Take up the courage to “Show Your Work”!

After reflecting for months, I finally decided to publish my website. And one of the motivations behind letting my writer’s soul free is the book “Show Your Work” by Austin Kleon.

So many of us keep our thoughts closeted despite having so much to say. The reasons can be varied. From lack of time to share our thoughts to the fear of judgment to taking our own thoughts for granted! Whatever may be the reason, every time we keep our thoughts to ourselves, we miss out on the opportunity to start interesting conversations, meet like-minded people and forge meaningful connections.

The way Austin demystifies the entire process of writing and presents tangible takeaways that we can apply right after completing the last chapter is truly creative. He says that you don't have to be a genius to show your work. Sometimes an amateur can be a better teacher than an expert simply because they can understand a beginner's mind better. On the question of what to write about, he simply answers in the chapter "open up your cabinet of curiosities." It can be related to your work, your ideas, or simply what you care about. Don't keep them in your treasured collections. Also, tell good stories. However, the one lesson that stood out the most was that “write as if it were a matter of life and death.” One day we all will die, and so will our unconveyed ideas/thoughts.

The book ‘Show Your Work’ is a great read for anyone who wants to speak up but is hesitant to do so. It addresses most of the questions, from why to write, to what to write to how to write in a simple, interesting, and engaging way. And the most it expects of us is to read it with an open mind. The answers will find their way to us!

Cheers to the journey ahead!