I used to think that creative people were born like that. I was wrong. Everyone can become creative. There were a series of different events that allowed me to see this but one book triggered it.

The book is Steal Like An Artist by the author Austin Kleon. The idea is that by learning that one thing, you can become creative in your own right. Yes, it can feel like cheating but people tend to repeat experiences, right? Sometimes the outcome is similar and sometimes totally different. The book highlights 10 key concepts and I’ll do a quick summary on each.

1. Steal Like An Artist

Nothing is completely original. Most people like to use this word but in reality, they don’t really know if it’s truly original. In fact, ever new idea is a mix of other previous ideas. Agree? Have you ever asked yourself that you like the things you do, what you like that song, that film, that book, that friend? Perhaps it’s just what you let into your life. Be curious, take notes and… you get some inspiration from that!

2. Don’t Wait Until You Know Who You Are To Get Started

We are not Superman or Wonder Woman. We can only understand few things by taking the first steps. Fake it till you make it. Pretend to be that person you want to be till you actually are. Imitate your heroes initially and at some point take a step further and make that version your own with your tweaks.

3. Write The Book You Want To Read

If you like reading, then don’t write what you know but what you really enjoy. Same for anything in life you’re trying to achieve. Be that change you want to see.

4. Use Your Hands

Your MacBook or whatever laptop you have is great for editing and adjust your ideas but sometimes you need a real pencil and a piece of paper to define your ideas in first place. I’m certainly lacking this as I mainly take notes on my iPad but this is indeed a great point. Go back to the basics if you can.

5. Side Projects And Hobbies Are Important

This is about learning productive procrastination. It’s good to have multiple projects going on so we can bounce between them when we get bored of one. Get lost. It’s not too bad and you might discover something interesting.

6.  The Secret: Do Good Work And Share It With People

We all love when they share with us the “secret sauce” right? Well, let’s make this a habit and at some point you’ll see the benefits.

7. Geography Is No Longer Our Master

Create your own world, find those communities you can connect and when you get too comfortable, get out. Travel. Get inspired.

8. Be Nice

Garbage in, garbage out. You’ll potentially be as good as the people you surround yourself with. If you’re the best in the room, then find another room. You need to be with smarter and better people than you to grow.

9. Be Boring

It takes some efforts to be creative. We need energy that cannot be wasted in other stuff. Let’s protect our energy reserves. Say no.

10. Creativity Is Substraction

There’s too much going in the world. Learn how to leave out stuff. Focus on the important. Spend the energy there.

Final Thoughts

This is a great book if you want to stop making excuses for not working on your dreams. Move to action. There are practical tips here that you can implement today and see changes. Remember that getting a bit better every day will have a massive impact at the end of the year.