Ever had that moment when you're reading a book and think, "Wow, I already knew this, but I never actually did it"? That's exactly what happened to me with "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon. This book is a goldmine of wisdom, and I decided to share the top 10 lessons I earnestly tried to re-introduce to my life. Let's dive in!
- Explore everything that ignites curiosity: ?So, apparently, research is key. Who knew? Turns out, Googling everything from "How to write a bestseller" to "Do penguins have knees?" is the way to become an expert in anything. Want to be a writer? Just read about how the pros do it. I even started researching my field of interest – you know, in between watching dog videos and DIY projects. Pro tip: Always segregate facts from myths.
- Play the part, even before its true: Dress up for the role you want, not the one you have. Eat, breathe, and think like a writer until you become one. This meant adopting the habits and mindset of a successful writer, even when I didn’t feel like one yet. It's about embodying the role you aspire to, which helps bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
- Don't mimic, deconstruct and innovate: Follow the work you admire, decode it, understand it, and then create your own version. I started analyzing how my industry seniors make their presentations, delivered their content; taking notes on their style and techniques. Instead of copying, I learned to understand the impact of each element and added my personal touch. This approach will slowly make our work more original and insightful.
- Embrace your authenticity: Inspiration is great, but nothing beats authenticity. I learned from the best but stayed true to my quirks and unique perspective. This means incorporating your personal style and voice into your work, which makes it genuinely yours and more relatable. Make authentic your middle name. Not really, but you get the point.
- Become the difference you want to make: If you see a gap, fill it. Stop waiting for others to create what you want to see. This lesson inspired me to start projects and write about topics that I felt were underrepresented. It's about being proactive and taking initiative to make a difference.
- Don’t abandon any aspect of yourself: Embrace your past, they said. It'll be fun, they said. So, I revisited my old journals. Cringe-worthy? Absolutely. But it was also a goldmine of forgotten ideas and embarrassing stories. I kept the good, laughed at the bad, and let it all grow into something better.?
- Don’t hesitate to showcase your work: Sharing your work with the world is terrifying. What if people don’t like it? What if they do? I braved the virtual stage, shared my thoughts, and waited for the internet to respond. Turns out, the more feedback you get, the more you learn. And the more you learn, the better you become.
- Look after yourself: Self-care isn't just about pampering yourself; it's about protecting your mental and emotional well-being. I learned to be assertive, take feedback with grace, and not let criticism undermine my confidence. It’s about building resilience and maintaining a healthy balance.
- Stay mindful & track progress: Discipline is crucial for achieving your dreams. I made realistic plans, followed them (most of the time), and held myself accountable. It’s about creating structure and staying committed to your goals.
- Choose your partner with wisdom: Your partner plays a significant role in your life. Well, I chose wisely. My partner is kind, supportive, and knows when to bring me snacks. Love yourself enough to know what you deserve, wait for it, find it, and then cherish it. And remember, mutual Netflix preferences are crucial.
Sometimes, we know things but don't apply them. "Steal Like an Artist" reminded me of so many lessons I knew but never put into action or had paused long ago. By applying these lessons, I am beginning to see a positive change in my life and work. If you haven't read the book yet, I highly recommend it. It's a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to unlock their creativity and live a more fulfilling life.
