Overcoming Resistance with Steven Pressfield
I used to read a lot about procrastination in order to understand its origins and my own massive struggles. Today, I realize it was mostly due to perfectionism. The War of Art and Do the Work by Steven Pressfield are by far the best books I've read on the subject, with very practical lessons for overcoming resistance and procrastination.
Resistance towards doing what we're supposed to be doing is a common companion in creative efforts and the subject of numerous works. Basically, any action that prioritizes long-term growth over instant gratification awakens Resistance that is frequently manifested by procrastination and fear of taking action. When we begin working on a challenging task, Resistance will inevitably show up. Trying to make friends with it won't work, the only way to defeat it is to face it. Resistance is personified by Pressfield as an evil, selfish, and unscrupulous creature, bringing the enemy closer to the reader.
Pressfield also introduces a useful distinction between an amateur and a professional. Because Resistance arises from within and is fueled by self-doubt, it is critical to see oneself as a professional rather than an amateur when embarking on an ambitious task. Here's what distinguishes the two personas:
So how can you go about minimizing the occurrence of Resistance? Don't put things off, simply get started with what you've got. It is usually the start that is the most daunting and the problem is Resistance, not others resources. Also, make it a habit to begin and finish projects. The most crucial aspect of any project is its completion. Find the courage to send your work out into the world and have it evaluated by your audience. We can only learn about the impact of our work once we share it. Interestingly, the author himself took seven years to ship a book that was already finished due to the fear of rejection and failure. We all have many similar projects that should be finished long ago. Resistance will always be there and you’ll have to fight it. The good news is that once you become conscious of it, it gets easier over time to win the battle. Don't forget to celebrate your success and give yourself time to enjoy the well-deserved rest. But come back in a day or two, because the battle never ends.
Thinking about my own struggles with Resistance, I like to think about the conception of this very blog. I wanted to start blogging from 2013 when I went to study in the Netherlands, then in 2019 when I moved to the U.S. and read Austin Kleon's Show Your Work. Finally, I published my first post in March 2021. The Resistance in my head tells me often not to write as I have little experience and anything valuable to share. I learned to recognize that doubts will come and I should ignore them. It's the fact that I'm not pursuing my ideas that makes me uneasy. Today, I treat my Resistance towards things as a compass for determining what it is that I should be really working on. Finishing this post was one big struggle too, but that is how I know that it was worth writing. Like a real amateur, I heavily underestimated the time needed to complete it, thinking too much about its structure and visuals, rather than just focusing on the clou. The fact that you're reading it, however, means that I managed to, using Pressfield's terminology, kill the nasty beast and that is something to feel good about!
