In the book The War of Art Steven Pressfield discusses in-depth the meaning of Resistance and what that looks like for the creative person. Notice I capitalized the “R” in Resistance. This is the main point Pressfield is trying to get across in the book; we need to fight Resistance to the death to be our best self. This book is a good choice for any innovative thinker. Below I highlighted some quotes that stuck out to me. Read below if you feel like being inspired.
10 Inspirational Quotes on Overcoming Resistance
1) Live the life you were designed to live.
“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unloved life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.”
2) You are doing the world a disservice by not doing what you were created to do. We were created to create. Don’t be afraid. Embrace who you are.
“If you believe in God (and I do) you must declare Resistance evil, for it prevents us from achieving the life God intended when He endowed each of us with our own unique genius. ”
3) As artist, we must be prepared to fight each day’s new battle.
“The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew every day.”
4) When you experience trials it makes the reward feel that much better.
“The more Resistance you experience, the more important your unmanifested art/project/enterprise is to you- and the more gratification you will feel when you finally do it.”
5) Yes, being an artist requires skills and knowledge but it’s also carrying out what you learn. Practice. (Like what I am doing with my 10,000 Smiles Project. )
“It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior’s life.”
7) Most things are possible as long as you believe.
“Defeating Resistance is like giving birth. It seems absolutely impossible until you remember that women have been pulling it off successfully…”
8) We are put on this earth with limited time and resources. What will you do with what you were given? The quote below could sound sad but it makes those limited choices that much more valuable.
“We’re not born with unlimited choices.”
9) Take fear out of the equation. Question what you are passionate about.
“Of any activity you do, ask yourself: If I were the last person on earth, would I still do it?”
10) Stop rationalizing or making excuses. Get to work. Do what you are passionate today.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.”
My Review:
I recommend to only read the first section of the book. That 1/3 section is worth reading if you can overcome the fowl language. I am thankful to Pressfield for reminding me that creativity is a spiritual battle, but I am not in agreement with his later resolutions. In the later part of the book Pressfield goes into some mystical muses and new age thoughts. If you are comfortable with those types of beliefs it’s great, but if not, it’s a page skipper.
My quotes above give you the meat of the inspiration from this book. If you are a Christian, yes, creating is a form of worship to our Creator and model for creating. Thank you Pressfield for shedding light on an obstacle we face everyday, Resistance.
10,000 Smiles
10,000 Smiles is a photography project that I am doing for the year 2013. Read more about why I am doing this project. You can vote for the picture that makes you smile by listing the number of the picture in the comment box at the end of the post.
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