I felt at home in Egypt. I could happily have been a priest. In truth I am a warrior-priest, who marches where God directs him, in the service of Necessity and Fate. Nor is such a notion vain or self-infatuated. Consider: Persia’s time has passed. In the Invisible World, Darius’ empire has already fallen. Who am I, except the agent of that end, which already exists in the Other World and at whose birth I assist in this one?
This passage is from The Virtues of War, spoken by Alexander (or my imagined version of him.)
Colin Farrell in Oliver Stone’s “Alexander”
What has always fascinated me about the character of Alexander the Great is that he seemed to see the future with such clarity (and such conviction) as to not only make others see it and believe in it as powerfully as he did, but also to make it virtually impossible that that future would not come true—and that he would be the one to make it do so.
Did Alexander really overthrow the Persian Empire against all odds and in the face of history? Or was that chapter nearing its close … and he perceived this and acted to turn the page?
That’s you and me at the inception of a creative project.
The book/screenplay/non-profit/startup already exists in the Other World.
Your job and mine is to see it, to believe in it, and to bring it forth in this one.
Steve shows you the predictable Resistance points that every writer hits in a work-in-progress and then shows you how to deal with each one of these sticking points. This book shows you how to keep going with your work.
A short book about the writing of a first novel: for Steve, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Having failed with three earlier attempts at novels, here's how Steve finally succeeded.
Steve shares his "lessons learned" from the trenches of the five different writing careers—advertising, screenwriting, fiction, nonfiction, and self-help. This is tradecraft. An MFA in Writing in 197 pages.
Amateurs have amateur habits. Pros have pro habits. When we turn pro, we give up the comfortable life but we find our power. Steve answers the question, "How do we overcome Resistance?"
Beautiful! I love it. In your Jabs you make comparisons between bringing a work of art to fruition and the professional mindset of the Long Range Desert Group troops, and also the idea that we must protect and dedicate ourselves to our unborn work with the same fervour as the mother of an infant. Same thing.
Thanks Steve!
Today’s post flashed me back to all those times I’d sit down to write and it felt like I was taking dictation; as though the words were already written in that ‘Other World’ you wrote about. I guess you could call it , ‘confidence,’ but I can’t help thinking that kind of Flow is more magical.
Great insight! Love the idea of imagining what we want to see realized and follow Alexander’s belief strategy to “make it virtually impossible that that future would not come true.” Very timely advice, Steven, as I’m working on a new play that 12 days ago was one line of dialogue. I imagine the first draft complete just ten days from now. TY for the encouragement (again).
Interesting that your Alexander uses the word “I” six times in a text of about 90 words. That’s some egocentrism there, I would say. You might want to check out the conversation between David Bohm and J Krishna Murti in which they talk about humanity having taken a fatal wrong turn when they “invented” the “I” and with it the notion of “becoming.” They conclude that it was the only way the brain could cope with the concept of “time” which is in fact a concept of the brain but not of the mind. It is, in the words of the great physicist Bohm, the beginning of all conflict.
Wonderful. To live without constant reference to ‘Me, Myself and I’ opens up trmendous possibilities for seeing more clearly, living with more aliveness.
I imagine seeing the finished book on a shelf in an airport bookstore.
I pick it up, I feel the weight of it. I open it. Is it hardback or paper?
I hear the sounds of the passengers moving around behind me.
I smell the scent of freshly printed books.
I wish I could taste it, but I can smell the cinnamon bakery next door.
The more you engage the five senses in experiencing the future, the more real it becomes.
Yes! Our job, if we choose to accept it, is to bring what’s in the ether into fruition in the world. Even, I say from experience, with more belief than we can muster on our own. We may have to pray for more.
I have always believed that the seed of an idea can be like the seed of an oak tree… What we do with the Oak seed is an entirely different matter. We can nurture it… or ignore it and perhaps the idea or oak tree will be nurtured to greatness by someone else. – The seed is there nonetheless and grow it must…
I was a having a borderline panic attack due to three sets of notes on a project. This post points the way – the only way to get out of the muck is to go headstrong into it. I will wrestle with it, subdue it, and come out clean.
Pre-Determination vs Free Will! A debate through the centuries…
So if Krishna-Jesus-your Sgt-your editor tells you to go North, do you head straight North, or do you semper-gumby your way E-N-E through W-N-W on the way? And does it make a difference, so long as you reach your Northern destination?
