The 4-Week Gig Prep Plan
For brains that hate last-minute panic (but always seem to end up there anyway)
Gigs should feel exciting. But for many of us especially if you're neurodivergent the lead-up to a gig can tip into chaos fast. Not because you're not capable, but because your brain does not vibe with endless hidden tasks, unclear timelines, and “just do it” culture.
You might be thinking: well, it usually works out in the end... And maybe it does but at what cost? Exhaustion? Frantic rewiring of your set at midnight? A toll on your wellbeing, your relationships, or the rest of your life outside of the gig?
There’s another way. One that doesn’t squash your creativity or spontaneity, but helps you be more aware of the different types of tasks involved, how long they take (if you had time), and what needs sequencing.
That way, the inevitable last-minute scramble isn’t a full system overload just a final energetic push with scaffolding.
This 4 week plan gives you a clear view of what’s ahead, when it might make sense to do it, and most importantly- permission to not keep it all in your head. It’s not comprehensive, and it’s not rigid. But it’s a start. You can customise it to suit your setup using the free checklist at the end of the page.
The tasks are grouped into five categories that link to the 5 Daily Pillars of a Creative Life:
NOURISH / REFLECT / CREATE / REMIND / CONNECT
These are categories I use to help neurodivergent creatives bring more balance, consistency, and gentleness into their process- without falling into toxic productivity traps.
And yes, if you need to do a mini version of this in the week before your gig, you’re not alone!
Week 1: Orient & Ground
This is your foundations week. Instead of diving into high-pressure rehearsals, you’re clearing the fog and setting up anchors.
You're probably leaning most on the Reflect and Remind pillars here - reviewing previous performances, imagining how you want this one to feel, and organising the basics so you don’t get tripped up by things like travel times, parking, or gear.
You:
Confirm the basics: date, time, location, set length.
Send that awkward-but-important access email.
Do a very low-stakes run-through (voice memos count).
Start writing visible lists. Your future self will thank you.
The goal this week isn’t polish. It’s clarity. Getting the key info in one place and gently reconnecting with your set without judgement is already a massive win.
Week 2: Shape & Support
Now the fog’s lifted, it’s time to add some definition.
This is a week where the Create and Connect pillars shine- refining your set, connecting with your environment and your support people, and gently building the container that will hold your performance.
You:
Practise the tricky bits that keep snagging.
Try out outfits or visuals if that’s part of your vibe.
Loop in your support crew: bandmates, partners, housemates.
Revisit your gear checklist.
This is also a great time to bring in some Nourish habits- walks, warm-ups, actual meals- not because it’s a wellness competition, but because your body is your instrument and you’re asking it to show up.
Week 3: Rehearse & Regulate
Now you’re getting close. This is where you rehearse, but also regulate.
Yes, full run-throughs matter. But this is also a week to lean hard into the Reflect and Nourish pillars- noticing how your set feels, managing your energy, and avoiding burnout.
You:
Do one or two full run-throughs (gear, outfit, transitions).
Simulate a bit of performance stress: play with lights on, ask a friend to listen.
Finalise transport and tech plans — and add them to your calendar.
Build in recovery time between run-throughs.
Now’s not the time to add a brand new song or rewrite your visuals. Stick with what you’ve practised and aim for stability, not reinvention- easier said than done, I know- we get all the extra ideas when we need to commit! But ask yourself if you are setting yourself up for success if you are constantly giving yourself more things to do and learn.
Week 4: Final Prep & Emotional Support
This week is about easing in, not cramming.
It’s also easy to fall into avoidance here- a last-minute “I’m sure it’ll be fine” feeling that masks overwhelm or fear of disappointment, sometimes we actually switch off because it’s really hard to sustain caring about something through to the end. One way of managing this is name a reward to yourself at the other end, and reframe your expectations of yourself- ok maybe you envisioned doing loads of things that you haven’t managed to sort out and you feel like you’ve failed somehow already… but that’s ok- just park those ideas on the “for the next gig” list and take stock of where you are at now. This is a good week to use the Remind and Connect pillars: remind yourself what’s already done, and connect with people who help you feel safe.
You:
Pack early and label your gear.
Do one final dress rehearsal (playing to your dog = valid).
Visualise getting on stage and enjoying it.
Plan your wind-down and possible post gig rewards
Refining is fine — but resist the urge to overhaul. Ask: what one small tweak could make this feel smoother? Feeling calm and prepared, what’s one thing you do to level up your performance? What’s your backup if it doesn’t go to plan?
Your Free Checklist?
Want the full list — broken down week by week with tasks and space to customise?
👉 Make a copy of the 4-Week Gig Prep Checklist here
It’s not about rigid rules. It’s about finding a rhythm that works with your brain, not against it.
Start early (or not). Take it bit by bit. Show up for yourself. And let the gig be something you actually enjoy.