Lessons on Beating Procrastination or “the Resistance" as Steven Pressfield calls it, in the War of Art.

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We have two lives within us. The life we live and the life we want to live. The two are separated by ‘The Resistance’.

If you want to be something, do something, chase a dream, lose weight, become fit, write, paint, sing, quit your job, start a business, but you are unable to and feel stuck, it’s because of this force called ‘Resistance.’

Resistance is evil, it’s implacable, infallible, never sleeps, it’s fueled by fear, is most powerful at the finish line.

It does not like change, and it does everything in its power to prevent you from succeeding. But it can be beaten. And to beat it you should stop being an amateur and become a pro.

Amateurs don’t show up for work every single day. They complain and whine cos things don’t go their way. Don’t be an amateur. Be a pro.

Don’t be an amateur. Be a pro.

Being a pro means showing up for work every single day. It’s the only way to beat Resistance. If you’re an artist, work on your art. If you want to start a business, then work on your business plan.

Whatever it is that you want to accomplish, do it EVERYDAY. No matter what. And just keep working.

A professional is prepared, does not show off, dedicates himself to mastering technique and asks for help.

A professional does not take failure personally. It’s just part of the game. Learn and move on to the next project. Be a fucking professional!

The simple act of starting even without preparation can go a long way. Cos you catch the resistance off guard.

Start, and then keep going. Momentum will then take over and help you to keep moving.

When Somerset Maugham was asked if he wrote on a schedule or when inspiration strikes, his reply was :

“I write only when inspiration strikes, Fortunately, it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.” 

This is what Steven Pressfield calls being a ‘Pro.’

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