Rediscovering the Spark: How Austin Kleon’s Wisdom Can Revive Your Inner Child
The Midlife Monotony: Why Do We Lose Our Spark?
Let’s face it: adulthood often feels like a never-ending loop of responsibilities. Personally, I’ve caught myself wondering how my days turned into a predictable cycle of work, chores, and Netflix binges. It’s not that life is bad—far from it—but there’s a certain juice missing, a zest that felt so natural in childhood. What’s fascinating is that this isn’t just me; it’s a universal struggle. Austin Kleon, the bestselling author of Steal Like an Artist, calls it the ‘middle-aged place’—that ‘Well, now what?’ moment. What makes this particularly interesting is how we normalize this loss of spark as an inevitable part of growing up. But is it? Or are we just forgetting how to play?
The Power of Childlike Curiosity: Why Kids Hold the Key
One thing that immediately stands out in Kleon’s journey is his realization that his young sons were his greatest teachers. Their boundless energy and fearlessness reminded him of what he’d lost: the ability to create without questioning why. Kids don’t overthink; they just do. This raises a deeper question: What if the secret to reigniting our spark lies in embracing that childlike mindset? From my perspective, this isn’t about being immature—it’s about reclaiming the freedom to explore without judgment. What many people don’t realize is that this ‘explore mode’ isn’t just for art; it’s for life.
The Beginner’s Mind: Why Expertise Can Be a Trap
Kleon’s advice to ‘become a beginner’ hit me hard. As adults, we’re so accustomed to exploiting our expertise that we forget the joy of discovering something new. I’ve spent years perfecting my craft as a writer, but the process has become rote. Kleon’s point—that the weight of knowing what we’re doing can make things boring—is spot on. If you take a step back and think about it, the most exciting moments in life often come from trying something for the first time. This isn’t just about creativity; it’s about breaking free from the comfort zone we’ve built around ourselves.
Playtime Isn’t Just for Kids: Why 15 Minutes Can Change Everything
Kleon’s prescription for ‘daily playtime’ sounds simple, but it’s deceptively powerful. When he told me to clear my desk and sit with pens and paper, I felt silly—and that was the point. A detail that I find especially interesting is how he uses his ‘ridiculous’ apron to signal playtime to his brain. It’s a small act, but it’s about giving yourself permission to be bad, to experiment without stakes. What this really suggests is that play isn’t frivolous; it’s essential. Yet, as adults, we treat it like a luxury. Why?
Analogue Over Digital: The Joy of Making with Your Hands
One of the most surprising takeaways from my experiment with Kleon’s tips was the relief of creating something offline. Blackout poetry, drawing, even cutting out pictures from a newspaper—these activities felt like a break from the digital noise. What’s fascinating is how Kleon’s career, despite being internet-driven, is rooted in handmade work. His hatred of Microsoft Word isn’t just a quirk; it’s a reminder that analogue activities engage us in a way screens never can. This raises a broader question: Are we losing touch with the tactile world, and what are we missing because of it?
Obsess Like a Kid: Why Niche Interests Matter
Kleon’s advice to ‘find what you really, really like’ is a call to embrace our inner weirdness. As kids, we’d obsess over dinosaurs or stamps without a second thought. As adults, we’re told to diversify, to be well-rounded. But what if the key to feeling alive is diving deep into something, just for the joy of it? Personally, I’ve started exploring ancient Egypt, inspired by a childhood fascination. It’s been a revelation—like discovering a part of myself I’d forgotten. What this really suggests is that passion, no matter how niche, can reignite our spark.
Parenting Yourself: The Importance of Meeting Your Own Needs
Kleon’s final insight—that we should ‘be our own parent’—is both simple and profound. We’d never deny our kids playtime or hobbies, yet we deny ourselves these things constantly. Why? Lack of time, resources, energy—these are valid excuses, but they’re also barriers we can overcome. Play isn’t just fun; it’s how we keep our spirits alive. If you take a step back and think about it, prioritizing joy isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Conclusion: The Spark Isn’t Lost—It’s Waiting to Be Reignited
After trying Kleon’s tips, I’ve realized that the spark isn’t something we lose; it’s something we bury under layers of responsibility and self-doubt. Rediscovering it doesn’t require a grand gesture—just small, intentional acts of play and curiosity. Personally, I’m still far from having my life completely ‘juiced up,’ but I’m no longer waiting for a dishwasher to save me. The spark is there, waiting for me to fan it. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the most hopeful takeaway of all.
Don’t Call It Art by Austin Kleon is a reminder that creativity isn’t about making masterpieces—it’s about making something. And in that process, we might just find ourselves again.
