Structure or freedom?
Many of the entrepreneurs I work with have a complicated relationship with “structure”. They want to be more focused, calm and structured. Yet, they want to keep their spontaneity and freedom. They think it is either or. And it is costing them.They often find themselves scattered, leading to stress that impacts not just their business, but also their family and personal life.
The myth of structure vs. freedom
People often assume I am highly structured because of my background in consulting. They are right, but what they do not realise is that I have refined my approach over the years. The truth is, structure gives me freedom - as well as peace and progress.
As Brian Tracy notes in Eat That Frog, "If you spend 10-12 minutes planning your day, you will save up to 2 hours of time that would have otherwise gone to waste." Imagine what you could achieve with that extra time!
Embrace structure to unlock freedom
So, how can you create a structure that actually enhances your freedom? Here are some first steps:
Clarify your priorities: Be clear about what’s important to you and what your goals are in business, health, and personal life - if those are your values.
Shift your mindset: Recognise that “you are choosing what is important to you,” and that you can “block a day for creative work,” or “adapt your plan” whenever you need to.
Commit to a planning routine: Implement yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily planning routines. Yes, it involves multiple levels, but the time investment will pay off significantly.
Integrate everything in one calendar: Whether it is work meetings, exercise, date night, or focused work time, keep everything in one calendar to maintain clarity and balance.
The dance between divergence and convergence
This self-mastery process helps you become aware of your priorities, what you can realistically achieve, and what no longer serves you. It is about building a personal system that allows for the dance between divergence and convergence.
Divergence: This involves opening up space to explore, play, develop ideas, and be spontaneous.
Convergence: This involves setting aside time to plan, focus, and get things done.
Life has both and life needs both. So, plan and make space for it. Especially if you want to grow a business and lead more consciously. Only then will you start to really feel free.
Clarity and structure create freedom
Clarity and structure do not restrict freedom; they create it. By adopting a balanced approach, you can lead a more fulfilling and successful life, both personally and professionally.
What’s your experience?
—
📩 If this post resonated with you, consider joining my newsletter for thoughtful insights 💡 delivered to your inbox. When you’re ready to explore deeper, let's connect for a free discovery call!
Christina Peters, Founder and Executive Coach, The Art of Self
Christina supports leaders and innovators on their path to conscious and regenerative leadership. With over a decade in consulting at boutique firms and Accenture, she has developed digital transformation strategies and build new business models and innovation units for German DAX companies, working with c-level. Six years ago, she began exploring how truly “sustainable” business can work. This journey led her to focus on awareness and leadership development as being crucial to bridging the gap between people, nature & business. Achieving this requires a paradigm shift, learning organisations, and a systemic view of business & value streams.
Direct yet compassionate, and driven yet humble, she has navigated significant personal & professional change. Her holistic experience uniquely positions her to facilitate deep personal & leadership transformation. She is member of the European Association of Supervision & Coaching and has learned directly from various pioneers at the forefront of leadership, such as Gunther Schmidt at Milton-Erickson Institute Heidelberg, Carol Sanford, and Giles Hutchins. With roots in Hamburg and experience in South America, China, South Africa, and England, she is blending global thinking with local action.
