Book Review
The book must be a mandatory read for anything that breaths. Pressfield has gone to great lengths to make us realize our vilest enemy, the “resistance.” The revelation for me in this book was countless forms of Resistance can assume to beat us. Whether we are rationalizing our failures or procrastinating important callings, we are being eaten by Resistance. The book makes us aware that our enemy will never die and follow us until we go six feet under. Another great lesson this book imparts to its readers is the detailed description of the properties of professionalism. By explaining what makes a professional different from an amateur, the author educates us to trace amateurism in ourselves. In short, the book is a bible in our pursuit of personal growth and must be read every year till our last breath.
Key Takeaways
- Resistance is the biggest enemy of creativity. Resistance is the voice that tells us we’re not good enough, that we should give up, and that we’re wasting our time.
- Procrastination is a symptom of resistance. When we procrastinate, we’re giving in to resistance.
- The key to overcoming resistance is to turn pro. This means showing up every day, doing the work, and treating creativity as a profession rather than a hobby.
- The professional mindset involves taking responsibility for our work, not making excuses, and being willing to endure criticism and rejection.
- Fear is a natural part of the creative process, but we can’t let it stop us. We have to be willing to take risks and push past our comfort zones.
- The creative process involves both inspiration and perspiration. We have to be willing to put in the hard work and do the less glamorous parts of the creative process, such as research and editing.
- We have to be willing to fail in order to succeed. Failure is a natural part of the creative process, and we can learn from our mistakes and keep moving forward.
- Finally, we have to trust in the creative process and believe in ourselves. We have to have faith that if we do the work and stay committed, we will achieve our goals.
The War of Art Summary
According to the author Steven Pressfield, to live our unlived lives, we must acknowledge the existence of Resistance. Unfortunately, a layman does not understand Resistance, whereas a professional knows its existence and how to tackle it.
Steven Pressfield believes everyone has some goal, but it prevents us from achieving our potential. The artist committing himself to his calling has volunteered for hell. Whether he knows it or not, he will be dining on a diet of isolation, rejection, self-doubt, fear of failure, despair, ridicule, contempt, and humiliation that will reinforce Resistance.
Favorite Quote From Author
“If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends), “Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?” chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.”
Books like The War of Art
- Art & Fear By David Bayles and Ted Orland
- Steal Like An Artist By Justin Kleon
- The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
- A Guide To Good Life By William B Irvin
