The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles Summary

Steven Pressfield
3.99/5
- 2002
Creativity
Self-help
Motivation
This book is good to read when you feel inspired.

Key Takeaways

  1. Resistance is the main enemy of creativity and must be battled daily to achieve artistic and professional goals.
  2. Professionalism is key in overcoming resistance—treat creative work as a job and commit to it fully.
  3. Fear is often a sign that something is worth doing, and facing it is crucial for personal growth.
  4. Creative work is not a matter of finding inspiration, but rather of working steadily and persisting through all difficulties.
  5. 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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