The War of Art - by Steven Pressfield

The Author

Steven Pressfield is a bestselling author and speaker known for his books on creativity, productivity, and the creative process. He is the author of several books, including "The War of Art," "The Artist's Journey," "Turning Pro," and "Do the Work." His work focuses on the internal struggles that creatives face and how to overcome them, and has been widely praised for its practicality and insight. Pressfield's writing is often described as straight-talking, motivational and easy to understand. He is a popular speaker and has delivered talks and workshops on creativity, productivity, and the creative process to audiences around the world.

The Book

"The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield is a powerful and inspiring book that is a must-read for anyone who's ever struggled with procrastination, self-doubt, or just feeling stuck in general. Pressfield delivers a no-nonsense, straight-talking approach to overcoming resistance and getting your work done. He breaks down the concept of resistance and explains how it can manifest in different forms, such as procrastination, self-sabotage, and fear. He then provides practical strategies for identifying and combating resistance in your own life, so you can stay focused and productive.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was Pressfield's use of humor. He doesn't take himself too seriously, and he doesn't expect you to either. He uses anecdotes and examples that are relatable and humorous, making the book an enjoyable read. His writing style is engaging and easy to understand, which helps to keep the reader motivated throughout the book. He is the kind of writer who can make you laugh while also making you think which I believe makes us learn and remember more.

Here are the nine most prominent takeaways from the book.

1. Resistance is a natural part of the creative process, and it's something we all have to deal with.

2. Resistance can manifest in different forms such as procrastination, self-sabotage, and fear.

3. The only way to overcome resistance is to actively engage with it and push through it.

4. The importance of being mindful of the signs of resistance and taking action to overcome them.

5. Adopting a "professional" mindset, which involves approaching your work with discipline and commitment.

6. Setting aside time to work every day and not letting anything get in the way of that work.

7. Establishing a daily routine and setting clear goals.

8. Focusing on the process of creating, rather than the outcome.

9. The importance of consistency and showing up to do the work, even when you don't feel like it.

My opinion

Overall, "The War of Art" is a powerful, inspiring, and entertaining read. If you're feeling stuck or unmotivated, this book will give you the push you need to get back on track and make progress on your creative projects. After all, the content you are reading now would not have been possible without reading this book.