“Show your work.” That’s what the back of his shirt said in big block letters.
I did a double take to see if what I read was really what I saw. I smiled in confirmation and immediately thought of Austin Kleon’s books. He’s the one who made that phrase popular, and for good reason. He realized that we artists are always creating but never showing our work to anyone. Not our families, friends, or even our pets.
We keep our creations to ourselves, thinking no one will ever appreciate them, but what we don’t understand is that we are removing people’s choice to choose.
Yes, it’s that deep.
We may not think we’re good enough, but over the years, I’ve learned that thought is really just all in our heads.
That random guy walking his dog probably didn’t think about what he was putting on before he stepped outside. I’ll probably never see him again, but I do wish I could thank him for reminding me of the importance of simply sharing my work.
It’s a decision I’m very proud to have made a few years ago, and it’s a decision I keep making every time I write, film, or create art.
There’s always a part of me that thinks, “Wait, this could be better. This isn’t ready yet. This probably won’t resonate.”
It’s a battle that must be fought constantly.
Sometimes those thoughts are correct, but once the tweaking and nitpicking start causing major delays, there’s usually a deeper reason than the feeling of incompleteness.
It’s the culprit called procrastination tricking me again.
When I realize I’ve been caught, I choose to share immediately.
Yes, there are times when I think there’s no reason to share. I could simply keep everything to myself because I’m not creating just to share. I share because I can’t stop creating.
I may take breaks, lose motivation, or think everything I do sucks, but at the end of it all, I always come right back to writing, documenting, and creating.
So, to echo the guy with the shirt this morning:
SHOW YOUR WORK.
Find your favorite platform or create your own website, and share what you’ve been creating in secret.
Don’t second-guess anything.
If you’re not sure what to name your project or how to describe it, write about its inception. Tell the story of how you got the idea and how long it lived in your mind until you finally gave in and brought it to life.
Stories happen after completion, so never think your piece doesn’t have a story of its own.
Do not compare yourself with anyone else because no one else can or will create like you.
Never stress about engagement, likes, or shares. If they come, they come. They should never change how you create, so don’t allow them to force you to go in a direction you did not willingly and happily choose.
Allow yourself to make mistakes and share them as well. We’re all human, and we are not perfect, so show your imperfections, learn from your mistakes, and keep growing.
If you’re still unsure and want to see someone else do it before you try, join my newsletter. I share what I’m creating, the lessons I’ve learned, and what I’ve been contemplating.
