Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)-Book summary and Quotes.
CHAPTER 1
You don’t have to be a genius
To be creative you don’t need to be born smart, you just need to provide value and be in the company of creative people that motivates you to be better. it doesn't matter how good you look or how rich you are, If you are unable to provide value, you won’t be taken seriously Don’t worry if you feel like amateurs, because the real difference is doing something and doing nothing at all, don't worry about anything else such as money, fame followers just do what you love and the rest will follow. You need a voice, your own voice, find it and keep doing what motivates you every day, what excites you never let anything stop you from being amazing. There will be a day you will die and when you know that you start living your life because regrets are more painful than failure.
Quotes
“The stupidest possible creative act is still a creative act” Clay Shirky
“In this day and age if your work isn’t online” Austin Kleon
“One day you will be dead” Austin Kleon
CHAPTER 2
Take people behind the scene
Put yourself out there and make yourself visible because that is the only way you can rise. People really want to know what's going on. It's your duty to show them the way they want to see. You may feel like there is nothing to share but there is always something and the work gets easier when you're constantly doing it.
Quotes
“For connection, we have to allow ourselves to be seen, really seen”.
CHAPTER 3
Share something small every day
There is no overnight success; it takes years of dedication, perseverance, and effort to see even the slightest bit of success. Keep yourself motivated and focused, do what you can control, and grab the opportunities. Document your journey, make time for the work that you're passionate about, and never give up no matter how hard it gets. Keep doing it, consistency is everything. Be careful what you are sharing and with whom you are sharing, don’t overshare.
Quotes
If you work on something a little bit every day, you will end up with something massive.” Kenneth Goldsmith
“I like to work when the world is sleeping and share while the world is at work.” Austin Kleon
CHAPTER 4
Open up your cabinet of curiosities
During the first days, things might not go your way but you should not lose hope, rather you should keep trying, spend time with people that share the same dream as you do, and try to connect with as many of them as possible. If you want to stand out then do what others are ignoring, be yourself, be honest, and be loyal.
Quotes
“When you find things that you genuinely enjoy, don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it.”
CHAPTER 5
Tell good stories
To be heard you need to become a good storyteller. Always have your audience in mind, and be extra cautious of how you present because the importance of something is how you present it.
Chapter 6
Teach what you know
When you know things, teaching them to others helps them learn, teaching others what you know doesn't take anything from you, it just shows how humble and generous you are.
Quotes
“The moment you learn something turn around and teach it” Austin Kleon
Chapter7
Don't turn into human spam
It’s not always about you, give other people their chances too.
To do something you need to understand it first and always remember that quality is greater than quantity. Do what you love and preach about it. Don't be a jerk, meet people and connect with positive human beings do not spend time with people that drain your energy.
Quotes
“Whatever excites you, you go do it. Whatever drains you, stop doing it.” Derek Sivers
Chapter8
Learn to take a punch
When you put yourself out there on the internet in front of thousands of people, you will receive hate for sure, but do not take them personally. The ways to deal with hate is given below:
- Relax and breath
- Strengthen your neck
- Roll with the punches
- Protect your vulnerable areas
- Keep the balance
- Delete the nasty comments
- Never take anything personally
CHAPTER9
Sell out
You are worth something and asking people money for the value you provide is absolutely okay. Make sure you keep the people connected with you, keep a mailing list on your blog so that they can leave their emails on it, and by this way you never lose your audience.
Take risks, do things that make you uncomfortable, keep yourself busy and never let go of any opportunities. Thank everyone kind enough to help you throughout your journey and pay them back as soon as you can.
Quotes
'The real risk is not changing” saxophonist John Coltrane”
CHAPTER10
Stick around
No matter how hard things get, don't be impatient and quit, be patient because good things take time. Never stay in your comfort zone, move forward, and strive to be the best version of yourself.
Quotes
“Anyone who isn’t embarrassed who they were last year probably isn’t learning enough” Alain de Botton.