Thanks, Everybody!
I have to say, I was blown away by the responses to last week’s post, “A Poll.” Thanks to everyone who wrote in … and to everybody else who responded in their mind, if not with their keyboard.
To be brutally candid, there have been times, like when a post would get 10 Comments (or fewer), when I wondered if anyone was “out there” at all. I’d say to myself, “Why am I even doing this? I’m not helping anyone. No one’s even listening.”
Or I would wonder, as I said in the Poll post, “Maybe I’m writing these Wednesday posts to readers who are tuned in for completely different reasons than what I think they are. And I have no idea what those reasons are!”
So it was with great relief and gratification that I took in last week’s Comments. I read ’em all, carefully. It helps me tremendously because it fortifies me in my commitment to keep doing this thing, whatever we might call it.
And I hope it helps you, the reader, to know there is a real COMMUNITY of like-minded and like-aspiring souls. We’re all in the trenches together. I’m in favor of that!
Another way last week’s responses has helped me is this:
I’ve got lots of material that I’ve been holding back. Specifically, two “War of Art”-type books that have been written and proofed but that I’ve been reluctant to even mention, let alone publish, just because I didn’t want to keep putting stuff out BANG BANG BANG. And I was hesitant to believe anyone would even be interested.
I’ll revisit that now.
But most of all, I just want to say thanks to everyone who took the time (and a lot of the Comments were very brave and self-revealing) and made the effort to articulate exactly where they stood on their own artist’s journey.
What we’re doing, all of us, takes guts. It’s solitary. It’s lonely. The interior challenges we deal with as part of the process are stuff that no school has prepared us for. Some of these challenges don’t even have a name, let alone a prescribed solution. And each of us is facing these dragons alone, without a road map.
So props to all of us! It’s an honor, speaking just for myself, to be in the trenches with such a community of intrepid and high-aiming souls. I’ll keep doing it if you will!
DO THE WORK
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.
THE AUTHENTIC SWING
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.
NOBODY WANTS TO READ YOUR SH*T
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.
TURNING PRO
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?"
Hi Steve, please do not hold back. You have been saving my life. If it is stuff like The War of Art I want it.If you have something to say it comes to you like bang bang bang. This is Resistance at its most sopisticated form. Publiah those books, I will read them. I need them.
Your amazing Steven so keep going! I did not respond to your poll but wanted to send you this to say I love reading your stuff! It’s profoundly helpful and I love your vulnerability and honesty. I am reminded that this resistance thing is very real and very hard, for everyone, but yet I CAN keep going…your words inspire me and give me the confidence to keep going even when the doubt feels Insurmountable, so please don’t stop we are listening, all the best 💙
Steve, Kelly says it perfectly. I couldn’t add or remove a single word 🙂
Peter
I wholeheartedly agree with you Mariann.
My first response was, “Steve, don’t give in to the resistance.” After all, that’s what you’d say to anyone asking the same questions you have.
I’m loving The Daily Pressfield It’s my new bible. Every day I’m inspired to do the damn work.
Thank you!
I raise my hand high to add to the confirmation of how impactful your coaching is for me, too, Mr. Pressfield. As a novel writer, I look forward to your Writing Wednesdays every week. And I bought all your books and would enjoy more.
Thank you for your important contributions to us.
Sincerely,
Tam Lykens
I transcribed several of Steve’s books by hand and I had to deal with some shame of not producing “worthy results”. These days I do have a daily text writing and sharing practice nearing 500 texts and some dances with some dragons happening, so I can’t thank Steve enough for everything and even considering some deserts I’m crossing at this point. I’m truly grateful for everything.
We are listening. “We are all in the trenches together” even if we are continents apart. We will never win against resistance, but we know it’s worth fighting. You are a great leader of this war.
I just published my first novel and you and your writing guidance are the reason why. I can’t tell you hue often I would comment aloud, “Where did that come? This is what SP is talking about!” Thank you‼️
Thank you, Steve. It’s an honor to be in the trenches with you as well. Sometimes I feel alone, but at some point I remember, thanks to you and others that nothing really separates us. What’s born in chaos returns in order to brighten the path. Force overcomes inertia (resistance). Inertia overcomes force (resistance). Automatically … like breathing.
The work is extracting ourselves from the matrix rock by whatever means necessary. You helped me see that with art. Others have helped me see it with science. Resistance, capacitance, permittivity, permeability. It’s (meta)physical and creative.
Thanks, Steven, I didn’t comment on the poll because I was lost in domestic concerns. And I regret that, now. I truly value what you are doing and giving back. It means a lot to one of your faithful followers. To know that someone who has soared above the crowd even cares about whether others sink or swim. Even if we bury our heads in the collective sand from time to time. I raise a glass to you, sir.
