66: Thriving in Chaos: Why Your Creative Mess is a Strength
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Welcome to episode 66 of Permission to Be Messy. I'm your host, JoAnn Krall, and today we're talking about thriving in chaos and why your creative mess is actually a strength.
This episode was inspired by a comment I saw on LinkedIn, where someone claimed that “nobody thrives in chaos and mess.” Of course, they were promoting a project management system they were selling. Honestly, that’s such a blanket statement that I felt compelled to dive deeper into the topic of messiness.
Have you ever been told to clean up your mess? Or heard someone call you chaotic? Maybe you’ve felt the pressure to fit into a world of perfectly labeled bins and pristine workspaces. But what if I told you that thriving in chaos isn’t a flaw—it’s actually a strength. And it’s one you share with children.
Children are naturally curious, wildly creative, and completely unbothered by mess. They dump out toys, spread crayons everywhere, and create masterpieces without worrying about perfection. For them, mess is exploration—a playground, not a problem. Many adults who thrive in chaos are the same. You don’t see mess as a failure. To you, it’s a sign of creativity unfolding. Chaos fuels your curiosity and helps you think outside the box, just like it does for children.
If you’re someone who thrives in chaos, this gift gives you several strengths. Like kids turning a cardboard box into a rocket, you see potential where others see clutter. When plans fall apart, you can quickly pivot—just like a child rebuilding a toppled block tower. What might look like chaos to others—a messy desk, for example—could actually be your creative playground. Over the years, I’ve worked with many creative people, including artists and entrepreneurs, and I’ve noticed this pattern. Messiness doesn’t hold them back; it fuels their innovation.
For some, overly rigid systems and perfectly clear spaces can feel stifling. A pristine workspace can feel intimidating, almost as if it’s saying, “You’d better do something perfect here.” That pressure can block creativity and make it hard to get started. Strict systems leave no room for spontaneity. If you have to stop mid-idea to tidy up or follow a rigid process, it can derail your momentum. A slightly cluttered environment can spark connections and ideas that a minimalist setup simply can’t. If you make a mess throughout the day but clean up at the end, that’s great if it works for you. But some people need to leave things in place so they can pick up right where they left off the next day.
If you’re the neat one sharing a space with someone messy—or vice versa—there are ways to coexist harmoniously. If you’re the organized partner, try to understand that their mess is often a system they understand and works for them. It might look chaotic, but it has its own logic. Agree on shared spaces that stay tidy while allowing messy zones for creative work. Have collaborative conversations about what your shared spaces should look like. If you’re the messy partner, establish reset routines. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly, set a time to tidy up so things don’t spiral out of control. Use open storage bins or labeled drop zones to keep things manageable without stifling your creativity. And for both of you, focus on functionality. Agree on practical, not perfect, standards for shared spaces. Celebrate when the other person makes an effort to meet you halfway.
There are also practical tools to help you thrive in chaos. Kanban boards, like those on Trello, allow you to create flexible workflows that adapt to shifting priorities. Cloud-based apps like Notion or Evernote are perfect for dumping creative ideas and using search functions instead of folders. Adjustable calendars, like Google Calendar, make it easy to drag and drop events as your schedule evolves. For your workspace, designate a specific messy area, like a desk or craft table. Rolling carts help you move items around or tuck them away at night. Vertical storage, like pegboards or shelves, keeps items visible but off your workspace.
If you thrive in chaos and it’s working for you, that’s okay. You don’t need a rigid system to be productive. People may tell you otherwise, but it’s simply not true. However, if your mess is starting to bother you, it might be time to evaluate your current systems and find ones that fit your natural tendencies. Children remind us that creativity is chaotic and growth isn’t linear. Celebrate your creativity, let go of perfectionism, and focus on progress—not neatness. Build systems that honor your strengths, and don’t let anyone tell you that mess is a flaw.
If you want to learn more about how to create systems that work for you, check out the resources in the show notes. I have everything from free tools to VIP services to help you thrive. And if this episode has helped you embrace your creative mess, then I’ve done my job! Until next time, I’m wishing you progress, peace, purpose, and, of course, the permission to be messy. Thanks for listening.
