An ongoing theme in Facebook groups I’m part of is… self-doubt.
Telltale phrases are:
… “I’m scared”
… “I don’t feel confident”
… “What if I’m not good enough?”
When I hear things like that…
I hear Resistance talking.
“Resistance” is the name Steven Pressfield gives to this common foe of creatives.
He unpacks this in his book, The War of Art.
I found the book INCREDIBLY helpful to understand where Resistance comes from.
And for understanding myself.
If you’re like me, you’ll find it very confronting.
It shines light on areas I need to give forethought to. So I don’t become Resistance’s next victim.
It’s why for a long time I had a prominent sign on my wall. That I would see and read every day. Reminding me…
“RESISTANCE is the enemy!”
I bear the scars of my own experience of giving in to Resistance.
But also from fighting it!
And it’s worth fighting!!
Because when it’s been chased away…
I can sit down… Do my work in peace… And make that bit-by-bit forward progress.
There’s some stuff you’ll just have to go through as a business owner.
But like Neo from the Matrix…
You can dodge bullets IF you know your enemy.
Knowing those telltale signs that it’s Resistance talking is the first step in defeating it.
I recommend anyone doing creative work to lay their hands on a copy of The War of Art.
Also, there’s a great interview Marie Forleo did with Steven Pressfield.
Helpful to watch if this concept of Resistance is new to you. Or as a refresher.
One new thing I learned from watching it is:
Resistance is like the villain in a movie; it gives meaning to the things we do.
Check it out here…