The War of Art: Book Review
Resistance has had me in a death grip lately. It’s tempting to blame everything on having a new baby in the house or on lack of sleep. But that would be a lie. The truth is that Resistance has gotten its dirty paws on me and won’t let go. Well, I intend to fight it now that I’ve read Steven Pressfield’s neat little book, The War of Art (thanks to Leo Babauta of Zen Habits for making me aware of this book). I recommend this book to anyone who needs a kick in the pants to get going.
What is Resistance? Put simply, it’s self-sabotage. It’s the inability to get oneself to do the work needed to fulfill one’s “unlived life,” the life that is calling to us, the life that would elevate us and provide us with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Pressfield calls Resistance the most evil force in the universe. To yield to Resistance “deforms our spirit” and stunts growth. Resistance must be fought if we are to fulfill our potential.
What are the signs of Resistance? On each page, Pressfield lists the signs and symptoms of Resistance; among them are fear (a good sign that tells you you must do this work), the belief that one must heal oneself before one can begin work (not true), rationalization (Resistance’s “right-hand man”), and seeking immediate gratification, such as through sex.
The solution? To overcome Resistance, one must become a professional. A professional, unlike an amateur, sits down to do his work every day, regardless of his emotional state. A professional deeply loves his work yet distances himself from it because he is not his work and does not link his ego to the outcome of his work. Most importantly, the professional acts in the face of fear and knows that fear never really goes away. He gets to work despite the fear.
Has Resistance gotten you too? Then sit down and do your work. Your unlived life is calling.
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