Resistance.  Resistance is the War every artist must face.  Resistance is the War we all face.  It is the battle that must be won to achieve success.  Overcoming resistance is what turns the amateur into the professional.  Resistance takes many forms and fashions its way into our weaknesses.  It knows exactly how to stop you.  It knows just how to make sure you fail.  Give up.  Miserable and alone.  Resistance is what keeps most people from ever realizing their full potential.

Steven Pressfield spent the first part of his life losing that war to Resistance.  Failing all along the way.  Lost, aimless and hopeless at times, Resistance had his number.  The amount of pain and suffering he endured; I find unfathomable.  Why and how he was able to persevere through rejection after rejection is something I can’t understand.  But endure he did.  And in the end not only did achieve his goal of becoming a distinguished author and novelist, but he also wrote the War of Art.  His first non-fiction work was published specifically for authors and artists.   This bible for creatives has gone on to influence and shape some of the greatest writers alive today.  The impact of this and the follow-ups like “Do The Work” and “Turning Pro” have become gospels to those looking to realize their dreams and ambitions.  While he directly appeals to the artist and more specifically the writer, the message and process for overcoming resistance apply to anyone with a vision or mission.  The principles all work. 

Along with his influential nonfiction, Steven’s novels also dive into a code of values through the spartan principles of ancient times.  These stories encapsulate the warrior ethos while giving great perspectives into the lives of those who endured resistance centuries ago.  The most recent novel “A Man at Arms” does a magnificent job of this.  After reading all that these ancient people had to go through, you realize the resistance and challenges we face now may not be so bad.  And maybe that’s really the point.  Perspective.  Perspective makes any resistance manageable.  Something that can be overcome.  A war that can be won.  And Steven Pressfield shows us the way.  Learn how with the man at arms, a warrior artist, Mr. Steven Pressfield.

https://stevenpressfield.com/

https://blackirishbooks.com/books/

@steven_pressfield