How creatives who hate planning can still dream big while keeping it real

Once upon a time, when I was a kid, I believed in the age-old myth of the lone genius toiling away in solitude, pulling creativity and productivity out of thin air without a soul in sight. I believed it because I wanted to be it.

But I also wanted to be a pegasus too. Sometimes, you can't get what you want.

In reality, no one is truly made to be productive alone, and this is especially true for those of us with creative, slightly rebellious brains.

But first, let's address the elephant in the room: toxic productivity. You know, the kind where someone tells you to "just stick to a routine" or "do the hardest thing first," and bam, you're supposed to magically morph into a productivity powerhouse. For many of us, this advice feels more like telling us to "just sprout wings" if we want to fly. 

We don't need that advice. And we don't need to be a pegasus to fly. You know what we actually need?

Plane. Tickets.

Plane tickets are real, tangible things that make it possible for humans to fly. It does take some money, time and effort to obtain those things, but as an ADHD-AF creative, I don't need to be fed the myth that I could someday become a pegasus, when I can just do something that is within the realm of possibility instead.

I finally have come to accept, radically accept, that I am a human being who can't do absolutely everything. I have a different brain that doesn't quite fit other people's expectations. Typical productivity advice just bounces off my forehead.

This is why the term "radical self-acceptance" is one of the first things I teach in my annual workshop retreat for creatives who, ahem, "fucking hate planning." This is the magical equation:

Radical self-acceptance = Radical self-honesty + Radical self-love.

Self-honesty without self-love is just abuse.

Self-love without self-honesty is just narcissism.

We need to start here if we want to get any creative project out into the world.

Self-honesty tells me that plane tickets are more possible than becoming a pegasus. (Sometimes I genuinely need to be reminded that I am a human. A HUMAN.)

Self-love tells me that I am deserving and capable of finding the funds needed to travel anywhere I want to.

Us creatives can dream so big — we just have to be real with our own limits and expectations, as humans and as individuals.

For example: A rigid schedule works for some brains. It does not work for mine. When it comes to productivity, I thrive in frameworks that nurture spontaneity and inspiration. I thrive on novelty and community. I do not thrive on someone wagging their finger, telling me what I should do. 

And so many times, I feel that stern lecture coming from, of all places, my freaking to-do list. It isn't a place I go to dive into my life's greatest work. It's a place I go if I want to feel like a failure.

There are ways to shift all that. And I firmly believe that community is the secret sauce. It's the wind beneath your creative wings, the cheese to your macaroni, the—well, you get the idea. Community is where the magic happens. It's where accountability meets camaraderie, and where the overwhelming task of getting things done becomes a shared adventure rather than a solitary climb up Mount Doom.

Imagine being surrounded by a group of like-minded creatives, all working towards their own unique projects, yet cheering each other on. This isn’t just a fantasy; it's the very essence of The Creative Spirals and our retreat March 8-9. We gather to support each other, share insights, and laugh at our collective disdain for traditional planning. It's where your brilliant ideas are met with enthusiastic "Yes, and?" instead of a head-scratching "Wait, what?"

The "Planning for Creatives who Fucking Hate Planning" retreat is a two-day escape from your daily hamster wheel routine, where you'll find clarity, a game plan, and a community of creative weirdos who’ll be your biggest cheerleaders. Whether you join us in person at Epiphany Space Hollywood, or virtually from the comfort of your own home, you'll dive into creative exercises that get you clear on your year, all while embracing a new mindset around planning.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What if planning is just a waste of time?” Fear not, my creatively-chaotic friend. This retreat isn’t about turning you into a planning robot. Instead, we focus on tools and systems that work with your brain, not against it. We embrace playful planning techniques and flexible frameworks that help you say yes to what ignites your soul and no to what doesn't serve your vision for yourself.

Plus, there’s the bonus of accountabilibuddies! These buddies are your new creative soulmates who keep you on track, hold you accountable (without the guilt trip), and celebrate every tiny victory along the way. With such a support system, you’ll find yourself actually doing the thing instead of just dreaming about it.

And let's not forget the practical perks. Joining us in person? We’ve got you covered with lunch, snacks, coffee and tea, and even hands-on materials like a daily paper planner if you need one. Prefer to join virtually? We'll provide digital options, so all you need is yourself and something to take notes on. No matter how you attend, you’ll have access to a recorded replay, so you can revisit the inspiration anytime.

So, if you’re tired of trying to go it alone, if you yearn for a community that understands your creative quirks, and if you want to make meaningful progress on those big, beautiful projects that have been simmering on the back burner, then this retreat is your ticket to creative freedom.

Join us on March 8-9 in Los Angeles or online. It’s time to put an end to the myth of the lone genius and embrace the vibrant, supportive community that The Creative Spirals offers together with Epiphany Space. We’ll plan like we’ve never planned before—fun, flexible, and full of heart. Who knew planning could be this liberating?

Epiphany Space members: check the Mighty Networks for a 20% off discount code! https://cart.yadacreative.com/dttny-2025/