If you struggle to get started on your creative work done, you probably relate to Steven Pressfield. In “The War of Art” he says, “Resistance is the most toxic force on the planet. It is the root of more unhappiness than poverty, disease, and erectile dysfunction.” So, how do you kill resistance?
Resistance is anything that keeps us from getting our most important work done. My goal is to identify the elements of resistance in my life and get rid of them. We can say this, but can we do it?
Here are some elements of resistance that I struggle with.
- Self-doubt – I’m really not good enough to do this work.
- Fear – This work will be difficult, and it may fail.
- Path of less resistance – Doing this other thing is easier, so I’ll do it first.
- The love of comfort – The other activity causes less pain.
- Distractions – People need me, and I can’t say no. I must put them first.
I could say a lot about these elements of resistance. Pressfield also addresses them in detail in his book. The question is this, “do I have a plan for dealing with them?” Killing resistance is the key to getting important work done. But, you don’t kill such a formidable enemy without a plan. Here’s part of my plan: Don’t believe the lies resistance tells me about my abilities, don’t shy away from the tough work, and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to the demands of others upon my time.”
What about you? What are your plans to kill resistance.