Quote 1:
“Forget the noun, do the verb.”
Quote 2:
“Creativity is about attention, not talent.”
Quote 3:
“Every day is the ground floor.”
Keep Going is Austin Kleon’s answer to a problem most people face but rarely admit: how do you stay creative and productive when life gets messy? This book doesn’t romanticize sudden bursts of inspiration – it focuses on small, sustainable steps that keep your work alive, even in the dull or difficult days.
Kleon shares 10 rules for staying on the creative path, and each feels like a conversation with a friend who has been there before. His first reminder is that labels don’t matter – doing the work does. For example, if you want to be a writer, write something every day, even if no one reads it.
Routine is another pillar of his advice. Kleon argues that waiting for the “perfect mood” to create is a trap. Instead, make creativity part of your daily rhythm, like brushing your teeth. He even suggests having a dedicated “bliss station” – a physical or mental space where you can work without distractions. A young painter in Rajshahi did this by turning a small corner of her rooftop into a mini art studio. Even with noisy surroundings, she could escape there for an hour every evening, and that habit led to her first solo exhibition.
Kleon also talks about disconnecting from the constant noise. Social media can drain your focus and make you compare yourself to others unfairly. Instead, he encourages taking deliberate breaks from the internet. This could be as simple as going for a walk without your phone.
Importantly, Kleon reminds us to keep a playful approach. Serious goals don’t have to mean a joyless process. He tells readers to experiment, try new tools, and embrace mistakes as part of learning.
Finally, the book reassures us that it’s okay to feel stuck or invisible at times. The real measure of progress isn’t constant praise or results – it’s showing up and doing the work anyway. Kleon writes that every day is the ground floor, a new chance to keep going.
What Youth Can Take Away from This
For Bangladeshi youth, Keep Going is more than a creative handbook – it’s a guide for resilience in any personal or professional journey.
Common Mistake 1: Waiting for “the right time”
Many youth delay starting projects until conditions seem perfect. By then, opportunities pass.
Fix: Start now, even if things aren’t ideal. The habit of showing up daily will prepare you for bigger moments.
Common Mistake 2: Confusing online presence with real progress
It’s easy to think that posting more means you’re achieving more, but online activity isn’t the same as meaningful work.
Fix: Balance digital sharing with offline creation. Protect quiet time for focused work.
Common Mistake 3: Losing joy in the process
When all focus is on outcomes – grades, likes, job offers – passion fades.
Fix: Add play back into your work. Treat experiments as learning, not as failures.
Example:
A small group of university friends in Khulna wanted to launch a social startup but kept delaying because they didn’t have the “perfect” business model. Inspired by similar persistence stories, they decided to start small by testing one service in their own campus. That trial run not only worked but also attracted local support.
The message is clear: whether you’re studying, creating, or building a career, progress is a daily act, not a one-time breakthrough. Keep going, protect your energy, and remember – every day is a new start.
