018: The Sweet Spot Between Chaos and Order

I’ll be the first to admit it.

I used to live (and thrive) in chaos.

There was something exciting about it. The constant fire-fighting, the pressure, the feeling that I was the one who could swoop in and solve the impossible problem the fastest. (Or the best 😆.) I think my body may have become dependent on the adrenaline I experienced as a gymnast and coach.

It made me feel alive and productive.

But over time, I started noticing something. That same chaos I was thriving in… was also draining me and the others around me. And as my company grew, what once felt like strength became a liability.

And I see it in others now too.

People who are capable, incredibly hard-working, have vision, and can solve problems in the moment but they’re constantly overwhelmed, always putting out fires, and living in an unhealthy state of chaos.

That’s when Jordan Peterson’s idea of chaos and order clicked for me.

Chaos is creativity, possibility, and adaptability.

Order is structure, stability, and systems.

Both are necessary. But too much chaos, and you burn out. Too much order, and you stagnate.

When your business (or your life) is small, thriving on chaos alone can work. It feels good to run on adrenaline and figure things out as they come.

But as you grow, chaos without order starts working against you. You need both.

Here are three shifts that helped me (and might help you, too):

• Systematize what you repeat. If you’ve solved the same problem twice, it’s time for a process.

• Slow down to go fast. An hour spent creating order saves ten hours down the road. For me, Sunday evenings are my “look ahead” to get prepped for the week.

• Use chaos as a tool, not a lifestyle. Tap into your quick problem-solving when needed, but don’t let it run the show. And know the difference.

The real growth comes from learning to dance between chaos and order, knowing when to harness creativity and when to lean into structure.

So let me ask you: Do you naturally lean toward chaos or order?

Hit reply and tell me, I’d love to know. From the edge of chaos and the heart of order, -Casey

PS. This “My Ideal Week” structure from Michael Hyatt was a game changer!

🎯Real Talk - If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably convinced yourself that running around with your hair on fire is a “superpower.” You’re the hero, the firefighter, the adrenaline junkie keeping everything afloat.

But here’s the truth: sometimes that chaos isn’t a badge of honor… it’s just bad planning. (Yep, I said it.) Ever celebrated pulling off a last-minute miracle, then realized you’re only in that situation because you forgot to prep in the first place? Ouch.

Chaos makes you feel alive. Order keeps you from losing your mind. The real win is when you learn how to play both sides without burning out, or burning down the house.