Day 81 - Chapter 1 - Keep Going

Austin Kleon’s 2019 book “Keep Going,” is a quick read.  Ten short chapters keeps one focused on what the author considers the "10 ways to stay creative in good times and bad.”  His first chapter is a reminder to take one day at a time.  He uses an analogy to the movie “Ground Hog Day,” where the character repeats the same day over and over.  Kleon suggests for artists to do the same.  Make art daily as every day there is something waiting to be created.   While one does not have much control over what their day may bring, what control they do have is what they spend it on.  Keep doing the art work.  Kleon urges the reader to establish a daily routine.  Routines defend one from chaos, as it sets a schedule of what to do next, especially when there is a limited amount of time available.  And there is no perfect routine.  To establish a routine, the author suggests to review daily habits.  Determine the free time, the time wasters, as well as be aware of the rituals that may influence one’s mood. While one might equate having a routine to being imprisoned, he suggests to view routines as a method to protect one from life’s ups and downs.  Routines helps one “take advantage of your limited time, energy and talent.” Kleon encourages the reader to review their routines and when necessary…modify.



I encourage you to buy a copy of Keep Going for a better understanding of your own creative process.  Whether you're a master artist or beginning artist, this is an excellent book.

---