Keep Going

About the Author: Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon is a unique voice in the world of creativity. A poet, visual artist, and writer, Kleon is best known for his ability to articulate the often elusive process of creativity in a way that resonates deeply with a broad audience. His work is a bridge between the worlds of art and practicality, offering insights that are both profound and accessible. Kleon's approach to creativity is not just about producing art but about living a creative life, a theme that runs through all his works, including "Steal Like an Artist," "Show Your Work," and "Keep Going."

In "Keep Going," Kleon shares his wisdom on how to maintain creativity even in the face of challenges. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, finding joy in the process, and cultivating habits that sustain creativity over the long term. Kleon's work is deeply personal yet universally relatable, making him a guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of a creative life.

Main Idea

The main idea of "Keep Going" is to provide a roadmap for maintaining creativity in a world that often feels overwhelming. Kleon offers ten principles designed to help artists and creators continue their work even when they feel uninspired, burned out, or discouraged. These principles are rooted in the belief that creativity is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that requires persistence, self-compassion, and a focus on the process rather than the outcome.

Kleon’s principles encourage readers to find joy in their creative practices, to build routines that support their work, and to embrace the inevitable ups and downs of the creative process. He challenges the conventional wisdom that creativity requires inspiration and instead argues that it is the result of daily habits, a mindset of exploration, and a willingness to keep going, no matter what.

Table of Contents

1. Have Healthy Creative Goals
2. Stay in the Moment
3. Live a Healthy Creative Life

Have Healthy Creative Goals

Kleon begins by discussing the importance of setting healthy creative goals. He distinguishes between two types of goals: results-based goals and process-based goals. Results-based goals focus on the outcome, such as earning money or gaining approval, while process-based goals emphasize the creative process itself. Kleon argues that the latter is essential for maintaining a sustainable and fulfilling creative practice.

Unhealthy Results-Based Goals

Results-based goals can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction because they prioritize the end product over the creative journey. Kleon notes that when creators focus too much on results, they lose sight of why they started creating in the first place. This can turn what was once a joyful activity into a source of stress and pressure.

For example, consider a painter who begins creating art purely for the love of it. Over time, as they start to gain recognition, they might shift their focus toward selling their work or gaining social media followers. This shift can lead to a sense of obligation, where the artist feels pressured to create work that will sell or receive likes, rather than work that is true to their creative vision.