Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon

Creativity is a source of joy and personal satisfaction, but it can also become demotivating and overwhelming in times of crisis. Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, entrepreneur, or professional, it’s inevitable that life’s inevitable changes will affect your creative process. In his book Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad, New York Times bestselling author Austin Kleon offers a beacon of light in the form of ten strategies to help readers stay creative through any obstacle.

Kleon’s book serves as a practical guide to keep marching forward and going, even when times are tough. He begins by underscoring the importance of self-care and emotional wellbeing, warning readers against analyzing and overthinking their creative pursuits. Instead, Kleon advocates for extracurricular activities and hobbies to broaden the senses and inspire creative breakthroughs.

Kleon then dives into the practices of “leaning into curiosity” and recognizing the importance of “play.” He encourages readers to embrace active curiosity, observing the world and consuming inspiration from different places, as this process is integral to the creative process. Through play, Kleon encourages readers to embrace new hobbies, reconnect with old interests, and even learn something new. He emphasizes the importance of daring to fail in order to facilitate progress, as the progress and breakthroughs made by those who play come only after bravely taking risks.

After highlighting the significance of playing and leaning into curiosity, Kleon moves on to discuss the importance of generating ideas and going against the grain. Kleon reminds readers that to be truly creative, they must be willing to think outside the box. He emphasizes the importance of risking going against the norm and leaving room for spontaneity and divergent thinking.

Next, he turns his attention to taking breaks and using routine as key elements of creative fuel. Kleon remarks that scheduled or routine breaks can often be more beneficial than get-up-and-go creativity spirit and allows for creative growth. Kleon then encourages readers to find solace in working on projects with others and cultivating meaningful real-world relationships. For those who can’t find a collaborator or prefer working alone, Kleon also outlines self-reflection techniques for inspiring creative endeavors.

In his book, Kleon also delves deeper into the world of creative momentum and discussing the importance of always pushing forward even when work feels stale or redundant. He reminds readers that creative blocks and lulls are inevitable, but that staying motivated and engaged is possible. Kleon also outlines “the five stages of finishing a project”, which is essential to keeping creativity and productivity moving.

Finally, Kleon encourages readers to put themselves out there, both professionally and artistically. He explains how cultivating an audience may benefit one’s creative journey, and provides insight into how marketing, self-publishing, and new technologies are making it easier for independent creatives to unleash their work.

Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad demonstrates how creatives can stay resilient and motivated no matter the times. By following Kleon's strategies, readers can better establish methods and workflow to cultivate their creative abilities and stay creative in any circumstance.