“Keep Going” — a Book Just When It's Most Needed
It is ALWAYS an enjoyment reading Austin Kleon’s writing. He is funny and his words are hugely relatable for anybody who is interested, working or stumbling in the creative industry. The frustration, fun, and rewards we embrace. Also, he is very knowledgeable in helping people to be successful in the field. (Or, at least make enough money to pay rent and bills.)
If you are not familiar with him, Kleon is the author of a bestselling book Steal Like An Artist that inspired many, many people. Another one of his book which I am reading is Show Your Work!
Even the author did not intend to write this book for the current pandemic, as it is originally published in 2019. But it is just what we need. Keep Going. Yes, just to survive 2020 and look forward to 2021. If it is not you in your case, then you are very lucky.
Not sure if this is going to be a spoiler, but here are few takeaways I have got from this book.
Enjoy the process over the results
I think the only way to produce good work is to fail many, many times. It is so easy to fall into the trap of trying to be perfect the first time around, but what would be the fun in it? This book nudges me to enjoy the moment, doing what you like to do just for the sake of doing it. It reminds me so much of life. It’s all about what you have explored. Not the achievement, but the experiences.
Respect your Bliss Station
A bliss station can be where you work, where you write, draw, make or read. Whichever you enjoy doing. Surround yourself with everything you love. Be proud of it. Cultivate your special space, even if it is just a corner of the house. And I believe everybody needs a space like this, even if you are not an artist or writer.
What you do (verb) is more important than your job title (noun)
Find what you love to do and do more of it. Every day. If you can. Whatever you want to be. Do the verb version of it. If you think of it, an artist without marking art, a writer without writing, you just cannot get away from doing that. I especially like what he said in the book, to find your voice you have to use it. You do the verb, and the noun will follow.
It is overall a great self-help book for creatives. I hope the author won’t mind me saying that, but from which I mean well. These are really useful motivations and actions to be taken. It is not to help you be more productive, but do more of what you enjoy doing. Find your strength to focus on what really matters to you and only you, in the world that is full of noise, difficulties, and false goals.
Even if you just want to have a laugh, relax, or reading over a cup of coffee I would still recommend it. What I like about it is that there’s no preaching but full of real experiences and stories. It feels like he’s a friend or even a mentor. And again, I like the unique voice of words and he is also very, very good at drawing and making lists, which I love.
After this book, I have gone on and bought Show Your Work!. I think what I have learned is that I won’t get tired of Kleon’s writing and I want more of it!
