When Structure Kills Creativity

Hey there,

Yoela here, this time from a New York coffee shop where a fascinating conversation about childhood activities and parental expectations amongst friends sparked a realization that's been consuming my thoughts: everything we think we know about fostering innovation might be wrong. And the answer could be hiding in plain sight – on the playground.

I've been having fascinating conversations with friends who are parents, and they all seem to circle back to one anxiety-inducing question: "How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don't exist yet and ensure their success?" My response? Maybe we're asking the wrong question entirely.

Here's the thing: we're all obsessed with structure. As leaders, as parents, as humans. We want clear paths, defined roles, predictable outcomes. It's like we're trying to prepare for a race where nobody knows where the finish line is – or if there even is one.

It's the same pattern I see in how many parents approach their kids' development: "Take this coding class, join that math club, get into this school." All structure, no space for creativity.

But here's what I've learned: true innovation doesn't come from checking boxes. The most successful people I know? They make maybe three important decisions a day. That's it. The rest is thinking time, exploring time, creating time. And guess what? The research backs this up.

A groundbreaking study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that children who spend more time in unstructured activities develop better "executive function" - the cognitive ability to make decisions and achieve goals. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, showed that kids who experienced more free play demonstrated stronger self-directed executive functioning, which directly correlates with innovation and problem-solving abilities in adulthood.

The fact that unstructured play leads to stronger executive function, makes perfect sense. It’s like we lose that sense of exploration as we get older and trade it for busywork. Maybe we all need a little more “playtime” to get back to real problem-solving!

Children's self-directed executive function improves with more time spent in less-structured activities, as shown by the positive relationship in Panel A. In contrast, structured activities (Panel B) show a weaker correlation with executive function development.

Here's what really caught my attention: Research from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University highlights that executive function skills—working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control—are essential for success in learning, behavior, and decision-making throughout life. These skills begin developing in early childhood and are shaped by both structured environments and opportunities for self-directed activities. Supportive relationships, safe environments, and regular opportunities to practice these skills are key to fostering their growth.

What really stands out to me is how much this research drives home a simple truth: structure is important, but too much of it can be a trap. The development of executive function, working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control needs a balance between structured guidance and space for self-directed learning. It's not just about following rules; it’s about learning how to think on your feet, make decisions, and adapt. If you’re constantly in an environment where every minute is mapped out for you, how are you supposed to develop those skills? It makes you think about how we approach work and learning as adults. If we’re always in the grind, where’s the space for real growth?

The developing brain in children builds crucial executive function skills like working memory and decision-making, which are essential for managing emotions, behavior, and complex tasks throughout life.

Think about that for a moment. When we over-structure every minute of our time, we might be inadvertently limiting our innovative potential.

So what does this mean for building an environment – whether for children or teams – that actually fosters innovation? Here's what I've observed:

1. Question Everything: Instead of asking "Did you do your homework?" try "What made you curious today?" Instead of "What's the status update?" ask "What interesting problems are you solving?"

2. Embrace Productive Discomfort: Let people (and kids) try things they might hate. But here's the key – when they want to quit, don't force them to continue. Instead, ask them to articulate why. The ability to understand and express our choices is more valuable than any single skill.

3. Break Free from Linear Thinking: Stop trying to connect every activity to a future career or ROI. Sometimes the most valuable skills come from seemingly "useless" pursuits.

4. Create Space for Exploration: Whether it's in your company or your home, carve out time for unstructured thinking and exploration. Some of my best ideas come during long walks or plane rides, not during scheduled "innovation time."

5. Value Process Over Outcome: Instead of focusing on grades or KPIs, celebrate the journey of discovery and learning. The best innovations often come from unexpected directions.

I've seen this in my own journey. Ten years ago, I was that person who couldn't imagine taking a Tuesday afternoon off to wander through Central Park. Every moment had to be "productive." But here's what I've learned: creativity doesn't work on a schedule, and innovation doesn't come from a checklist.

The most innovative environments I've encountered – whether in companies or families – share one common trait: they balance structure with freedom. Yes, you need some framework, some boundaries. But within those boundaries? That's where the magic happens.

Think about it: would Steve Jobs have created Apple if he'd stuck to a traditional career path? Would Einstein have developed the theory of relativity if he'd been too busy updating project boards?

So next time you're tempted to add another structured activity to your calendar (or your kid's), ask yourself: am I creating space for innovation, or am I just creating busy work?

Because maybe the key to fostering innovation isn't about adding more structure – it's about having the courage to let go and see what grows in the space between the schedules.

Until next time, keep questioning the status quo.

With love, Yoela

P.S. If you're struggling with the "structure trap," try this: schedule two hours this week for completely unstructured thinking time. No phone, no goals, no expectations. Just see what happens. You might be surprised at what your mind comes up with when you give it room to breathe.