Keep Going
5.0
12 min

Keep Going

by Austin Kleon

Brief Summary

“Keep Going” by Austin Kleon discusses strategies to enhance creativity through consistent work routines, finding a suitable environment, embracing playfulness, and other effective techniques. You’ll learn how to maintain creative habits and find a balanced and mindful approach to creativity.

Key points

Listen first key point
00:00

Key idea 1 of 9

Begin by adopting a realistic view. Despite your varied techniques, creative endeavors will fluctuate. While you can boost the positive aspects and alleviate the negative ones, your creativity’s natural rise and fall will persist. You can exert an impact on it but not fully control it.

You can choose to be present for your work, prepared to engage with the varying flow of creativity, no matter how strong it may be. Whether it's a surge of inspiration or a small idea, your active involvement is crucial for making the most of it. This commitment must persist despite the circumstances. Without engaging in workdays, the possibility of a productive one diminishes entirely!

There is a proven method to ensure you’re always at work, which has helped many creative individuals succeed. It is the establishment of a daily routine. This entails not only sticking to a work schedule but also cultivating specific habits and rituals that facilitate your work mindset.

The options are diverse. Sylvia Plath chose the early morning before her children awoke. Franz Kafka favored late nights. Goethe found inspiration in the aroma of decaying apples. And John Steinbeck meticulously sharpened pencils before writing. Go with what resonates for you!

Keep in mind: you're the captain of your ship. There's no universal fix. Your routine should match your unique requirements, situation, and character. When can you dedicate time to your tasks? Do you thrive at night or in the morning? What triggers your motivation? Crafting your routine entails addressing such questions personally.

For those with an artistic and spontaneous nature, the structure of a routine might sound unappealing. But a routine doesn't aim to limit you. Instead, it allows you the freedom to pursue your creative passions. A routine provides dedicated time for creative endeavors, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of your other responsibilities.

01
Create a consistent schedule to ensure your presence at work
02
Unplug from distractions to provide the time and environment for your artistic endeavors
03
To nurture your creative abilities, try crafting lists, organizing, and ensuring sufficient rest
04
The full potential of your creativity doesn’t need commercializing or excessive popularity
05
Shift your attention away from being creative and towards engaging in creative actions
06
Reconnection with a spirit of playfulness may contribute to reviving your creativity
07
Exceptional creative accomplishments don't require an extraordinary life
08
Take a break if your creative endeavors result in your own or others' unhappiness
09
Final summary

You may also like these summaries

Mobile App Screenshots

Find full Audio & text of your favorite books in the AdvanceMe app!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur.

Start your free trial