Yes it make a huge difference, it’s how you live your life and whether or not you can remain true to your beliefs.
This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, ‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free’ —Michaelangelo. When I write, I often feel more like an archeologist at some ancient burial site than an author on an iPad.
Ah – so like the Law of Attraction. Not just to believe in our mind that our project already exists, but to feel it in our hearts too.
I have two projects going right now. Writing a novel and building a house from scratch. I think the house might be easier, although the advantage to the novel is it costs nothing to write.
Steve,
The post on September 16th about Killer Instinct inspired me to call the governor’s office to ask for an exception to policy for his inane outdoor activities policy. I was put in touch with a policy analyst for outdoor activities…didn’t know a position like that even existed, but I we talked.
I told him I’m a race director, didn’t know if I had the right person, and wanted to ask for an exception to policy.
“Yes, I’m the right person, and we don’t offer any exceptions to policy” he answered.
I bit my tongue, and he continued, “However, it is interesting you called today. We are just about send out a draft updated policy, I will send it to you today. Please give me your feedback within 48 hours.”
The updated policy, which was eventually announced in early October, is much more permissive with outdoor competitive events. So we are going to go forward with our race. Virtual concurrently–and may have to do virtual only because the policy can change or the school may not rent us the bowl–but this is a far cry from doing nothing.
Was the policy update waiting in the ether for me to initiate action? Would it have happened if I hadn’t become so frustrated with no action, that I tried to ‘wish it into existence’?
Who knows, but I prefer to believe that our own initiative does make the difference. I believe in things that are real, but we cannot yet measure.
Once I did see hope and possibility, we were able to see how we could do a virtual event that totally didn’t suck…and may actually invite greater participation. That is not mysterious to me, I always think better on my feet, in the game, and with hope and optimism.
To bring this full circle, I want to thank Steve and the fellow commenters. After I read Steve’s post, and the posts of others–I was inspired to do something, anything, to see our race materialize this year.
bsn
Recently started my first book at the age of 60, while still working my career job. The Tides of War is one of favorite books of all time. For it to be Steven Pressfield that has provided all this coaching makes it all that much more special to me. I hate my word choices and need to improve any many ways. However, I love my characters and the situations that I am putting them in. I wish I had started doing this a long time ago, yet I am ever so grateful to be pursuing it now. I am going to get better and see what happens.
As in Sionnach’s quote above; David could never of appeared out of the stone without Michelangelo’s vision of him. You can get better and better with your tools but without the “other wordily vision”, nothing comes to life.
Thank you Steven Pressfield and everyone associated with this project.
Unattainable. It is not a dream because it is unattainable. It’s a dream because you don’t chase it. The moment you start creating, you can see your dream come true.
To make the essay writing process easier, you can contact the essay writing service for help. What I really like about this service is that it offers professional help in writing and rewriting all kinds of works. For example, there you can find many interesting and useful features on https://writemyessays.me/ . What’s more, there are better writers who can help you write assignments even in a short time.
When your garage door malfunctions, it can disrupt your day-to-day life. At FixingOTX, we specialize in fast, reliable garage door repair services tailored to your needs. Our fixngotx garage door maintenance team of skilled technicians is equipped to handle everything from broken springs and malfunctioning openers to off-track doors. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch customer service, ensuring your repairs are completed efficiently and effectively.
We understand the importance of a functional garage door for your home’s security and convenience. That’s why we offer same-day service and emergency repairs, so you’re never left in a bind. Our commitment to quality means we use only the best materials and parts for every job.
Choose FixingOTX Garage Door Repair for prompt, professional service you can count on. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us restore your garage door to perfect working order!
Patronu aradığında sürekli hasta olduğunu söyleyerek iş yerine yalan söylüyor
porno hikaye Patronu artık bu kadarının gerçek olamayacağını ve rapor görmek istediğini dile getirip telefonu kapatıyor
türbanlı Olgun kadın hemen bilgisayarının başına geçip özel bir doktor buluyor ve onu arayarak evine davet ediyor
porno Muayene için eve gelen doktor olgun kadını muayene ediyor ve hiç bir sıkıntı olmadığını söylüyor
brazzers porno Sarışın ablamız ise iş yerine rapor götürmesi gerektiğini bu yüzden rapor yazmasını istiyor
brazzers porno fakat doktor bunun pek mümkün olmadığını dile getiriyor
sex hikayeleri Daha sonra evli olan bu kahpe doktora iş atarak ona yavşıyor ve istediğini alana kadar durmuyor
Porno İzle Karılarını takas etmek isteyen elemanlar hep birlikte evde buluşuyor
türkçe porno Güzel vakit geçirdikten sonra kızlara isteklerini iletiyorlar ve hatunlarda kocalarının bu isteklerini kabul ediyorlar
seks hikayeleri Hemen ellerine telefonları alan elemanlar karılarına video eşliğinde sakso çektiriyorlar
porno izle Hiç beklemeden sikişe geçen elemanlar hatunları değiştire değiştire sikmeye başlıyorlar.
