It’s not often that we have moments of inspiration. These moments at least to me seem to come too far and in between. When that inspiration does find its way to you make a point to cherish it. This is certainly a book you must cherish. There is inspiration displayed all throughout this book.
Keep Going is a short & sweet non-fiction novel written by Austin Kleon. Some people who aren’t familiar with his work would label him an artist. However, in this book he warns all creative people to stay away from titles such as, artist, writer, musician, and painter. We have the ability to chose not to be defined by nouns. Kleon urges his audience to forget about superficial titles and focus on what really matters, our creativity.
Our work is what makes us who we are. Kleon urges the reader to become better through their creative work. He sets the audience on a mission to leave Earth better than we found it. There are too many people destroying our world because of greed. Why not try and preserve it through creative work?
One of the 10 ways to stay creative according to Austin Kleon is to make to-do lists and pros & cons lists. Both are great ways to keep the mind moving. To-do lists allow us to organize our thoughts and add priority to specific tasks in our work. Pros & cons lists are a particularly great method to use in bad times. When you are struggling with your work it’s helpful to see the good in what you are doing. Making a list highlighting the positives and negatives adds purpose to your work. I find it much easier to stay motivated on a project when I know the good and the bad caused by my work.
Here is an example of a to-do list Austin Kleon wrote for himself:
This is a book that everyone can use. It wasn’t made specifically for artists, musicians, writers, and actors. Not everyone can sing or write for a living. The majority of this book’s audience has 9-5 jobs. Most people who work a 9-5 have hobbies outside of their jobs. Hobbies are creative work!! Work that we love doing whenever we get the chance. Work without any attachment to money. Use this book to stay creative in your hobbies.
This book gives you the tools to stay creative and happy in whatever you love doing. I highly recommend reading this book and keeping a copy of it with you wherever you go.
This is a note to the author (if he ever reads this). I am aware that we don’t know each other. However, I wanted to write this note as a gift to you. Thank you so much for writing this book. Your collection of methods got me through a very difficult time in my life. Your work is special because there is a message behind it. You want to leave this world a better place than when you found it. You want the people that inhabit this Earth to strive to be good. I can’t thank you enough for that message. Please keep writing, your work undoubtedly has made this world a better place.
Go check it out!
Keep Going, written by Austin Kleon.
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter!
https://broganquigley.substack.com/
Here’s my work for this post:
