Like this article? Sign up for a free trial here. Shortform has the world's best summaries and analyses of books you should be reading. Instead, rely on self-validation from showing up every day and doing the work.This article is an excerpt from the Shortform book guide to 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield. Don’t focus on external validation or outcomes. Unseen forces enlist in our cause, and serendipity reinforces our purpose.īe patient. A process is set into motion by which, inevitably and infallibly, heaven comes to our aid. Last but not least, When we sit down daily and keep grinding, something mysterious happens. However, the author is on point by saying that you’ll have no choice but to accept that Resistance is universal.Īll the keys described above are all that define you as a Professional. The book talks about many manifestations - procrastination, rationalization, life drama, victimhood, etc. The most important thing to remember for me is that you’re not alone. The book focuses on a somewhat motivational aspect, as it presents in a rather obvious way the disorders and obstacles that each of us encounters daily. When we sit down each day and do our work, power concentrates around us… we become like a magnetized rod that attracts iron filings. But, If you don’t have time, feel free to read my notes below. So if you’re a creator or a learner and if you’ve faced this, you should consider reading it. In that case, you’ll know what the Resistance feels like.Īs Steven Pressfield said in his book, Resistance is “ the voice that tells you anything to keep you from doing your work”. Suppose you’re someone who’s ever tried to “pursue a calling in the arts, launch an innovative enterprise, or evolve to a higher station morally, ethically, or spiritually”. I have to say, I found it helpful because it allowed me to put words to a feeling that prevented me from creating or producing something. It breaks down the idea of the “Creative Block” - The Resistance we face when trying to create art and instructs us on overcoming it. The book tackles the challenge of trying to create art. Generally, I’m not a fan of self-help books, I prefer a podcast, but that’s not the subject here.

I was sceptical about this book before reading it. The main idea of this book is Resistance and how it stops us from doing things that matter the most to us. Well, I think this book is one of those you don’t want to read at first sight, but when it becomes recommended many times, you end up reading it and finally enjoying it.

The war of art resistance