Patronu aradığında sürekli hasta olduğunu söyleyerek iş yerine yalan söylüyor
porno hikaye Patronu artık bu kadarının gerçek olamayacağını ve rapor görmek istediğini dile getirip telefonu kapatıyor
türbanlı Olgun kadın hemen bilgisayarının başına geçip özel bir doktor buluyor ve onu arayarak evine davet ediyor
porno Muayene için eve gelen doktor olgun kadını muayene ediyor ve hiç bir sıkıntı olmadığını söylüyor
brazzers porno Sarışın ablamız ise iş yerine rapor götürmesi gerektiğini bu yüzden rapor yazmasını istiyor
brazzers porno fakat doktor bunun pek mümkün olmadığını dile getiriyor
sex hikayeleri Daha sonra evli olan bu kahpe doktora iş atarak ona yavşıyor ve istediğini alana kadar durmuyor
Porno İzle Karılarını takas etmek isteyen elemanlar hep birlikte evde buluşuyor
türkçe porno Güzel vakit geçirdikten sonra kızlara isteklerini iletiyorlar ve hatunlarda kocalarının bu isteklerini kabul ediyorlar
seks hikayeleri Hemen ellerine telefonları alan elemanlar karılarına video eşliğinde sakso çektiriyorlar
porno izle Hiç beklemeden sikişe geçen elemanlar hatunları değiştire değiştire sikmeye başlıyorlar.
Beautiful! I love it. In your Jabs you make comparisons between bringing a work of art to fruition and the professional mindset of the Long Range Desert Group troops, and also the idea that we must protect and dedicate ourselves to our unborn work with the same fervour as the mother of an infant. Same thing.
Thanks Steve!
🤩😘 to Steven Priestfield from an Indian Entrepreneur.
Today’s post flashed me back to all those times I’d sit down to write and it felt like I was taking dictation; as though the words were already written in that ‘Other World’ you wrote about. I guess you could call it , ‘confidence,’ but I can’t help thinking that kind of Flow is more magical.
Great insight! Love the idea of imagining what we want to see realized and follow Alexander’s belief strategy to “make it virtually impossible that that future would not come true.” Very timely advice, Steven, as I’m working on a new play that 12 days ago was one line of dialogue. I imagine the first draft complete just ten days from now. TY for the encouragement (again).
…”in the service of Necessity and Fate…”
Interesting that your Alexander uses the word “I” six times in a text of about 90 words. That’s some egocentrism there, I would say. You might want to check out the conversation between David Bohm and J Krishna Murti in which they talk about humanity having taken a fatal wrong turn when they “invented” the “I” and with it the notion of “becoming.” They conclude that it was the only way the brain could cope with the concept of “time” which is in fact a concept of the brain but not of the mind. It is, in the words of the great physicist Bohm, the beginning of all conflict.
Wonderful. To live without constant reference to ‘Me, Myself and I’ opens up trmendous possibilities for seeing more clearly, living with more aliveness.
I imagine seeing the finished book on a shelf in an airport bookstore.
I pick it up, I feel the weight of it. I open it. Is it hardback or paper?
I hear the sounds of the passengers moving around behind me.
I smell the scent of freshly printed books.
I wish I could taste it, but I can smell the cinnamon bakery next door.
The more you engage the five senses in experiencing the future, the more real it becomes.
Yes! Our job, if we choose to accept it, is to bring what’s in the ether into fruition in the world. Even, I say from experience, with more belief than we can muster on our own. We may have to pray for more.
I have always believed that the seed of an idea can be like the seed of an oak tree… What we do with the Oak seed is an entirely different matter. We can nurture it… or ignore it and perhaps the idea or oak tree will be nurtured to greatness by someone else. – The seed is there nonetheless and grow it must…
Thorsten Eggert
I was a having a borderline panic attack due to three sets of notes on a project. This post points the way – the only way to get out of the muck is to go headstrong into it. I will wrestle with it, subdue it, and come out clean.
