Okay. I’m admitting it. Admitting to my procrastination. I should be deep into a writing project, but I’m not. I’m avoiding it. Sure, busyness with my everyday business has taken up my time. But my summer is slow, I have the time to devote to this writing project.
However, I need a nudge.
That nudge is re-reading Steven Pressfield’s THE WAR OF ART, (I’ve blogged about TWOA before -- here and here.) In TWOA, Pressfield helps you to overcome the self-sabotaging power of “Resistance.”
Check out these money quotes and if you like what you read, devour the whole book.
“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance. Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is."
"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance. Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is."
"Resistance arises from within. It is self-generated and self-perpetuated. Resistance is the enemy within."
"Procrastination is the most common manifestation of Resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize."
"Aspiring artists defeated by Resistance share one trait. They all think like amateurs. They have not yet turned pro."
"To the amateur, the game is his avocation. To the pro it’s his vocation. The amateur does not love the game enough. If he did, he would not pursue it as a sideline, distinct from his “real” vocation. The professional loves it so much he dedicates his life to it. He commits full-time."
"Resistance hates it when we turn pro."
"Why have I stressed professionalism so heavily in the preceding chapters? Because the most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying."
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.” – W. H. Murray The Scottish Himalayan Expedition
Hi John,
Your timing is incredible...
Just last night I recommended this book to a good friend as mandatory reading. And future re-reading.
This has got to be one of my favorite books of all time. It'll get you off your tail and into action!
Thanks for reminding us of such an important piece of work.
I know what I'm reading this weekend. :-)
Posted by: Thomas Clifford | June 28, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Love the post and the insight.
What amazes me is the spirit of post is expressed numerous times in a number of books/video's/articles etc but 90% of employee's are dissatisfied with their jobs.
Fear is the great leveler; one thing to teach your children is conquer fear. It will be the greatest gift you can give them.
Bramster
www.uwork4.com
Posted by: bramster | June 28, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Thanks for the great recommendation. I've been procrastinating writing an ebook for 3 months now. While your post hasn't prompted me to stop procrastinating on that task it did prompt me to order The War of Art on Amazon. And hopefully that will get me through the resistance hurdle.
Posted by: Valerie Conyngham | June 30, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Great quotes! I've already shared them with others.
I think there's more than fear at work though. I think equally at work is the Tyranny of the Good. We have so many 'good' things we can do, that we don't take time for the 'great' things. We also allow societal pressure to dictate what a 'good' life looks like.
Good video to expound on that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yawaoBPVweE
Posted by: DUST!N | June 30, 2008 at 09:46 AM
If this "writing project" in any way involves something that would be available to the public (book, eBook...heck, I'll even take a poem from you), then how's this for a nudge:
Write it, already!
Maybe that was more of a shove, but I love what you write (and how you write). Keep us informed.
Posted by: Bill Gammell | June 30, 2008 at 12:59 PM
John,
The War of Art is an amazing book. The book is an in your face view of overcoming procrastination, hesitation, and fear. I find myself picking it up every couple months and reading it as a way to keep my head in the game. It is such an easy read, but by the same token, such a valuable one. One of my favorites, along with of course - Tribal Knowledge.
Posted by: David E. Bowman | July 01, 2008 at 08:41 AM
John, I have to thank you for this recommendation. I had heard of Pressfield's book, but had never read it. After reading your post, I ordered a copy, then read it on my vacation last week. The book's cover blurb from Esquire is right on: "A vital gem . . . a kick in the ass."
Much appreciated!
Posted by: Tim | July 23, 2008 at 08:27 AM