rap as not being creative or being too rigid and structured. They can be seen as the same old, same old, boring. In fact, the opposite is true (if systems are well designed) – they create space for creativity in your business and allow the freedom and flow of ideas and focus.
When you feel like you are constantly starting from scratch, have no idea where to start, and make things up as you go along in your content creation, it scatters your thinking and puts pressure on you. The clock is ticking to get your marketing copy done. Stress and time pressure hinder getting your copy done.
Systems help to create boundaries and containment, manage repetitive tasks, and make room and time for idea generation and writing. Creativity flourishes when the mind has space.
Creativity Needs Safety and Space
Creativity isn’t just inspiration. Some people naturally flow with creativity in their lives, while others feel blocked. How often have you heard someone say, “I’m just not very creative”? When you need to tap into your imagination and allow ideas to flow, especially in business, you want space.
What often happens to business owners working on their marketing is that they really struggle putting ideas onto a page, because their minds are busy overthinking. Thoughts overflow with to-do lists, what to write, when it’s due, how to organize their thoughts, what’s for dinner – you name it! Hence, this is why systems help.
Creativity in writing copy requires:
- mental clarity
- emotional safety
- time and energy
Ultimately, when everything lives in your head, creativity gets crowded out. Chaos drains creative energy faster than structure ever could.
What I Really Mean by “Systems”
Systems can be a bit of a generic term depending on what you are referring to. Here I am talking about systems designed by you for marketing your business. The best systems to support creativity and workflow are flexible, supportive and have the end user in mind.
Examples include:
- simple checklists
- content calendar
- marketing plan
- repeatable workflows
- decision frameworks
- templates and boundaries
How Systems Actually Create Creative Freedom
Here are 3 key ways your systems can support your business:
1. Fewer Decisions = More Creative Energy
- Systems reduce decision fatigue
- Creativity thrives when you’re not constantly re-making the same decisions
2. Consistency Creates Trust (With Yourself)
- When things run smoothly, you stop bracing for problems
- This creates emotional space for deeper creative thinking
3. Structure Holds the Routine Tasks
- Admin, onboarding, and marketing routines live in systems
- Creativity gets to focus on vision, ideas, and innovation
Telltale Signs You Need A System
Here is a short list of clues about where implementing or updating a system can make life so much easier in your business. If you are experiencing these issues in your business, you are not the problem; often, it is a lack of systems that is the problem.
- You feel creatively blocked but mentally exhausted
- You have ideas, but no energy to execute
- You start projects but don’t finish them
- You avoid marketing or admin because it feels overwhelming
Action Step: Start Small
Start with just one area of your marketing that you want to create fresh energy in. Pick something basic. You don’t need a full strategy yet. Small, repeatable steps build trust with yourself and your audience.
Examples of a basic system in marketing:
- planning weekly content
- creating posts or emails
- organizing ideas and drafts
Conclusion
Creativity doesn’t thrive in constant mental noise. It needs space, safety, and a sense that the basics are handled. When simple, well-designed systems take care of the repetitive and draining parts of business, your creative energy is no longer spent just trying to stay afloat. Instead of forcing inspiration, you create the conditions for it to arrive naturally. Systems aren’t there to control how you work — they’re there to support you, protect your energy, and give your creativity room to breathe.
What small system would you like to work on in your business this coming week? Remember – keep it small to start, and if you get stuck, reach out, and I will help. I offer a FREE 20-minute consult to get you started. Book HERE.