International Creativity Month is celebrated every year in January. Being creative in the first month of the new year can set you up for a year of success.
So, this month I wanted to share a book review I read exactly one year ago …
Show Your Work
Show Your Work! is a book for people who hate the very idea of self-promotion.
For those who need the encouragement to take the leap to share their creativity with the world.
It is about how to take that critical next step on a creative journey—getting known to the world.
Show Your Work! It’s about getting findable, about using the network instead of wasting time “networking.” It’s not self-promotion, it’s self-discovery—let others into your process, then let them steal from you. Filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples, Show Your Work! offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave and productive.
I get it, you don’t want to share, and you are scared of putting yourself out there; but sharing your work can make you more fulfilled, reach your purpose and even make you some money!
The goal of the book is to teach people how to think about the work they do as a never-ending process that attracts like-minded people.
- Kleon shows that sharing your work should be part of what you do every single day.
- Many of us are paralyzed by perfectionism. We don’t want to “show” our work because our work isn’t perfect.
Many of us have a dream to do ‘more’ to impact others and ‘create’ something no one else has but the truth is, to create, you need to actually do the work, and then show the work. If you are holding your work from the world then no one will ever know the amazing work you are doing…
Be an Excellent-ist, not a Perfectionist
Since reading his book I’ve committed to shunning my desire to be perfect…
Perfect is a lie. Excellence holds true. Perfection implies everyone has to love you. Perfectionism — for us mere humans — is unattainable.
Excellence is a commitment to do your best and to achieve a high standard of excellence in your field.
Kleon lays out ways to think about your work as a never-ending process, how to build an audience by sharing that process, and how to deal with the ups and downs of putting yourself and your work out in the world:
Some of his key concepts that you can read more about in his book :
- You don’t have to be a genius.
- Think process, not product.
- Share something small every day.
- Open up your cabinet of curiosities.
- Tell good stories.
- Teach what you know.
- Don’t turn into human spam.
- Learn to take a punch.
Your “Work” can be anything such as:
- Writing poetry
- Writing a book
- Taking photographs
- Writing a play/movie script
- Art like painting drawing or making something new
- Music
- Anything creative!
Who Will Like This Book?
- Teachers and educators who advocate helping students publish their work.
- People who want to use social media to get their brand or messaging across.
- Perfectionists and creatives of all kinds will love this book.
You can find the book preview here
I hope to remind you that by showing your work authentically you are sharing something beautiful with the world. You share a part of yourself with others and you leave your work for a long time afterwards…
5 big benefits of creative expression
- Creativity improves your mood. …
- Creativity boosts your self-esteem. …
- Creativity improves cognitive function. …
- Creativity improves your social life. …
- Creativity alleviates stress and anxiety.
If you are one who has a creative flair and wants to start something new or have been putting off a project for a while now, and you know you are talented but you are holding yourself back due to many reasons ( fear, unworthiness, worried bout people will think ). Now is the time to leap into that creative journey…
What to start a ‘new’ creative venture, need help defining it, sticking to it or just finding what that is?
Life coaching can help!
Coaches can help their clients explore their creativity- helping their clients focus more specifically on their creative work. We help you to develop your artistic and humanistic talents.
This year my creative goals are to be more creative and to start painting again…
What’s yours?
Would love to hear your feedback, email or send me a WhatsApp text!
Sources:
Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon) – Book Summary, Notes & Highlights Link
5 big benefits of creative expression Link