Thank you. I haven’t been reading the posts lately, and missed the poll! However, seeing the posts inspires me – having read enough to know some important themes. Without reading specifics, I am inspired by regular posts coming in – I save them to read “later” as if we know……
The good news is I have been writing more than reading – anything.
I am sorry to have missed the poll but writing is probably the most acceptable excuse, I’m guessing.
for everyone’s stories,
susan
Hi Steve,
I read every post you send and have been doing so for year. There’s a big pool of us out here. Thanks for everything . Onwards! /Garry – an Irishman in Brussels.
Dear Mr Pressfield,
I used your Gurkha story today in a presentation to medical professionals in South Australia.
And I regularly use the strategies you have promoted in The War of Art (which I’ve consumed many times). Anything new, anything that requires change, becomes a lonely job and requires maturity. ‘Adulting’ my wife and I call it.
Please keep posting. I never comment, but I always read your post, looking for a bit of lift.
Steve, we’re in this together, brothers & sisters in arms, really appreciate your contribution to our community.
Make your day count, M
Hurray! I look forward to reading your weekly posts. Thank you!
Your beautiful gifts and talents are yours to share. I hope you choose to continue doing what you do, in your own style, time and pace. We all need something, whether that’s information, inspiration, motivation, etc. You just never know whose lives you’ve touched and the difference you’ve made by the things you’ve shared. Thank you for all you do!
Just do it, Steven, BANG BANG BANG!
Dear Steven, I always read your posts carefully. And I always feel nourished and encouraged. – And yes, it´s an honor to be here. Thank you!
Keep going, Steven! God and His angels are cheering you on and so am I! I can’t wait for your “War of Art kind of books”! Love your books, especially War of Art! God bless you!
Reading your writer’s life story has opened a window onto how my favorite writer has crossed the threshold from amateur to pro. Like King’s book on writing, or Letters to a young poet, and many others, they give perspective. It helps to see “there’s no right way to go about writing, but there’s only one bad way: not writing!”. Your novels are next to my bed and I’ll often think of passages from the Afghanistan Campaign, or scenes from Gates of Fire or Tides of War, in which you’ve humanised philosophical tenets. Whatever you’ve got in the pipeline, don’t clog it with Resistance! Don’t hoard your energy please 😊 put it out!
Semper Fi my Friend. Always on the mark illuminating the path allowing us to see further. All the best.
Steve, please don’t be reluctant to share your unpublished works. We’re all in this obsession together! Writers and other creators. I will keep reading and rereading your work, both fiction and non-fiction.
Proud to be here amongst this like-minded group. Steve, I always read WW, digest and ponder, even if I don’t post a comment. And I really do implement your insights, and those of others in our WW community, in my writing and my battle against Resistance. I recognise it daily in it’s various guises and am moving forward because you have taught me how.
Can’t write more, because of recent eye surgery.
Best wishes Steve and everyone.
Peter
Peter! Hope the eye surgery went well, mate!
Yes, to everything that everyone else has already said! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do!!!! I look forward to every single post on Wednesdays, just to know I’m not alone. There are others with me, and if you can persevere and succeed, then perhaps I can, too. Your Wednesday posts help me to keep writing, and once this book on women in the Marine ground combat jobs is FINALLY finished, I hope to send you a copy just so I can say, “See, I did it!”
Semper Fidelis,
Beth
I’ll buy both new books as soon as they come out
(silent reader here, first time commenter)
me too
Me too
Me too
Hi, Steven,
First of all, I’d like to apologize for not responding to your survey, but also to thank you for all your help over the last few months. I’ve been working on a new novel for over two years, and have had the good fortune to publish four of them, with varying fortunes (at best, a few articles in the press, and at most a handful of sales (thanks Mom!)).
Every morning, I struggle with a thousand resistances, which you’ve listed: loneliness, the feeling that I’m doing shit, the idea that I’ll never get to the end. And yet, I’ll never give up, because the two or three hours I manage to squeeze out of my day-to-day work allow me to feel alive. Since reading your books, and now your newsletter, I feel less alone. I’ve realized that all this is quite normal. It doesn’t make things any easier, but it does make them more acceptable, which is already a lot.
For that and everything else to come: thank you Steven!
Bruno – Paris, France
C´mon Steven! You are our hero!! Bang everything out!! Love from italy
I did not respond last week, but I am a faithful reader of Writing Wednesdays and all other things “Pressfield”. Just yesterday, I received a video of a woman friend of mine reading a selection of her soon to be published work. In it, she told the story of how, as a pastor, she was struggling with her true calling. I told her that as a creative, she really needed to read “The War of Art”. The book literally changed the trajectory of her life…. She transitioned to the creative life she had always dreamed of, and I have never seen her more happy or fulfilled. That is the kind of impact you have. And for me, as someone who quits writing every week and creates an “all done” newsletter to subscribers, it matters to me to hear of your struggles in this creative life. You matter. What you do lifts us all.
