Keep Going
A guide on how to maintain creativity through life’s ups and downs.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Every day is Groundhog Day
- Build a Bliss Station
- Forget the noun, do the verb
- Make gifts
- The ordinary + extra attention = the extraordinary
- Slay the art monsters
- You are allowed to change your mind
key point 1 of 7
Every day is Groundhog Day
In the context of creative work, the concept of ‘Every day is Groundhog Day’ is used to underline the importance of establishing a daily routine to maintain a steady creative process. The idea borrows from the movie ‘Groundhog Day,’ where the protagonist, Phil, is stuck repeating the same day over and over. It suggests that embracing repetition and routine can lead to personal growth and improvement in one’s craft. Instead of viewing the repetition of each day as monotonous, it is seen as an opportunity to refine skills and work consistently on one’s projects…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
Build a Bliss Station
Austin Kleon, in ‘Keep Going’, advocates for the creation of a ‘Bliss Station’ – a space or period of time dedicated solely to creativity and joy. Regardless of its physical or temporal form, a Bliss Station should be a place where distractions are minimized, and the central focus is on engaging with one’s creative passions. Kleon emphasizes that it doesn’t have to be a lavish setup; it could simply be a quiet corner in your house or a dedicated hour early in the morning or late at night…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Forget the noun, do the verb
In the book, the author puts forward a thought-provoking perspective, suggesting readers to ‘forget the noun, do the verb’. This implies that one should not get hung up on labels or fixed identities (the nouns), but instead focus on the action (the verb). It encourages continuous doing and acting, rather than being confined to a certain identity or title…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Make gifts
The concept of ‘making gifts’ in ‘Keep Going’ is about producing work as if you are creating a gift for someone. This perspective emphasizes the altruistic and generous side of creative work, wherein the creator focuses on the joy and value that their work might bring to others. It’s an approach that encourages artists to think less about personal gain and more about the positive impact their creations can have on the world around them…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
The ordinary + extra attention = the extraordinary
In ‘Keep Going,’ the concept of ordinary plus extra attention equals extraordinary is emphasized. Ordinary actions or routines can become extraordinary when one pays extra attention to them. These routines could be as simple as waking up, eating, traveling, working, or even as mundane as brushing our teeth. When we consciously pay extra attention to these routines, it opens up a new perspective, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Slay the art monsters
Slaying the art monsters means overcoming the inner obstacles and fears that prevent us from creating our art. It’s about recognizing that our worst enemy can often be ourselves and our self-doubts, anxieties, or perceived inadequacies. We all have these ‘art monsters’ inside of us, feeding off our insecurities and fears, trying to prevent us from expressing our creativity. They might manifest as procrastination, perfectionism, or a fear of failure or criticism…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
You are allowed to change your mind
In the journey of life, we are often faced with decisions that require a firm stand and commitment. However, it is critical to remember that you are allowed to change your mind. Changing your mind does not imply inconsistency or fickleness, rather it signifies your adaptive nature and your ability to consider new perspectives and information…Read&Listen More