This second, we can turn the tables on Resistance. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. "Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. ALSO BY STEVEN PRESSFIELD The Profession (2011) Killing Rommel The Afghan Campaign The Virtues of War Last of the Amazons Tides of War Gates of Fire The Legend of Bagger Vance. I'll close with one more quote from Pressfield: THE WAR OF ART Winning the Inner Creative Battle STEVEN PRESSFIELD FOREWORD BY ROBERT McKEE. You will have wrestled for control of your fate, as Machiavelli wrote, and spoken to it in the only language it understands: sheer force of will. Tomorrow the defense will give us more, and tomorrow we'll take it."īy the time you have taken these steps, you will be well down the road of an artistic calling. "Our role on tough-nut days is to maintain our composure and keep chipping away.
We can trade in the habits of the amateur and the addict for the practice of the professional and the committed artist or entrepreneur.” But we can replace bad habits with good ones. "The difference between an amateur and a professional is in their habits. Not to act upon that ambition is to turn our backs on ourselves and on the reason for our existence." To feel ambition and to act upon it is to embrace the unique calling of our souls. "Ambition, I have come to believe, is the most primal and sacred and fundament of our being. "The essence of epiphanies is the stripped away of self-delusion. Twelve-step programs say "One Day at a Time." The professional says the same thing." It's a decision to which we must re-commit every day.
"Turning pro is like kicking a drug habit or stopping drinking.
Achieving this compassion is the first powerful step toward moving from being an amateur to being a pro." He knows he was meant for better things.If the amateur had empathy for himself, he could look in the mirror and not hate what he sees. I know sometimes you may doubt yourself, your art, your technique, your skills, and your future, but that’s just the lizard brain doing its job."In his heart, the amateur knows he's hiding. I truly hope this inspires some of you and gives you some reassurance about your artistic journey. Here’s a presentation by Seth Godin about the Lizard Brain. Pressfield believes that resistance is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to.
Here’s “The War of Art” audiobook by Steven Pressfield. Internationally best-selling author of Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire and Tides of War, Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. The professional is sly he knows that by toiling with the front door of technique, he leaves room for genius to enter by the back.” ~ Steven Pressfield
The professional dedicates himself to mastering technique not because he believes technique is a substitute for inspiration, but because he wants to be in possession of the full arsenal of skills when inspiration does come. He recognizes the contribution of those that have gone before him. He does not consider himself superior to it. Of all of the books I have read since then, there are few I have returned to more often. “A professional dedicates himself to mastering technique. I don't remember when I first read The War of Art, but I know it changed my life. Here’s a quote from his audio book “The War of Art.” If it’s pointing North, go South and you will be better off, getting closer to your goals without distracting obstacles. The lizard brain goes into overtime to make sure you procrastinate as much as possible and hold onto negative thoughts ensuring your failure. The closer you get to achieving your goals, the tougher it gets. The further you stretch it, the tougher it gets. Have some grit, and learn to dance through the successes and failures. To follow your dreams and realize you can achieve your goals in life if you stick with it, through thick and thin.
Knowing how to listen for the resistance or lizard brain will allow you to zip it’s mouth shut and do what you want to do. The Amygdala is what scientists call it…the part of our brain that processes emotions. Seth Godin calls it the “ Lizard Brain.” The fight or flight, prehistoric part of our brain that kept us from getting eaten by sabertooth tigers, but doesn’t do us much good these days. It tells you that your art is worthless and you should just stop chasing your dreams and go get a job at Walmart. Pressfield talks about the “Resistance” in his audio book “The War of Art” which is the thing in your head that tells you you’re not worthy enough to accomplish anything. I heard of Steven Pressfield when I was listening to an audio book by Seth Godin. Hey everyone, welcome back! I figured today would be a good day for inspiration.