If you struggle with balancing structured work and creative spontaneity, try this: 1️⃣ Set 1-3 non-negotiable tasks per day, this keeps your priorities clear while preventing overwhelm. 2️⃣ Keep at least one morning or afternoon open each week, flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected opportunities. 3️⃣ Use a notepad to capture creative ideas in the moment, if you get sidetracked during focused work, jot down your thoughts instead of acting on them immediately. 4️⃣ Revisit your ideas during an open time block, on your flexible day, review your notes and pick the idea that will have the biggest impact if acted on NOW. Balancing structure with adaptability helps you stay productive without missing great ideas or opportunities.

In my experience in cultural management and museums, balancing planning and spontaneity is key to creative breakthroughs. A solid plan provides structure, but the best ideas often emerge from unexpected moments. I approach this by setting a clear strategy while staying open to improvisation and new opportunities. Flexibility allows creativity to thrive.

Creative breakthroughs happen when you're having fun. Period. Sure, you can do your frameworks, planning, all that stuff which your mind, experience, Google or AI tells you.. but real breakthroughs? They're always an outcome of your mind having fun, coming up with things you never planned or imagined. Keep consuming great quality ideas - movies, songs, cartoons, books.. build those dots to connect. But then? Just have fun. Play. The more you don't chase creative breakthroughs, the more they come to you.. like that butterfly which sits on your hand the moment you stop chasing it. All the best

Your creative brain kicks in when you're doing something mundane - i.e when you're physically active but not mentally/emotionally engaged with the task eg: taking a shower, going for a walk, doing the dishes etc. This is when creative breakthroughs happen 🧠 This is because you've given your brain free reign to dream and explore without judgement. This is why it is so important to switch off!! 💯 Make sure you write down everything, that's right, everything! No matter how wild or impossible. 🌌 Then use structure and tools to plan what ideas you can use and how you're going to execute. 👊🏽

Balancing planning and spontaneity is key in both procurement management and process/project management. With over 7 years of experience, I’ve learned to carefully plan and structure processes to ensure efficiency and minimize risks, while leaving space for creativity and adaptability. I rely on data-driven insights and established frameworks to guide long-term goals, but I also encourage spontaneous problem-solving within my team. This flexibility allows us to seize opportunities and innovate, ensuring we remain agile in dynamic environments. The key is maintaining a clear vision while staying open to new ideas and opportunities as they arise.