Keep Going: Harness Your Creative Potential in the Age of ChatPGT Dominance

Tri Nhan Nguyen
6 min readMay 4, 2023
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

In a world where ChatPGT reigns supreme, Austin Kleon’s book “Keep Going” offers indispensable wisdom to help you unlock your creative potential and navigate the journey. This article shares inspirational quotes and impactful ideas to help you overcome obstacles and stay inspired in your creative endeavours, even in the midst of AI-driven competition.

Inspirational Quotes

  • “How we spend our day is, of course, how we spend our lives.” — Annie Dillard
  • “The phone gives us a lot but it takes away three key elements of discovery: loneliness, uncertainty, and boredom. Those have always been where creative ideas come from.” — Lynda Barry
  • “Job titles aren’t really for you, they’re for others.” — Austin Kleon
  • “I don’t know what I am. I know that I am not a category. I am not a thing — a noun. I seem to be a verb, an evolutionary process.” — R. Buckminster Fuller
  • “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” — William Bruce Cameron
  • “Imitate the trees. Learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long.” — May Sarton

8 Impactful Ideas to Unlock Your Creative Potential

1. Make a List

In a world dominated by ChatPGT, it’s crucial to stay organized and focused on your objectives. Lists serve as an essential tool to outline your thoughts, aspirations, and daily tasks. They provide a clear roadmap for your creative journey and help you maintain a sense of order amidst the constant influx of information generated by AI.

Creating lists for different aspects of your life can streamline your workflow and free up mental space, allowing you to concentrate on the creative process. Begin by jotting down your short-term and long-term goals, as well as any ideas or inspirations that come to mind. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks and assign deadlines to ensure steady progress. Additionally, consider creating a list of resources or sources of inspiration, such as books, articles, or podcasts, to reference when you need a creative boost.

Keeping a regularly updated list can also help you stay accountable to yourself and track your accomplishments. As you cross items off, you’ll gain a sense of achievement and motivation to continue pursuing your creative endeavours.

2. Disconnect to Connect

In the age of ChatPGT, the world is more connected than ever before, and distractions are only a click away. While AI technology offers immense benefits, it can also interfere with your ability to focus on your creative pursuits. To stay competitive and generate original ideas, it’s essential to disconnect from external distractions and create space for introspection and deep work.

Overcome the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) by setting aside designated time for creative work, free from distractions like social media, notifications, and even ChatPGT itself. This uninterrupted time will allow you to delve into your thoughts, explore new ideas, and engage fully in the creative process. Embrace moments of loneliness, uncertainty, and boredom as opportunities for discovery and growth.

Incorporate regular digital detoxes into your routine to help maintain a healthy balance between connectivity and personal reflection. By disconnecting from the world, you’ll be able to forge a stronger connection with yourself and nurture your creative spirit.

3. Learn to Say No

As a creative individual in a world dominated by ChatPGT, it’s vital to protect your energy and time. The constant barrage of information, requests, and opportunities can quickly become overwhelming, draining your mental and emotional resources. Learning to say no to unnecessary commitments and distractions is essential for preserving your creative well-being.

Assess each opportunity that comes your way and consider whether it aligns with your goals, values, and creative vision. Prioritize tasks and projects that truly matter to you, and don’t be afraid to turn down those that don’t. By being selective with your commitments, you’ll be able to allocate your time and energy more effectively, ensuring that your creative pursuits receive the attention they deserve.

This selective approach also extends to your reliance on AI technology. While ChatPGT can undoubtedly enhance your creative work, it’s important not to become overly dependent on it. Remember to prioritize your unique perspective and contributions.

4. Forget the Noun, Do the Verb

In an era of AI-driven job titles and roles, it’s important to shift your focus from labels to actions. Embrace the fluidity of your creative identity and immerse yourself in the process of growth and exploration. By concentrating on the verb — what you’re doing — you’ll be able to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing landscape.

When you’re engaged in the creative process, don’t get bogged down by the nouns or labels that others may assign to you. Instead, focus on the actions you’re taking to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and express your unique voice. Remember that you are not a static, defined entity; you are an ever-evolving being with limitless potential for growth

5. Your Real Work is Play

Creativity thrives when you’re having fun and enjoying the process, even in a world dominated by ChatPGT. Embrace a playful mindset in your work, experimenting with new techniques, exploring different perspectives, and taking risks. By approaching your creative pursuits with curiosity and a sense of play, you’ll remain motivated and inspired, even in the face of AI-driven competition.

Playfulness can help you overcome creative blocks, fear of failure, and self-doubt by fostering an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and discovery. Engage in activities that spark your creativity and help you unwind, such as doodling, journaling, or simply daydreaming. Allow yourself the freedom to think outside the box and push the boundaries of your imagination.

When you treat your work as play, you’ll discover unexpected connections, solutions, and ideas that can help you stand out in a world saturated with AI-generated content. Remember that it’s the human touch, fueled by passion and enjoyment, that sets your creative work apart.

6. Avoid Turning Your Passion into a Burden

One of the easiest ways to lose your love for a creative pursuit is to turn it into your primary source of income or measure of success. In a world where AI, such as ChatPGT, impacts creative opportunities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between your creative passions and income-generating activities. Doing so ensures that you can continue to enjoy your craft without the added pressure of financial dependence.

Consider diversifying your income sources and exploring alternative methods of monetization that align with your values and creative goals. This approach can provide a safety net, allowing you to take risks, experiment, and grow in your creative work without the constant worry of financial stability.

Additionally, set realistic expectations for your creative pursuits and avoid equating your self-worth with external markers of success. Understand that your passion and creativity have intrinsic value, regardless of financial gain or public recognition.

7. Pay Attention to Your Attention

In the age of ChatPGT, where countless articles, videos, and other content are generated daily, it’s essential to be mindful of what captures your interest and sparks your curiosity. Keeping a diary or journal to record your observations, thoughts, and inspirations can serve as a valuable resource for future creative projects that set you apart.

As you navigate the overwhelming sea of information, take note of what resonates with you, whether it’s an intriguing article, a thought-provoking quote, or an engaging conversation. Reflect on these discoveries and consider how they might inform your creative work or lead to new ideas.

By being intentional about where you direct your attention, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of your interests, passions, and creative inclinations. This self-awareness will help you develop a unique voice and perspective that distinguishes your work from AI-generated content.

8. Keep Going

In a world dominated by AI like ChatPGT, perseverance is crucial for success in your creative journey. Establish a regular routine and set achievable goals to maintain momentum and motivation. Be open to feedback, but stay true to your vision and instincts. Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth, and adopt a growth mindset to navigate the complexities of creativity in the age of AI. Regularly reassess your goals and objectives, celebrate achievements and practice gratitude. Remain curious, open-minded, and receptive to change, staying adaptable to new ideas and perspectives. By maintaining momentum, embracing challenges, and continuously adapting, you’ll cultivate resilience and a unique creative voice in the ever-evolving landscape of art and innovation.

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