The main premise of War of art is about Resistance, what it is and how to overcome it. Without giving away all of the nuggets resistance is the force that stops you doing whatever positive action you’re trying to accomplish. The ideas are framed towards the writing process but it can be applied to any situation or endeavour. In fact, the book starts with a list of likely situations resistance will arise including any creative pursuit, entrepreneurial venture, any diet or activity whose aim is tighter abdominals and a bunch more that you’ll recognise instantly.
Sure it’s a self-help book. Regardless I found it to be pretty low in BS. This book tells you to sit in the chair and do the work, quite the opposite to many of the typical self-help out there.
Who should read this book? - Anyone and everyone who is working on a creative pursuit, side hustle or personal venture.
The first half of the book puts forward many forms of resistance, many familiar and some more subtle. It's helpful to read and recognise these so you can combat them in your daily life.
At 130 pages this is a short, no fluff book that manages to be both witty and hard hitting all at once.
"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance." ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art
What’s not to like?
towards the end of the book, it steers towards Pressfield’s life philosophy and spirituality which may or may not be your cup of tea.
The author takes a hard line on being “Pro”. Paraphrasing. [You’re only pro if you’re committed 100%. if you’re not a pro then you don’t truly love your pursuit.] While I get it, I could imagine a lot of people might not like being told that.
Would I read it again? Yes, it’s one of those books you could pick up again in future to give yourself another kick.
It’s not a must-read but if you feel blocked(*who doesn’t) it might help. ✌️
“The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art