The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Harvey A. Ramer

• 2 min read (407 words)

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a powerful book that addresses the challenges we face when pursuing our creative endeavors. It offers insights and advice on overcoming internal obstacles, such as procrastination, fear, and self-doubt, to unleash one’s potential.

This book is especially useful for those who feel unfulfilled in their work because it provides motivation and strategies for breaking through creative barriers and discovering one’s true calling.

“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.”

Three of the most important insights and takeaways from the book are:

1. Resistance is the enemy: Pressfield introduces the concept of “resistance” as the primary obstacle to creativity and self-actualization. Resistance is an internal force that manifests as procrastination, fear, and self-doubt, preventing us from pursuing their passions and fulfilling our potential. By recognizing and understanding resistance, one can better equip themselves to confront and overcome it.
2. Discipline and routine are crucial: The book emphasizes the importance of establishing a daily routine and maintaining discipline in one’s creative pursuits. Pressfield encourages readers to treat their art like a job, committing to it every day and showing up consistently, regardless of whether they feel inspired or not. By doing so, we create the space for our creativity to flourish and increase our chances of success.
3. Embrace the identity of a professional: Pressfield suggests that aspiring artists, writers, and other creative people should consider themselves as “professionals.” This mindset shift helps us take our work more seriously and instills a greater sense of responsibility and accountability. When we view ourselves as professionals, we are more likely to prioritize our creative work, invest time and energy into it, and maintain a higher level of perseverance in the face of adversity.

In summary, The War of Art is a valuable resource for anyone who feel unfulfilled in their work because it offers practical strategies for overcoming internal barriers and unlocking one’s creative potential. By understanding resistance, committing to discipline and routine, and embracing the identity of a professional, readers can achieve a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose in their work.