Pre-Determination vs Free Will! A debate through the centuries…
So if Krishna-Jesus-your Sgt-your editor tells you to go North, do you head straight North, or do you semper-gumby your way E-N-E through W-N-W on the way? And does it make a difference, so long as you reach your Northern destination?
Yes it make a huge difference, it’s how you live your life and whether or not you can remain true to your beliefs.
OMG. so perfect for me on my birthday today. Thanks for the gift, Steve.
Happy Birthday!
Happy BirthdaYAY!!
Congratulations! Have a wonderful day!
Hell yeah!!!
This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, ‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free’ —Michaelangelo. When I write, I often feel more like an archeologist at some ancient burial site than an author on an iPad.
Ah – so like the Law of Attraction. Not just to believe in our mind that our project already exists, but to feel it in our hearts too.
I have two projects going right now. Writing a novel and building a house from scratch. I think the house might be easier, although the advantage to the novel is it costs nothing to write.
Inspiring thought, Steve. It reminds me of Michelangelo when he said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
Snap, Sionnach 🙂
Steve,
The post on September 16th about Killer Instinct inspired me to call the governor’s office to ask for an exception to policy for his inane outdoor activities policy. I was put in touch with a policy analyst for outdoor activities…didn’t know a position like that even existed, but I we talked.
I told him I’m a race director, didn’t know if I had the right person, and wanted to ask for an exception to policy.
“Yes, I’m the right person, and we don’t offer any exceptions to policy” he answered.
I bit my tongue, and he continued, “However, it is interesting you called today. We are just about send out a draft updated policy, I will send it to you today. Please give me your feedback within 48 hours.”
The updated policy, which was eventually announced in early October, is much more permissive with outdoor competitive events. So we are going to go forward with our race. Virtual concurrently–and may have to do virtual only because the policy can change or the school may not rent us the bowl–but this is a far cry from doing nothing.
Was the policy update waiting in the ether for me to initiate action? Would it have happened if I hadn’t become so frustrated with no action, that I tried to ‘wish it into existence’?
Who knows, but I prefer to believe that our own initiative does make the difference. I believe in things that are real, but we cannot yet measure.
Once I did see hope and possibility, we were able to see how we could do a virtual event that totally didn’t suck…and may actually invite greater participation. That is not mysterious to me, I always think better on my feet, in the game, and with hope and optimism.
To bring this full circle, I want to thank Steve and the fellow commenters. After I read Steve’s post, and the posts of others–I was inspired to do something, anything, to see our race materialize this year.
bsn
Recently started my first book at the age of 60, while still working my career job. The Tides of War is one of favorite books of all time. For it to be Steven Pressfield that has provided all this coaching makes it all that much more special to me. I hate my word choices and need to improve any many ways. However, I love my characters and the situations that I am putting them in. I wish I had started doing this a long time ago, yet I am ever so grateful to be pursuing it now. I am going to get better and see what happens.
As in Sionnach’s quote above; David could never of appeared out of the stone without Michelangelo’s vision of him. You can get better and better with your tools but without the “other wordily vision”, nothing comes to life.
Thank you Steven Pressfield and everyone associated with this project.
Unattainable. It is not a dream because it is unattainable. It’s a dream because you don’t chase it. The moment you start creating, you can see your dream come true.
To make the essay writing process easier, you can contact the essay writing service for help. What I really like about this service is that it offers professional help in writing and rewriting all kinds of works. For example, there you can find many interesting and useful features on https://writemyessays.me/ . What’s more, there are better writers who can help you write assignments even in a short time.
When your garage door malfunctions, it can disrupt your day-to-day life. At FixingOTX, we specialize in fast, reliable garage door repair services tailored to your needs. Our fixngotx garage door maintenance team of skilled technicians is equipped to handle everything from broken springs and malfunctioning openers to off-track doors. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch customer service, ensuring your repairs are completed efficiently and effectively.
We understand the importance of a functional garage door for your home’s security and convenience. That’s why we offer same-day service and emergency repairs, so you’re never left in a bind. Our commitment to quality means we use only the best materials and parts for every job.
Choose FixingOTX Garage Door Repair for prompt, professional service you can count on. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us restore your garage door to perfect working order!