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Highly recommended

Keep Going

10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad

by Austin Kleon

Ten short lessons for sustaining a creative life, from routines to taking walks.

  • Published 2019
  • Easy read
  • Practical guidance
  • 1 min analysis
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Introduction

Austin Kleon, a writer and artist, published Keep Going in 2019 as the third in a series after Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!.

It's a short, illustrated book about maintaining creativity through distraction, doubt and difficult times.

Who should read this book?

Artists, writers and creative people who want to sustain their practice.

Helps with: Stay motivated, Unlock my creativity

The central message

Creativity is a lifelong practice. Daily routines, attention and kindness help you keep going.

Key ideas and concepts

  1. Every day is Groundhog Day

    Focus on today's work.

  2. Build a bliss station

    A time and place free from distraction.

  3. Forget the noun, do the verb

    Focus on the activity, not the title.

  4. Make gifts

    Create for others, not metrics.

  5. Take walks

    Walking clears the mind.

Deeper analysis

Keep Going is warm, practical and visually charming. It's especially comforting during creative slumps.

It's very short and its ideas are simple. Readers wanting depth may want more. It's a lovely companion for creative people.

Practical applications

  • Set a daily creative routine.
  • Create a bliss station.
  • Focus on doing rather than outcomes.
  • Make something as a gift.
  • Take a daily walk.

Your 7-day action plan

  1. Day 1

    Plan your routine.

  2. Day 2

    Create a bliss station.

  3. Day 3

    Do the verb.

  4. Day 4

    Make a gift.

  5. Day 5

    Walk.

  6. Day 6

    Tidy your space.

  7. Day 7

    Reflect.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

  • Sustained creativity
  • Daily routine
  • Less pressure
  • Joy in creating

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

  • Warm and practical
  • Charming visuals
  • Short
  • Comforting

Limitations

  • Very short
  • Simple ideas
  • Light on depth

Reflection questions

  1. What's your daily routine?
  2. Where's your bliss station?
  3. Are you focused on the noun or verb?
  4. Who could you make something for?

About the author

Austin Kleon

Writer and artist, author of Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!

Full profile and books

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Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated October 2, 2026.