Moonshots Podcast: Superstar mindsets and success habits

Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon

May 6, 2025

Austin Kleon, author of 'Show Your Work!' and 'Steal Like an Artist', joins the conversation about embracing creativity. He discusses the importance of sharing your journey, emphasizing that you don’t have to be a genius to get started. The podcast explores how collaboration fuels innovation and the significant role of community support in enhancing creativity. Kleon also highlights the transformative impact of sharing your work and advises on nurturing personal well-being to sustain a creative rhythm.

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INSIGHT

Share Your Process Early

Sharing your creative process daily connects you with an audience primed for your finished work.
You don’t need a perfect product to start sharing; small, consistent bits build interest over time.

ADVICE

Share Small Pieces Consistently

Share small, related snippets regularly instead of waiting for a finished product.
This reduces fear and builds a habit of creating and sharing consistently.

ADVICE

Embrace Criticism to Grow

Don’t fear criticism; facing negative feedback can drive your greatest achievements.
Start sharing early to build confidence and continual creative momentum.

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Show Your Work!

Austin Kleon

In 'Show Your Work!', Austin Kleon provides a manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age. The book emphasizes the importance of generosity over genius, getting 'findable' by using the network, and self-discovery through sharing your creative process. It offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, and productive, including chapters on sharing something small every day, engaging with your audience, and the etiquette of sharing online. The book is filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples to inspire and guide readers in their creative journeys[2][3][4].

Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert

In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.

A Mind for Numbers

How to Excel at Math and Science

Barbara Oakley

In 'A Mind for Numbers', Dr. Barbara Oakley provides practical advice and scientific insights on how to excel in math and science, even for those who have struggled in these subjects. The book highlights the importance of using both focused and diffuse modes of thinking, managing time effectively, and applying strategies such as interleaved practice and spaced repetition. Oakley shares her personal journey from being a mathphobe to becoming an engineering professor, illustrating that anyone can improve their skills in these areas with the right approach.

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Daring Greatly

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Brené Brown

In 'Daring Greatly,' Brené Brown delves into the topics of vulnerability, shame, and courage. The book, inspired by a quote from Theodore Roosevelt's 'Citizenship in a Republic' speech, argues that vulnerability is essential for living a wholehearted life. Brown discusses how vulnerability is often misunderstood as weakness, but it is actually a sign of courage. She provides insights from her research on how vulnerability affects men and women differently and offers practical advice on overcoming shame and embracing vulnerability in personal and professional life. The book emphasizes the importance of connection, shame resilience, and the distinction between guilt and shame[3][4][5].

The 10X Rule

Grant Cardone

In 'The 10X Rule,' Grant Cardone introduces the principle of setting targets that are ten times what you think you want and then taking ten times the action you think it will take to accomplish those targets. The book stresses the importance of massive thoughts followed by massive actions, perseverance, positivity, and a domination mentality. Cardone argues that success is not an option but a duty, and it requires a mindset shift to achieve extraordinary results. He emphasizes the need to take full responsibility for one's success, to be obsessed with goals, and to overcome fear and obstacles through persistent action.

The Power of Full Engagement

Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal

Tony Schwartz

Jim Loehr

This New York Times bestseller provides a scientifically based approach to managing energy more skillfully both on and off the job. The book outlines key training principles to mobilize four key sources of energy (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual), balance energy expenditure with intermittent energy renewal, expand capacity systematically, and create positive energy management rituals. It offers a life-changing roadmap to becoming fully engaged, meaning physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and spiritually aligned.

In this exciting new episode of the Moonshots Podcast, Mike and Mark explore Austin Kleon’s influential book “Show Your Work!” They also discuss how to embrace and share one's creativity with the world.

Links:

• Buy The Book on Amazon

• Become a Moonshot Member on Patreon

• Watch this episode on YouTube

This episode features insightful clips that highlight key themes from the book:

1. INTRO:

• Austin Kleon speaks with Brian Johnson about the most significant misunderstanding of the book.

Clip: Start Sharing Early (2m47)

2. Insights from Mike Nardi:

• Mike Nardi encourages listeners to be more open with their interests and creativity.

Clip: You Don’t Have to Be a Genius (57s)

3. Advice from Brian Johnson:

• Brian Johnson emphasizes the importance of working hard and finding rhythms of rest to foster creativity.

Clip: Micro Sabbaticals (2m49)

4. OUTRO:

• Austin Kleon closes the show by highlighting the value of reading other people’s work.

Clip: Start Absorbing Today (2m32)

About “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon:

“Show Your Work!” is a guide for people who want to share their creativity and get discovered. The book outlines ten simple steps to make sharing your work and ideas less daunting. Here are some key concepts:

1. You Don’t Have to Be a Genius: Focus on the process, not the product. Share your journey and the work you do daily. Kleon emphasizes that you don’t need to be an expert to share your work. Instead, being a learner and sharing your progress can inspire others.

2. Think Process, Not Product: Show your process, the behind-the-scenes work, and how you make what you make. Sharing the steps and thought processes involved in your work makes it more relatable and exciting to others. It can also help you build a community around your creative process.

3. Share Something Small Every Day: Consistently share small bits of your work, including notes, sketches, and ideas. This habit keeps your audience engaged and allows them to follow your creative journey. It also helps you build momentum and stay motivated.

4. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities: Share your influences and inspirations. Let others see what you find interesting. You provide context for your work and help others discover new ideas and perspectives by showcasing what inspires you.

5. Tell Good Stories: Learn to tell your work story and journey. People are drawn to stories because they create emotional connections and make your work more memorable. Developing storytelling skills can help you communicate your ideas more effectively.

6. Teach What You Know: Share your knowledge and what you’ve learned. Teaching can be a great way to connect with others. By explaining your methods and insights, you help others and reinforce your understanding and expertise.

7. Don’t Turn Into Human Spam: Be genuine in your sharing, and don’t overwhelm people with self-promotion. Authenticity is critical to building trust and a loyal audience. Share valuable content that reflects your true interests and passions.

8. Learn to Take a Punch: Be prepared for criticism and learn how to handle it constructively. Criticism is a natural part of sharing your work publicly. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve rather than letting it discourage you.

9. Sell Out: Don’t be afraid to sell your work. Make it easy for people to buy from you. While sharing for free can build an audience, it’s also essential to recognize the value of your work and provide ways for people to support you financially.

10. Stick Around: Stay consistent, keep working, and share. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and persistence is essential in any creative endeavor. You increase your chances of long-term success by continuously sharing your work and staying engaged with your audience.

About Moonshots Podcast:

The Moonshots Podcast is your go-to source for unleashing the best possible version of yourself. Hosts Mike and Mark delve into the secrets of success by dissecting the mindset and daily habits of the world’s greatest superstars, thinkers, and entrepreneurs. Join them as they learn out loud, exploring behind the scenes to discover actionable insights that can be applied to your life.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode! Tune in now and start showing your work!

Links:

• Buy The Book on Amazon

• Become a Moonshot Member on Patreon

• Watch this episode on YouTube

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