Show YourWork (Book Review)

A very short yet inspiring book by Austin Kleon. Show Your Work was one of the biggest factors that propelled me to stop procrastinating and just set up this website.

If you find yourself constantly waiting for the perfect moment to start that website, YouTube channel, or business you've been dreaming of, "Show Your Work" is a book that I highly recommend.

It provides invaluable insights and guidance to help you take that crucial first step and lay a solid foundation for turning your dreams into reality.

By reading this book, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge to fortify your journey towards success and make your creative endeavors truly shine.

Book In Two Sentences (It is already a short read)

• Embrace the idea of being generous, open and transparent with your process and progress; just show how you create.

• Be an amateur, learn along the way and build relationships through your work.

How It Changed Me

• When I first started this site, I didn't have much of a plan. I simply wanted to share my progress and the things I had learned along the way. What surprised me was how liberating it was to focus on the process rather than fixating on a finished product. It made me realize that people genuinely appreciate seeing the journey and growth unfold.

• In the past, I used to view website creation solely through a commercial lens. It was all about researching the best niches, popular topics, and SEO strategies. However, this book has shifted my perspective. Now, I see it as an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and share my own growth and experiences.

• If I'm being honest, I used to be quite selfish when it came to sharing great content. I had a subconscious desire to keep it all to myself. But "Show Your Work" has opened my eyes to the value of cultivating a sharing mindset (like what is taught in Go-Givers. By sharing, I not only help others but also create a supportive environment where everyone can grow and benefit together. It's a win-win situation that I hadn't fully appreciated before.

Highlights

• Share your process: Instead of only showing the final polished product, make an effort to share your creative process.

• Embrace being an "amateur": Don't wait until you feel like an expert to share your work. Be enthusiastic, curious, and willing to learn in public. Allow yourself to make mistakes and grow through the process.

• Build a network: Share your work consistently and actively engage with others.

• Harness the power of the Internet: Take advantage of online platforms and social media to showcase your work. The internet provides a global audience and allows you to connect with people who share your interests.

• Be generous: Share your knowledge, insights, and resources freely. Help others by providing value and contributing to the creative community.

• Embrace the process of "learning in public": Allow yourself to learn, grow, and experiment openly. Share your successes and failures, and use feedback as an opportunity to refine and improve your work.

• Be findable: Ensure that your work is easily discoverable and accessible.

• Focus on the journey, not just the destination: Embrace the idea of lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

• Enjoy the process of creating and sharing your work, and let go of the obsession with immediate success or recognition.

• Share what you love: Don't be afraid to show your passions and interests. By sharing what you truly love, you attract like-minded individuals and create authentic connections.

• Cultivate a mindset of sharing: Make sharing an integral part of your creative process. It not only helps you connect with others but also allows you to reflect on your own work, gain new perspectives, and contribute to the collective creativity of the world.

Summary

Show Your Work! is a book by Austin Kleon that was published in 2014.

It is a follow-up to Kleon's first book, Steal Like an Artist.

In Show Your Work!, Kleon argues that the best way to get known for your creative work is to share it with others. He offers ten rules for sharing your work, including:

• Be generous. Share your work with others, even if it's not perfect.

• Be consistent. Share your work regularly, even if it's just a little bit.

• Be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not.

• Be patient. It takes time to build an audience.

Kleon also talks about the importance of building relationships with others in the creative community.

He argues that the best way to get help with your work is to help others with theirs. He also talks about the importance of being open to criticism and feedback.

In all, a very practical yet inspiring little book of getting started. Enjoy!

See ya next time peeps. Love ya.

Andrewson