Keep Going by Austin Kleon

1. Take it One Day at a Time

To overcome creative blocks and maintain momentum, focusing on the present moment is essential.

You can avoid feeling overwhelmed by breaking down daunting tasks into manageable increments.

"You don't have to get good. You just have to get going."

2. Make a Daily Schedule

Creating a structured routine helps cultivate discipline and consistency in your creative practice.

By allocating dedicated time for creativity, you prioritize it in your life.

"Figure out what time of day you work best, carve that time out for yourself, and show up."

3. Make Lists

Lists serve as powerful tools to organize thoughts and ideas. They offer a visual representation of progress and provide a sense of accomplishment.

As Kleon emphasizes:

"Keep a 'Done List' to remind yourself how far you've come."

4. Disconnect from the Outside World to Reconnect with Yourself

Amidst the constant noise and distractions, finding moments of solitude becomes paramount.

We rediscover our creative voices by disconnecting from technology and immersing ourselves in our thoughts.

Kleon advises:

"Disconnect from the world long enough to process and connect to yourself."

5. Place the Verb Before the Noun:

Flipping the conventional order of sentence construction adds a refreshing twist to your creative work.

You infuse vitality into your writing or artwork by prioritizing action over description.

As Kleon suggests:

"Put the verb before the noun and see what happens."

6. Protect Your Stuff:

In pursuing creativity, creating boundaries and safeguarding your creative work are vital.

Share selectively and be mindful of who has access to your ideas.

Kleon advocates

"Be wary of the oversharing that social media encourages."

7. Ignore the Numbers:

The modern world often measures success by likes, followers, and statistics.

However, focusing on external validation can stifle creativity.

Kleon reminds us

"The only numbers worth worrying about are the number of words you write or the number of hours you spend making things."

8. There is No Art Without a Gift:

Every individual possesses unique talents and perspectives.

Embrace your innate abilities and acknowledge the gift you bring to the creative process.

"What you make matters. But perhaps more important is who you make it for."

9. Your Needs are All Fulfilled

Recognize that your creativity stems from your desires and curiosities.

You create work that resonates deeply by tapping into your personal experiences and emotions.

As Kleon asserts

"When you honor your own needs, you can honor the needs of your work."

10. Slow Down and Take Your Time

In a fast-paced world, rushing creativity often leads to mediocrity.

Slowing down and allowing ideas to develop naturally fosters depth and authenticity.

Kleon advises

"Give yourself permission to take your time, to sit and observe, and to see what emerges."

11. Pay Attention to What You're Paying Attention To

The consciousness of our focus is crucial for nurturing creativity.

We shape our creative outputs by curating our inputs and choosing where we direct our attention.

Kleon reminds us

"What you give your attention to is the person you become."

12. Keep Your Tools Tidy and Your Materials Messy

Maintaining an organized workspace enhances productivity and allows for efficient, creative exploration.

Keep your tools accessible and in order while embracing the messiness that comes with experimentation.

Kleon encourages

"Clean up after yourself, but don't worry about cleaning up the mess."

13. Sleep Tidies Up the Brain:

Rest and rejuvenation are vital for creative minds. Prioritize quality sleep to recharge your brain and enhance your creative capacity.

Kleon highlights

"Sleep is where the magic happens. It's where the brain makes new connections."

14. Leave Things Better Than You Found Them:

Creativity is not limited to artistic endeavors. In every interaction and situation, strive to leave a positive impact.

Kleon suggests

"Ask yourself, 'How can I make this better?' and then do the work to improve it."

15. Creativity Has Seasons:

Recognize that creativity is cyclical, with periods of inspiration and lulls.

Embrace the ebb and flow, understanding that downtime is essential for the creative process.

Kleon reassures

"Remember, even if you're not creating something tangible, you're still creating yourself."

Austin Kleon's book "Keep Going" offers invaluable guidance for nurturing creativity in a fast-paced world.

Let Austin Kleon's wisdom guide you as you continue your creative pursuits, always remembering to keep going.