The Method to My Madness: Finding Balance in Creative Chaos

Have you ever felt like your mind was brimming with ideas, each begging for attention, only to realize later that not all of them belonged in the same project? If so, you’re not alone. As someone who’s been repeatedly told that I “bring too many ideas” to the table, I’ve lived this paradox: the joy of ideation and the struggle of execution.

This tendency of mine doesn’t stop at work. When I design posts for my page Light Your Heart, I start with a canvas full of colors, fonts, and animations. It’s a whirlwind of creativity. Eventually, I pare it down to something cohesive and impactful. While this process works when time is abundant, it has been a challenge in high-pressure situations where speed is critical.

Yet, I’ve realized over time that this method isn’t simply a flaw—it’s a unique part of how I create. It’s messy, yes, but it also carries the seeds of innovation.

Strength or Liability?

In some contexts, this approach has been my greatest asset. When I worked in a short-staffed HR team at Butterfly Group, my willingness to take on extra work didn’t just fill the gaps—it made the team future-ready. My deputy manager valued my knack for thinking beyond the immediate task, which gave me a sense of purpose.

But there’s a flip side. I’ve also had instructors and mentors point out how this trait can overwhelm others or muddle the clarity of a project. While some appreciate the depth I bring, others see it as a liability. Over time, I’ve learned to seek environments where my strengths are recognized, even if that means less consistency in my career trajectory. I’d rather be in a space that celebrates my process than in one that tries to confine it.

It’s worth noting that any aspect of human nature can be an asset or liability depending on the situation and people involved. For me, the ability to solve multiple problems in one go has given me bargaining power in some teams. Supervisors who recognize this trait often give me preferential treatment because they see how much value it adds.

But when it backfires—and it does—I’ve learned to take it in stride. The sting of criticism has softened over the years, replaced by a quiet understanding of my own worth.

Why It Happens

For me, the flood of ideas often stems from an introverted mind that doesn’t get to express itself freely. Every opportunity feels like a chance to empty the treasure chest of thoughts I’ve been storing. While this fuels creativity, it can also exhaust me—and confuse those around me.

This tendency turns even a small task into a sprawling venture. People don’t always understand my process, and that’s okay. Over the years, I’ve realized that not every idea needs to be acted upon immediately. Sometimes, the real skill lies in knowing which ideas to shelve for later.

Lessons from the Journey

Working alone within a team has been my coping mechanism. It allows me to streamline my process without having to explain every step. However, this approach isn’t always sustainable. Collaboration is essential, and I’ve learned to navigate this through two key insights:

1. Keep an Eye on the Big Picture: When I focus on the ultimate goal, things tend to fall into place. My father, whose counsel has been invaluable, taught me to persevere even when others seem irritated or dismissive. This resilience has helped me reduce my tendency to give up.
2. Accept the Charm of Imperfection: My creative chaos is part of who I am—a signature that people may criticize in the moment but often admire later. It’s the kind of imperfection that makes me, me.

A particularly valuable lesson came from a moment of reflection: I realized that my tendency to overwhelm myself with ideas isn’t just a quirk; it’s a feature of how I think and create. And that’s okay. The world needs its planners and its dreamers, its precision-focused minds and its big-picture thinkers.

How to Cope and Find Balance

If you’re someone who struggles with the “too many ideas” syndrome, here are some strategies that might help:

• Start with a Mind Map: Before diving into execution, lay out all your ideas visually. This helps you identify the ones that align with your primary goal.
• Adopt the Rule of Three: For any project, limit yourself to three core ideas. This forces you to prioritize without diluting your vision.
• Set a Time Limit for Refinement: Creativity thrives on deadlines. Allow yourself a fixed period for brainstorming and then commit to execution.
• Collaborate with Intent: Share your process with teammates and supervisors. Transparency can turn confusion into admiration.
• Pause and Revisit: Sometimes, stepping away from the whirlwind allows you to return with clarity. A fresh perspective can work wonders.

A Method to the Madness

At its core, this journey is about embracing who you are while finding ways to refine your process. Productivity, after all, is tied to strategic filtering—knowing when to expand your ideas and when to let go.

To anyone who feels overwhelmed by their own creativity: you are not alone. There is a method to your madness, and with time and reflection, you’ll find it. Remember, even the wildest storms have a rhythm.

So, go ahead—create, refine, and repeat. Your unique approach might just be the spark that others have been waiting for.