Be Bold and “Show Your Work” This Year!

New Year, New Book

This holiday season was a special one. It was my and my husband’s first Christmas/NYE in lovely Scotland where we just moved to from Germany ✨

Today’s book recommendation is “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon. It was one of the first books I’ve read last month after the move to Edinburgh, and it really resonated with me.

I would describe this book as a kick in the butt if you want to publish your ideas and art, but are too afraid to do so.

Austin’s main point is that you will never perfect your art if you don’t put yourself out there and publish what you have. Nothing will ever be perfect — but it sure can become better and better with iterations, feedback, and just showing your work.

As is evident from my Medium, the year 2023 was all about researching how I can share my ideas online. I read so much about personal branding, networking, and the art of online writing.

In “Show Your Work!”, Austin Kleon says that it will only change your life for the better if you put yourself and your work out there every day.

This book is not just motivational, though. It has a lot of actionable advice:

Don’t post anything that you are not comfortable with the entire world seeing.

Become a documentarian of what you do (even if you think that your job is boring — document how you are going about it).

Share imperfect and unfinished work, but don’t overshare.

Anyways, right now I am doing what Austin recommended. I am showing my work, and I will be doing much more of this in the year 2024.

Happy New Year and happy reading! ✨

As you know, I never post book reviews without a beer recommendation. It’s just not who I am as a person.

Today’s beer is from my now local, Scottish brewery Brewdog. I have never tried the pineapple version of their Hazy Jane beer until this holiday season, and let me tell you it’s delicious 🍍