The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles Summary
Steven Pressfield
3.99/5
- 2002Creativity
Self-help
Motivation
This book is good to read when you feel inspired.
Key Takeaways
- Resistance is the main enemy of creativity and must be battled daily to achieve artistic and professional goals.
- Professionalism is key in overcoming resistance—treat creative work as a job and commit to it fully.
- Fear is often a sign that something is worth doing, and facing it is crucial for personal growth.
- Creative work is not a matter of finding inspiration, but rather of working steadily and persisting through all difficulties.
- Discipline and perseverance are essential qualities for anyone who wants to succeed in any creative field.
Summary
Pressfield frames the creative endeavor as a war, where the primary battle is against internal resistance that everyone faces.
He identifies resistance as the enemy of creativity, manifested in procrastination, self-doubt, and fear, and discusses strategies to combat and defeat it.
The book also emphasizes the professional mindset required to overcome resistance, advocating for a disciplined approach to creativity as if it were a job.
'The War of Art' is aimed at artists of all kinds but is universally applicable to anyone who seeks to overcome their inner obstacles and live a more productive, fulfilled life.
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