As entrepreneurs, we experience a lot of joy that comes from independence, living a fulfilling life, and pride in our work, among others.
We also face a unique set of frustrations. Some of them result from inner demons, the biggest of which is resistance. However, we need more than motivation to move past resistance.
Author Steven Pressfield, probably best known for his debut novel The Legend of Bagger Vance, explores what keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do in his book The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles.
Resistance: The Negative Force Trying to Derail Us from Our Goals
Pressfield’s The War of Art looks at resistance or the force that appears whenever we attempt “any act that rejects immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health, or integrity.”
Resistance is what comes up whenever we try something outside of our comfort zone, something that challenges us.
Stepping outside our comfort zone is an integral part of being an entrepreneur. You are, literally, on a solo journey and taking a lot of risk—for a lot of reward.
If you’ve ever struggled with resistance or are balking at stepping outside your comfort zone, keep reading (and pick up these books!).
Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles examines how we can avoid what’s stopping us from any creative endeavor—in this case, becoming the most successful entrepreneur we can!
Resistance must be avoided at all costs! Well, since you cannot totally avoid it, you need to learn to push through it. The tricky thing is that resistance is the negative voice inside you telling you something cannot be accomplished or you’re not good enough to do something or you’ll never be successful.
Don’t feel bad! We all have that voice inside us. It’s natural to feel frustration and doubt when you’re pursuing something worthwhile.
Fight Resistance—and Win
The second half of The War of Art and all of Pressfield’s next book, Turning Pro, are about getting serious enough about your plans, dreams, and yourself by pushing through resistance.
To do so, Pressfield says entrepreneurs must “turn pro” and avoid running from our fears. Turning pro is about making the commitment to be serious in the pursuit of what you want despite that voice of resistance.
If you make this decision every day, you’ll become the real pro. Pros aren’t fearless—they just push through the fear to find success.
Pressfield’s books are easy reads with deep messages. They are certainly worth your time.
Your Turn!
How have you been fighting resistance? What have been your wins or temporary setbacks? Let us know in the comments below!