Let me guess: You found interest in reading this piece because you thought this was going to be about finding your “creative voice” or discovering your “true passion,” right?

Nope.

The one thing every female creative wishes she’d known before 30 is embarrassingly simple: Just get things done, and people will respect you.

But here’s the twist- I’m not talking about your portfolio or your latest project. I’m talking about everything else in your beautifully chaotic creative life.

My ribs just cracked hard as I reflected on a scenario where my friend dropped by unannounced and my apartment looked like a craft store explosion. Clothes scattered across the coffee table, notification ringing loud from Google calendar for a half-finished project, and  pile of “inspiration” magazines from 2024 still sitting by my bed. Have this ever happened to you?

Yeah, that’s the stuff no one talks about in those “Day in the Life of a Creative” vlogs.

Here’s what changes everything: People don’t respect your creative process, they respect your ability to function like a human being.

That friend who always seems to have her life together? She’s not more talented than you. She’s not more creative than you. She just learned to do the boring stuff without turning it into a three-hour Pinterest research session.

What “Just Getting Things Done” Actually Looks Like

1. Morning Magic (No, Really)
– Make your bed before you check Instagram (trust me on this one)
– Do your dishes while your coffee brews instead of leaving them for “later”
– Lay out tomorrow’s clothes tonight (yes, even if you work from home)

2. Creative Space Sanity
– Spend 10 minutes tidying your creative space before starting anything new
– Have designated homes for your supplies (that basket system you pinned? Actually buy it)
– Take photos of your messy work-in-progress, then clean up anyway

3. Life Admin That Actually Matters
– Pay bills the day they arrive, not the day they’re due
– Schedule that skincare/dentist/designer’s appointment you’ve been avoiding for six months
– Actually use the calendar app on your phone for more than just deadlines

The Lifestyle Ripple Effect

When you start handling life’s boring bits efficiently, something awesome happens. Your creative friends start asking how you “do it all.” Your family stops treating you like the scattered artist stereotype. That cute waiter at your favorite restaurant starts remembering your order.

I’m not telling you about being perfect or having a minimalist Instagram-worthy apartment. I’m encouraging you to start proving to yourself (and everyone else) that you can be both wildly creative AND a functioning adult human.

The Permission You Never Knew You Needed

Here’s your official permission slip: You don’t need to be a hot mess to be a “real” creative. You don’t need chaos to fuel your art. You don’t need to choose between being organized and being interesting.

The most magnetic female creatives aren’t the ones drowning in beautiful disorder, they’re the ones who create beautiful things AND can find their keys in the morning. Whoop!

Your 30-Day Creative Life Glow-Up

Start ridiculously small:

• Week 1: Make your bed every morning (just do it)
• Week 2: Add doing dishes immediately after eating
• Week 3: Implement the “10-minute pickup” before any creative time
• Week 4: Schedule one boring life admin task per day

Watch how differently people treat you. Watch how differently you treat yourself.

The Plot Twist Nobody Talks About

The secret sauce is all about creating space for your creativity to breathe. When you’re not constantly stressed about the mundane stuff, your actual creative work gets better. When people see you as someone who has her life together, they listen when you share your ideas.

So What’s The Takeaway Dear Creative?

Respect starts with self-respect. And self-respect starts with proving to yourself that you can handle the small stuff just as brilliantly as you handle the big creative challenges.

So go make your bed, text your mom, scroll down your Whatsapp messages and reply necessary texts back, and then create something amazing. Your 30-year-old self is cheering you on.

Start with one tiny habit today. Future you will thank you (and so will your friends who don’t have to navigate obstacle courses in your living room anymore).