In his classic book The War of Art, Steven Pressfield outlines the fundamental reason most people never achieve that big dream, or really fulfill their true potential: Resistance.
That’s Resistance, with a capital “R.” What is it? There are many manifestations: self-sabotage, procrastination, fear, arrogance, self-doubt, and more. You will have many obstacles and challenges in your life, but Resistance is different. No one inflicts it on you from outside. It’s inside you—and you take it with you to every goal or dream you seek to achieve.
Resistance is the internal force that keeps you from being your best self, and from doing your best work. It taunts you with the possibility of failure, and will stop you from taking action every time it can. It’s both a monster and a charmer, and will do or say whatever works to keep you mediocre and average, never living your authentic self.
No matter who you are, or how successful you become, Resistance will always be close by, ready to renew its attack at your weakest point. Get used to the fact that Resistance is, and will always be, your number one enemy. It’s never going away, but you can defeat it—minute by minute, day by day. Steven Pressfield shows you how in his book. Consequently I study The War of Art multiple times each year, and I strongly recommend it to you.
Now, with that background, let’s get to our quote for the day. There are many life-changing concepts and principles in The War of Art, but the one below is on my mind right now so I felt impressed to share it. Maybe someone will read this and it will make a big difference for them today.
“If you find yourself criticizing other people, you're probably doing it out of Resistance. When we see others beginning to live their authentic selves, it drives us crazy if we have not lived out our own. Individuals who are realized in their own lives almost never criticize others. If they speak at all, it is to offer encouragement. Watch yourself. Of all the manifestations of Resistance, most only harm ourselves. Criticism and cruelty harm others as well.” ~Steven Pressfield
- Stewart Hughes