Afraid to Hit Publish? Why Austin Kleon's "Show Your Work!" is Your New Best Friend

Hey friends! 👋

Ever create something you're kinda proud of, maybe even really proud of, but then hesitate to share it? That little voice whispers, "Is it good enough? What will people think? Am I even qualified to share this?" Trust me, we've all been there. It's that fear of putting ourselves out there, that impulse to keep our work hidden until it's "perfect" (spoiler: perfect never arrives).

But what if I told you that hiding your work, waiting for that mythical moment of perfection, is actually holding you back? What if the real magic happens when you share your process, your journey, your messy, work-in-progress self with the world?

That's the core idea behind a book that genuinely shifted my perspective: "Show Your Work!" by Austin Kleon. This isn't just another productivity hack; it's a philosophy for thriving as a creative person (and spoiler alert: we're all creative!) in the digital age. Kleon argues that generosity trumps genius and that sharing your process isn't self-promotion—it's self-discovery that connects you with people who care about the same things you do.

So, let's dive into some of the key takeaways from this gem, shall we?

1. Ditch the "Lone Genius" Myth (Embrace Being an Amateur!) 🧑‍🔬

We often romanticize the idea of the solitary genius, toiling away in isolation until they emerge with a masterpiece. Kleon argues this is mostly a myth! Great work often comes from a "scenius"—a scene, a community, a network of people supporting, inspiring, and yes, even stealing from each other.

The internet is a massive scenius, and you don't need to be an expert to join in. In fact, Kleon champions being an amateur. Amateurs learn in the open, driven by passion and curiosity, not ego or money. They experiment, make mistakes publicly, and share their journey. And guess what? Sometimes amateurs have more to teach because they remember what it's like to be a beginner.

Actionable Idea: Find something you want to learn, and learn it in front of others. Share your struggles, your small wins, your questions. Contributing something is infinitely better than contributing nothing.

2. Think Process, Not Just Product 🛠️

In the old days, creators often only revealed the polished final product. But today, people love seeing behind the scenes! They want to know how things are made, the story behind the creation.

Sharing your process—sketches, drafts, influences, techniques, failures—does a few amazing things:

• Connects you: It lets people feel involved in your creative journey.

• Demystifies your work: It shows the effort involved and makes it more relatable.

• Creates learning opportunities: For you (through feedback) and for others.

Actionable Idea: Document your work! Take photos, write short notes, record quick videos. You don't have to share it all, but capturing the process gives you raw material to share later.

3. Share Something Small, Every Day (Stock vs. Flow) 💧➡️🌊

Okay, "every day" might sound daunting, but the idea is consistency. Kleon talks about "flow" and "stock".

• Flow: Your daily updates – tweets, short posts, photos. These are small glimpses into your world that remind people you exist.

• Stock: Your more durable, evergreen content – blog posts, videos, finished pieces. This is the stuff that lasts.

The key is that your daily "flow" can feed your "stock". Those little thoughts, observations, and process updates can become the building blocks for larger projects.

Actionable Idea: Don't overthink it. Share a small piece of your process, an interesting link you found, a question you're pondering. Ask yourself: Is it helpful or interesting?. If yes, share! If unsure, save it for later. Also, seriously consider getting your own little corner of the internet, like a blog with your own domain name – social media platforms come and go, but your website can be your lasting home base.

4. Open Your Cabinet of Curiosities (Share What You Love) ❤️

Sharing isn't just about your work; it's also about sharing what inspires you. What are you reading? Watching? Listening to? Who inspires you?

Sharing your influences gives people insight into who you are and what makes you tick. It also positions you as a connector, an "open node". When you generously share others' work (and always give credit!), you become a valuable part of your community. Remember: if you want fans, you have to be a fan first.

Actionable Idea: Don't just hoard cool links and ideas. Share them! Credit the creators generously. Become the person who surfaces interesting things for others.

5. Tell Good Stories 📖

Facts tell, but stories sell (and connect!). Your work doesn't always speak for itself. People connect with narratives. Why did you make this? What problem were you trying to solve? What did you learn along the way?.

Learning to frame your work and process within a story makes it far more engaging and valuable to others.

Actionable Idea: Practice structuring your sharing. Think: What was the beginning (the idea/problem)? What was the middle (the work/struggle)? What was the end (the result/lesson learned)?.

6. Teach What You Know 🧑‍🏫

Worried that teaching others your "secrets" will diminish your value? Kleon argues the opposite! Teaching actually adds value and generates more interest in your work. When you let people in on your process and knowledge, they feel closer to you and your work. Plus, teaching is one of the best ways to learn and solidify your own understanding.

Actionable Idea: Think about what you've learned recently, even small things. Share a tip, explain a process, break down a concept. Out-teach your competition!.

7. Learn to Take a Punch (and Don't Be Human Spam) 맷집

Putting your work out there means you will face criticism. It's inevitable. Kleon advises relaxing, breathing, and protecting your vulnerable areas. Don't let the fear of negative feedback stop you from sharing. Remember, your work is something you do, not who you are.

Also, be a good citizen online. Don't just talk about yourself. Listen, share others' work, be considerate. Don't turn into human spam!.

The Takeaway: Just Start Sharing!

"Show Your Work!" isn't about becoming famous; it's about the richness that comes from sharing your journey and connecting with others who care about the same things. It's about finding your voice by using it, learning by doing, and realizing that sharing your process is valuable in itself.

It made me (and countless others, including Ali Abdaal himself!) much more comfortable with hitting 'publish' and putting ideas out into the world, even before they feel 'ready'.

So, my challenge to you: What's one small thing from your process, your learning, or your interests that you can share today?

Let me know in the comments below! And if you haven't already, definitely grab a copy of "Show Your Work!". It's a quick, inspiring read packed with actionable advice.