Keep Going by Austin Kleon is a motivational book that encourages readers to keep pushing forward, even when they feel stuck or overwhelmed. The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which offers insights and advice on how to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Chapter 1: The Stepladder of Creativity
In the first chapter, Kleon introduces the idea of the “stepladder of creativity,” which is a metaphor for the process of creating something new. He argues that creativity is not a linear process, but rather a series of steps that build on one another. This chapter also includes advice on how to overcome creative blocks and find inspiration in unexpected places.
Chapter 2: You Don’t Have to Be a Genius
In this chapter, Kleon challenges the idea that creativity is only for geniuses or special people. Instead, he argues that everyone has the ability to be creative, and that creativity is often more about persistence and hard work than it is about talent.
Chapter 3: The Art of Noticing
This chapter focuses on the importance of paying attention to the world around us and using our observations as inspiration for our own creativity. Kleon encourages readers to keep a “notebook of observations” to record interesting things they see and hear, and to use these observations as jumping-off points for their own work.
Chapter 4: The Necessity of Play
In this chapter, Kleon argues that play is an essential part of creativity and that we should make time for playfulness in our daily lives. He suggests that play can help us break out of ruts and find new ways of thinking about things.
Chapter 5: The Importance of Process
In this chapter, Kleon emphasizes the importance of having a consistent creative practice and of treating creativity as a job. He suggests that setting aside dedicated time and space for creative work can help us stay focused and productive.
Chapter 6: The Power of Constraints
This chapter explores the idea that constraints can actually be helpful for creativity. Kleon argues that limitations can force us to think more creatively and to come up with new solutions to problems.
Chapter 7: The Courage to Be Bad
In this chapter, Kleon encourages readers to embrace imperfection and to be willing to make mistakes. He argues that fear of failure can hold us back from pursuing our goals, and that it’s important to be willing to take risks and try new things.
Chapter 8: The Art of the Handmade
In this chapter, Kleon discusses the value of handmade objects and the importance of making things by hand. He argues that creating things ourselves can help us develop a deeper appreciation for the work of others and can also help us develop new skills and abilities.
Chapter 9: The Power of the Personal
In this chapter, Kleon emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories and experiences in our creative work. He argues that our own experiences can be a powerful source of inspiration and that sharing them with others can help us connect with others and build community.
Chapter 10: The Importance of Being Unavailable
In the final chapter, Kleon discusses the importance of disconnecting from technology and other distractions in order to focus on our creative work. He suggests that being fully present and engaged in our work can help us achieve greater levels of productivity and satisfaction.
Overall, Keep Going is a thoughtful and inspiring book that offers practical advice for anyone looking to stay motivated and focused on their goals. Whether you’re a creative professional or simply someone who wants to lead a more fulfilling life, this book has something to offer for everyone.
If you’re interested in learning more about the book or purchasing a copy for yourself, you can find it on Amazon or at your local bookstore. And if you’re looking for more book recommendations or book summaries, be sure to check out our other reviews and summaries!
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