“Resistance is the most toxic force on the planet. It is the root of more unhappiness than poverty, and disease. To yield to Resistance deforms our spirit. It stunts us and makes us less than we are and were born to be.”
“The War of Art”, by Steven Pressfield, is a book that every artist, writer, musician, or creative person should read. It is a compelling manifesto that explores the nature of creativity and the resistance that often hinders us from achieving our full potential.
Pressfield’s book is divided into three parts, each with its own set of insights and wisdom.
Part one, “Resistance: Defining the Enemy”, is a powerful call to action that forces readers to confront the obstacles that prevent us from creating, such as procrastination, self-doubt, and fear.
Part two, “Combating Resistance: Turning Pro”, is a guide to overcoming these obstacles and becoming a professional in our chosen field.
Finally, part three, “Beyond Resistance: The Higher Realm”, explores the spiritual dimension of creativity and the connection between art and the divine.
The book’s tone is straightforward and no-nonsense, with Pressfield’s voice serving as a firm but supportive guide. I found his writing style to be engaging and accessible, with anecdotes and examples that illustrate his points and make the book feel like a conversation with a wise mentor.
One of the main themes of the book is the importance of discipline and perseverance in the creative process. Pressfield argues that to achieve greatness, we must show up every day and do the work, regardless of how we feel or what obstacles we face. He also stresses the importance of taking risks and embracing failure as a necessary part of the creative journey.
Another key theme is the idea that creativity is a spiritual endeavor, and that by tapping into our innermost selves, we can create work that is not only meaningful but transformative. Pressfield encourages readers to trust their intuition and to view their work as a calling rather than a job.
Overall, “The War of Art” is a book that has inspired me to take my own creative work more seriously and to confront the resistance that arises when pushing beyond the status-quo. It has given me actionable ideas and tools that I can use to overcome self-doubt and fear, and it has reminded me that creativity is not just a hobby but a vital part of who I am and who I can continue to become as new challenges come.
“The War of Art” is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to create or who has felt that their creative work is not living up to its full potential. It is a book that will inspire, challenge, and ultimately transform.
Here are my five main takeaways from the book:
- Resistance is the enemy of creativity, and we must learn to recognize and overcome it.
- Discipline and perseverance are essential to achieving greatness in our creative work.
- Taking risks and embracing failure are necessary parts of the creative journey.
- Creativity is a spiritual endeavor, and by tapping into our innermost selves, we can create work that is transformative.
- Trusting our intuition and viewing our work as a calling rather than a job can help us find meaning and purpose in our creative endeavors.
While “The War of Art” is primarily focused on the creative process, its principles can be applied to sales professionals and sales managers as well. Here are some ways the book is very relevant to sales:
- Resistance in sales: Just like in the creative process, sales professionals also face resistance in their work. This can manifest as fear of rejection, procrastination, or self-doubt. By understanding the nature of resistance and learning to overcome it, sales professionals can become more effective and successful in their work.
- Discipline and perseverance: Sales is a competitive field, and achieving success requires discipline and perseverance. Sales professionals must be willing to put in the hard work and show up every day, even when faced with rejection or setbacks.
- Taking risks: Sales professionals are often required to take risks, whether it’s trying out a new sales technique or reaching out to a potential client who may seem out of reach. By embracing the possibility of failure and taking calculated risks, sales professionals can expand their reach and achieve greater success.
- Resourcefulness in sales: While sales may not seem like a creative field at first glance, creativity can be an important asset for sales professionals. By thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative solutions to clients’ problems, sales professionals can differentiate themselves from their competitors and build lasting relationships with clients.
- Trusting intuition: Sales professionals often rely on their intuition to make quick decisions and build rapport with clients. “The War of Art” emphasizes the importance of trusting our inner voice and intuition, which can be a valuable tool for sales professionals.
Overall, “The War of Art” can provide valuable insights and strategies for sales professionals looking to improve their performance and achieve greater success in their work.
Catalyst Consulting 