Why people recommend it
Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon is a practical guide that encourages creators to share their everyday processes, build an audience, and embrace being a beginner rather than trying to act like an infallible guru. On an episode of How I Write, guest Ali Abdaal recommended the book, explaining that it served as a major influence which helped him overcome crippling impostor syndrome and fundamentally transformed his approach to content creation. Abdaal noted how the book taught him the liberating lesson that individuals do not need to be certified geniuses or gurus to start sharing their journey with the world. Later in the podcast series, host David Perell also brought up Austin Kleon's Show Your Work! to prompt Abdaal to elaborate on its themes and discuss what made the publication so uniquely game-changing for his personal career path. Both speakers highlighted the title as an essential manual for modern creators looking to navigate the vulnerability of putting their creative efforts online without waiting for perfection or formal permission, proving that consistent, transparent sharing resonates far more deeply with audiences than manufactured expertise ever could.
Who recommended it
- Ali Abdaal Recommended
- David Perell Discussed
Ali Abdaal — 1 mention
“but then what show your work taught me is that basically that you don't have to be a genius you don't have to be the guru”
David Perell — 1 mention
“Yeah. I know you love this book, Show Your Work. Talk me through what about it was so game-changing for you?”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Atomic Habits
- Good Vibes, Good Life
- Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries
- Steal like an artist
- The 4-Hour Workweek
- The Psychology of Money
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Well you talk about show your work It's not just like an artistic decision to do it”
“I was saying to you in that interview that, hey Ryan, you know I've just started writing my first book, any tips? You gave some really good advice.”