10 Learnings From Make A Living Living: Book Summary

Being successful doing what you love.

Ever wished you could transform your career, leave it all behind and move to the beach, or turn your side hustle into your full-time gig?

Then this one’s for you.

Make a Living Living by Nina Karnikowski has been a source of endless inspiration for me.

Although I came across the book years after I quit my full-time job started my business and spent time as a digital nomad (something I’d dreamed of for years), the book has still provided much-needed advice and wise words.

Karnikowski, through a series of real-people stories and case studies, shows us how we can make our creative dreams not only a reality but a career too.

1. Don’t chase fame or riches

“If you’re looking to find fame or get rich quick, this isn’t the book for you. But if you’re wishing to take more pleasure in the simple things and minimize your stress, to take control of your time and energy, to travel, cultivate inspiring relationships and build a successful, purpose-driven career doing what you love, then read on.”

Karnikowski doesn’t encourage us to chase riches or superficial signs of success but to reach inside ourselves and discover what we’d like to do if we really followed our hearts.

2. Think like a minimalist

“Reduce the space you live in and you’ll discover the life meant for you.”

In a world that’s seeking more – more things, more followers, and more success – Yuichi Takeuchi a tiny-house builder in Japan encourages us to think like minimalists. Reduce the things you own, simplify your life, and perhaps you’ll begin to discover what you really need – and what you actually care about.

3. Live the life you truly want

“Living with war meant constantly facing the idea of mortality, which taught me important lessons about living your life exactly the way you want.”

It’s easy to put things off on the assumption that we’ll have time down the line to do the things we want to. Of course, life isn’t guaranteed and it’s essential to make the most of it. Photographer and creative consultant Mukul Bhata, who spent time covering the conflict in Kashmir, encourages us to live a life we truly want to – not one we think we should live.

4. Teach yourself new skills

“Look online and you’ll discover how to create almost anything.”

Is there something you’d love to learn or do? You’ll probably find a YouTube video series, blog, book, or course that tells you how. Knitter Nicole Leybourne reminds us that one advantage of technology is you can learn almost anything, upskill on your own, and share that skill with the world.

5. Go for your dreams

“Just try the thing you’ve been dreaming of doing because finding the right fit might take a few attempts.”

Too often we get caught up in the ‘what-ifs’ and fear of failure – meaning we don’t even give things a try. Florist Graeme Corbett reminds us to give the things we’re passionate about or dreaming of a go because who knows where that might lead.

6. Stay true to yourself

“Don’t copy anyone else; people can feel it when you’re not sincere.”

In a world where social comparison is rife through social media, it’s easy to take on other people’s ideas and dreams. But Cyrielle Rogot and Julien Tang, owners of a Moroccan riad, emphasize the importance of doing what you personally care about. The key: “Be real and stay true to yourself.”

7. Switch up your surroundings

“Keep your eyes fresh and your brain engaged by living creatively in different spaces.”

Being inspired all the time is unrealistic, but if you want to create things, then inspiration at least some of the time is necessary. Woorcarver Aleph Geddis recommends changing your surroundings occasionally to ensure you don’t get stuck in a rut. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to travel – you could check out local galleries, go to a new place in your hometown, or meet new people to gain a fresh perspective.

8. Use your internal compass for decisions

“Give yourself permission to disregard what other people think.”

Humans are naturally tribal people. Before modern times, being rejected by the tribe meant literally not being able to survive. While that’s not the case these days, our brains can still be highly triggered by rejection and other people’s opinions. Tea company founder, Colin Hudon, reminds us how important it is to ignore the cynics and follow our own internal compass.

9. Meditate to stay centered

“Start your day with a five-minute meditation, to help you stay centered.”

In our busy fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in yet another task, feeling as though you need to be doing more, and staring aimlessly at social media. Meditation, according to ethical fashion designer Jeanne De Kroon, can break us out of this cycle and help us stay calm and focused on our goals.

10. Celebrate your uniqueness

“Don’t compare yourself to others. Your uniqueness is your power.”

Oftentimes all we want to do is blend in, but it’s your differences that make you, you. And differences and uniqueness are essential for living a creative life. Kenya and Netherlands-based writer Manon Hanissen-Meyering encourages us to celebrate what sets us apart.

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Hi 👋, I’m Chloe.

I write here and on Medium about books, philosophy, meditation, and mindfulness.

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