How to “Keep going” in your creative pursuits in both good and bad times
As you might have already guessed, today we will be discussing the book “Keep Going” by Austin Kleon. I like his books, and I think they are a great addition to your library. They work as great coffee table books — you can read them fully in about an hour, but you can also just open them and flip through the pages for some inspiration whenever you feel bored.
The book can be read by literally anyone, but I think it will surely resonate with all of us creatives. The main idea of the book is to encourage you to stay creative because being creative is hard, and sometimes it is difficult to find motivation.
Let’s talk about some interesting ideas presented in the book, and I will share my perspective and experience on these topics.
The book aims to provide strategies and approaches to help you persevere in your creative journey, even when things get tough because they most probably will.
Lesson #1: Take one day at a time
“None of us know what will happen. Don’t spend time worrying about it. Make the most beautiful thing you can. Try to do that every day. That’s it.”
This serves as a good reminder that instead of focusing on what cannot be known or controlled, we should direct our energy toward the present moment and what we can act on now ❤️.
“The creative life is not linear. It is not a straight line from point A to B. It’s more like a loop, or a spiral, in which you keep coming back to a new starting point after every project. No matter how successful you get, no matter what level of achievement you reach, you will never really ‘arrive’. Other than death, there is no finish line or retirement for a creative person.”
This reminds me of stories I’ve read about Hans Zimmer, the legendary film composer, who has spoken about his fear of “losing his talent” in various interviews throughout his career.
Zimmer has mentioned feeling pressure to continually innovate and deliver exceptional work in the highly competitive film industry. This pressure can sometimes manifest as a fear of not being able to maintain the level of creativity and success he has achieved.
In interviews, Zimmer has expressed that he often confronts self-doubt and the fear of failing to meet his own high standards. He has discussed how he pushes himself to explore new musical territories and techniques to avoid becoming stagnant in his compositions.
Despite his fears, Zimmer has continued to produce groundbreaking and influential music for some of the most significant films of our time. His ability to confront his anxieties and channel them into his work is a testament to his resilience as an artist.
This serves as a great example of the idea that the creative life and process are like a loop or a spiral, in which you keep coming back to a new starting point after every project.
The chapter tells us:
“We have so little control over our lives. The only thing we can really control is what we spend our days on.”
You might find this idea refreshing — that each day is a new beginning, a fresh start. It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday; you will start from scratch.
“It is not the experiences of today that drive men mad. It is remorse or bitterness for something that happened yesterday or the dread of what tomorrow may bring.”
Closing this point with a reflection on the following quote:
“Every day is like a blank page: when you are finished filling it, you can save it, you can crumple it up, or you can slide it into the recycle bin and let it be. Only time will tell you what it was worth.”
This perspective resonates deeply with me as it relieves the pressure of expecting every day to be perfect, reminding us that a bad day is just a single page in the story of our lives. Each day offers opportunities for growth, learning, and unexpected blessings. Sometimes, what initially appears as a setback or disappointment may, in hindsight, reveal itself as a pivotal moment or a valuable lesson. Embracing this perspective allows us to approach each day with openness and resilience, knowing that time will ultimately reveal the true significance of our experiences.
Lesson #2: Disconnect from the world to connect with yourself
“Creativity is about connection — you must be connected to others in order to be inspired and share your own work — but it is also about disconnection. You must retreat from the world long enough to think, practice your art, and bring forth something worth sharing with others.”
The main idea of this chapter is that you need some time for yourself, disconnected from others where you can focus on your work.
Lesson #3: Creativity is not a noun
“You have to have done something before you can be said to have done something. The title of artist, architect, or musician needs to somehow be earned.” This quote emphasizes the importance of action over self-definition. It urges us to prioritize doing rather than merely labeling ourselves.
“I don’t know what I am. I know that I am not a category. I am not a thing — a noun. I aspire to verb, an evolutionary process.”
I find this quote quite encouraging as it suggests that we are not confined to fixed categories; rather, our actions define us. It highlights the idea that we are in a constant state of evolution and development, continually changing and shaping our identities through our efforts.
“I don’t know what I am. I know that I am not a category. I am not a thing — a noun. I aspire to verb, an evolutionary process.”
I find this quote quite encouraging as it suggests that we are not confined to fixed categories; rather, our actions define us. It highlights the idea that we are in a constant state of evolution and development, continually changing and shaping our identities through our efforts.
Lesson #4: To change is to be alive
This chapter covers the concept that one is permitted to evolve their perspectives and opinions over time as one gains deeper insights into various subjects. It encourages embracing the uncharted territories of exploration.
One paragraph that resonated deeply with me and that I believe encapsulates the essence of this lesson is as follows:
“Social media has turned us into politicians. And brands. Everyone’s supposed to be on brand now, and the worst thing in the world is to be off-brand. But to be on brand is to be 100% certain of who you are and what you do, and certainly, in art and in life, that is not only completely overrated, it is also a roadblock to discovery. Uncertainty is the very thing that art thrives on.”
Lesson #5: Make the world a better place
I hope that I convinced you that this book needs to be in your library 📚.
