Resistance
“The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield is a book aimed at helping creatives overcome the resistance they experience in pursuing their artistic endeavors. The book says many things about “resistance,” such as “Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard, or smelled. But it can be felt. We experience it as an energy field radiating from a work-in-potential. It’s a repelling force. It’s negative. Its aim is to shove us away, distract us, and prevent us from doing our work.[1]” After reading the book if I was to define resistance, I would say that resistance comes down to any inner or external force that prevents an individual from realizing their full potential or completing their intended journey.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section focuses on understanding resistance and how it affects the creative process. I noticed myself on page 43 when he says, “Grandiose fantasies are a symptom of resistance. They’re the signs of an amateur. The professional has learned that success, like happiness, comes as a by product of work.[2]” When I was younger this was a big issue for me. I have always been a creative person but in my younger days I had grandiose dreams with very little work ethic. Thank God I had mentors in my life that helped me overcome this. The second section explores ways to overcome resistance, including discipline, persistence, and self-awareness. The third section provides practical advice for turning your creative ideas into reality, including techniques for breaking through writer’s block and finding inspiration.
Pressfield argues that everyone experiences resistance, but it is especially prevalent among artists, writers, and other creatives. He asserts that the only way to overcome resistance is to work through it. This requires courage, determination, and a willingness to put in the necessary time and effort to make your creative dreams a reality.
Ultimately, “The War of Art” is a motivational and inspiring book that encourages individuals to break through their inner and outer barriers and pursue their passions with relentless determination. It is a must-read for anyone looking to unleash their creative potential and take their artistic pursuits to the next level.
Though I found it to be a very inspiring book, I struggled with how it was written. At times it felt like I was drinking from a firehouse or trying to follow a sugared up toddler through a maze.
The thing that stood out to me the most in the book was, “The danger is greatest when the finish line is in sight. At this point, Resistance knows we’re about to beat it. It hits the panic button. It marshals one last assault and slams us with everything its got.[3]” As we are inching closer and closer to finishing this doctoral journey the more and more resistance I Feel. IT is an internal resistance which is strange because my circle is full of people that support me, and I know I can do it, but I am feeling that tug of resistance that Pressfield talks about in the book. Resistance comes to me when there is about to be a permanent change. Almost like my innerself is not wanting to embrace what is about to happen but ultimately, it is for the better. I felt the same resistance a few years ago while finishing my MDiv. It’s just interesting to see it put into words on a page. It puts into perspective the work this journey has done for me and the growth I have experienced. I am definitely a different person than when I first started but that resistance seems to be pulling a lot harder today.
The second book we read “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” is a book by Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Owen King that combines memoir and a writing guide. The book is divided into two parts – the first part is King’s account of his life as a writer and the experiences that shaped him into the author he is today. He discusses his challenges, including overcoming an addiction to alcohol and drugs, and how he became a successful writer.
In the book’s second part, King shares his insights and tips on writing, from developing ideas to crafting characters and scenes. He stresses the importance of writing daily, reading extensively, and creating a solid work ethic. King also offers advice on overcoming writer’s block, dealing with criticism, and persevering despite rejection.
It provides a unique window into the mind and work of one of the most successful and influential writers of our time and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their writing skills.
[1] Pressfield, S. (2002). In The War of Art: Winning the inner creative battle (p.7). Rugged Land.
[2] Pressfield, S. (2002). In The War of Art: Winning the inner creative battle (p.42). Rugged Land.
[3]Pressfield, S. (2002). In The War of Art: Winning the inner creative battle (p.18). Rugged Land.
5 responses to “Resistance”
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Hi Daron
Thank you for sharing how you felt resistance when you neared the end of your Mdiv journey. How did you over that resistance? Do you see it is similar to the resistance you feel now?
Hi Daron, Thanks for your blog. I really enjoyed reading it and appreciated the great summaries you gave of the books. This caught my attention: “The thing that stood out to me the most in the book was, ‘The danger is greatest when the finish line is in sight. At this point, Resistance knows we’re about to beat it. It hits the panic button. It marshals one last assault and slams us with everything its got.'” I also really like this quote and at the same time, it terrifies me. I can feel my self-sabotage creeping closer. Can you say more about how you overcome resistance when the finish line is in sight? Thanks, Daron!
Hey Daron, great analysis of King and Pressfield. I agree, I can feel the resistance and we continue this journey. One thing about resistance is it builds endurance and stamina. How did pushing back against the resistance in obtaining your MDiv prepare you for the resistance you now face?
Daron,
Great post my friend. It’s funny, even though my life is busier than I would like it to be, I sure enjoy having time to process and reflect on things. From my Pentecostal/Charismatic background you do a lot of firehose drinking, I have come to appreciate being to sip on water in my later years.
Bless you. I hope you and your family are well.
Daron, your definition of resistance is spot on “resistance comes down to any inner or external force that prevents an individual from realizing their full potential or completing their intended journey.” Curious, have you struggled more with inner or external forces in your fight against resistance?