I just finished reading “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. The book is directed to the artists, to help identify ways to break through creative blocks and help them win their creative battles. The force of “resistance” is what the author theorizes as the main force of opposition. Everyone faces their own battle against resistance. The battlefield looks different for everyone, whether it be to create, improve ourselves, send an email, suggest an idea or learn a new skill. I found the book to be very insightful. And I want to share some of the highlights and what impacted me most from this book. Here is a short summary.

There are monsters we face daily. Some are seen some are unseen. Resistance is one of those monsters. Resistance can take on many forms. What form does resistance look like in your life? Beethoven, for example, faced resistance when he lost his hearing and had his music abilities hindered. The most common form of resistance is procrastination because it is the easiest to rationalize. I’ve put off numerous projects because of procrastination. In fact, procrastination must be fought daily. The most pernicious aspect of procrastination is that it can become a habit. And habits are even harder to break.

I often hear from my peers that they want to be a writer, photographer, or artist. The most important thing about any field is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying that thing. You become by doing. Do you know what makes a writer? They write. Do you know what makes a photographer? They take photos. Do you know what makes a salesperson? They sell. This is a constant battle. We all face resistance. The amateur believes he must first overcome fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. There is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist

Why do people wait to start living their best lives until something traumatic happens? Do we have to stare death in the face in order to make us stand up and confront resistance? We don’t just put off our lives today; we put them off until our deathbeds. I know you have a purpose. That there is a persistent voice inside you, calling your name like it has a thousand times, delivering a calling that is yours and yours alone. You know this, no one has to tell it to you, what are you doing to follow it?

If you haven’t already I highly suggest picking up ‘The War of Art” for yourself. If you’ve already read it leave me some of your highlights!