Self-doubt.
It’s an ongoing theme in freelancing groups I’m part of.
Telltale phrases are:
… “I’m scared”
… “I don’t feel confident”
… “What if I’m not good enough?”
When I hear words 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 I now have a prominent sign on my wall… that I see every day:
“RESISTANCE is the enemy!”
I bear the scars of my own experiences giving in to Resistance… and more recently fighting it.
And it’s worth fighting!!
When it’s been chased away…
I can sit down and do my work.
And make that step-by-step forward progress.
There’s some stuff you’ll just have to go through as a freelancer.
But… like Neo from the Matrix…
You can dodge bullets… IF you know your enemy.
I recommend freelancers — wherever possible — try to lay their hands on a copy of The War of Art.
In the meantime…
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.
You can find it here:
All the best! 😄
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Chris Milham