“It's not the writing part that's hard. What's hard is sitting down to write.What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.”
In this quote by author Steven Pressfield, he explores the struggle of beginning a writing task. He suggests that the difficulty does not lie in the act of writing itself, but rather in overcoming the resistance that prevents us from sitting down and actually starting to write. This quote highlights the importance of pushing through mental barriers and distractions in order to begin the creative process. Pressfield's insight serves as a reminder to writers and creators to acknowledge and combat the resistance that may be holding them back from their work.
In today's fast-paced world filled with distractions, the concept of Resistance as described by Steven Pressfield becomes more relevant than ever. The struggle to prioritize and focus on our writing amidst various distractions can hinder our progress and creativity. It is important to acknowledge and address this Resistance in order to unleash our potential and produce meaningful work.
"“It's not the writing part that's hard. What's hard is sitting down to write. What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.” - Steven Pressfield"
Reflecting on Steven Pressfield's quote about Resistance, consider the following questions:
“This is the other secret that real artists know and wannabe writers don’t. When we sit down each day and do our work, power concentrates around us. The Muse takes note of our dedication. She approves. We have earned favor in her sight. When we sit down and work, we become like a magnetized rod that attracts iron filings. Ideas come. Insights accrete.”
“The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.”
“Its [Resistance] aim is to shove us away, distract us from doing our work.”
“At least twice a week, I pause in the rush of work and have a meeting with myself. (If I were part of a team, I’d call a team meeting.) I ask myself, again, of the project: “What is this damn thing about?” Keep refining your understanding of the theme; keep narrowing it down.”
“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work.”
“Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember our rule of thumb: The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it. Resistance is experienced as fear; the degree of fear equates to the strength of Resistance. Therefore the more fear we feel about a specific enterprise, the more certain we can be that that enterprise is important to us and to the growth of our soul. That's why we feel so much Resistance. If it meant nothing to us, there'd be no Resistance.”