💜 inspiring. Beautiful.
Facing dragons requires becoming The Dragon.
Become a Mother of Dragons, breathing out the fires of the inner self, one word at a time.
Fan the flames, keep going.
I love your shit buddy!! Always read – Plse don’t stop…
Steve,
Thank you!
Don’t ever think for one moment that your words go unheard into the abyss.
I’m not on here religiously every week as I was in the past. But make no mistake, your blog, among a handful of weekly serializations, quite literally saved my life back in the day. I was going through a rough patch filled with depression, paranoia and abject hopelessness and the only thing that kept me going was looking forward to your post each Wednesday.
I counted time and weeks in terms of Wednesdays!
Keep trucking.
You have such a knack for expressing deep inner feelings with such clarity. It’s gold for me. I often find myself thinking, “How does he know exactly what I’m feeling? I thought it was just me”. It’s so refreshing and helps me breathe deeper. Helps me feel supported. Thank you for your beautiful writings, but mostly for your courage
Hi Steve. Finding War of Art was a huge turning point in my life. I’ve been with you for at least 16 years. And not just in my art. Your work has allowed me to be who I am and lead me to a much more fulfilling life. I have my artist website and sell some. My art is in a local artisan store. I teach A Course in Miracle classes and recommend your books to all my students.
You have changed my life and your willingness to share your journey extends far beyond me and everyone here. Thank you forever.
I think – the empty sections of past posts probably helped your resistance. And I hope the sections to this and your previous column will help defeat it. Hope to read both your new books. Best wishes. Always.
Hi Steven,
A huge thank you for all the work that you do. I’ve learnt so many great things from your art.
Reading your Writing Wednesdays gives me motivation to keep writing as I see that you as a writer felt the resistance thoughts as well as many others.
Big thanks!
The world needs you write so stay out of your head,
Keep doing you and we’ll keep feeding on the lessons and inspiration.
Also, I read yours in email every week and never have come to the blog to comment until now.
Keep going.
Please do not hesitate, you are a great writer with a distinguish style and the lovers of art are always wanting
works like yours to go on breathing the thin air of your particular atmosphere.
I can’t count the times I’ve wanted to quit because nobody wants to read my sh*t. But the War of Art, The Daily Pressfield, their companions on the shelf next to my desk,and Writing Wednesdays made me send out one more story and type one more chapter in my book. Please consider how much the tools and support mean to those of us in the trenches. Publish more.
The greatest compliment comes in the form of a recommendation. At the gym, I shared your books and Writing Wednesdays with two gals who need this community and what you share. Many, many thanks.
If I could only explain how your writing helps me as an economic development professional. Today’s Writing is another great example of preparing me with the mentality to fight Resistance that I know woke up before me and is shouting at me to keep my feet off the floor and not go through that office door. Keep gettin’ after it.
Steven I saw you on a recent podcast with Andrew D. Last week. I don’t remember his last name. You were so gracious and honest. I know this young sage interviews lots of people. I believe he was genuinely thrilled to talk with you. You asked him about dharma .Well I believe your followers are your sangha – a group of like minded souls who need to encourage each other and be in authentic relationship with each other. I read the War of Art years ago. The next weekend I got stuck in Chicago airport for ten hours, I sat on a stool in a cafe and wrote non-stop for 9 hours. The next weekend I finished the book that had taken me 10 years to write. It became published by an act of serendipity -and my belief in your work soared. I gave the book to a photographer and his work started selling. I have to say you are not only talented, you are the personification of a modern day muse for many of us out here. Publish again. Linda McLyman author of Wise Leadership published by Michigan State University Press 2005
WOW, congratulations Linda, thanks for sharing!
Yeah, that’s a good tale. Thanks, Linda!
Just want to say thank you. I hope you continue to send your light out into the world. Looking forward to seeing your bang bang.
I missed a couple of weeks nails have happily responded. But wait — you’re holding back more books like War of Art? Don’t do that. Let ‘em rip.
Steven – Stop it‼️ Bring us those books‼️ I missed last weeks poll also but these posts are like a blessing wind that on days when it feels pointless to raise the sail … and then we do, there your posts are to fill our sails – these 2 posts and the comments help me see the impact of my own work – or see that there is an impact my work makes that I will never see or know about – I’m a black & white large format photographer with 2 exhibits up currently and a magazine profile – but I obsess ( and judge success) over sales ( survival!) – but as I read these comments I am brought back to the awareness of why I do this in the first place – and that in fact there is a community , a tribe to whom it matters and gives sustenance to even if I never hear about it. Yeah, it’s lonely, and resistance is very personal and after 50 years, it’s there every morning… so thank you again Steven and all those who read & need the blessing wind that overcomes …
Hi Carl, loved looking at your web site!
Oh, how surprising to see a response – thank you Bing!
Whither thou goest, I will follow…
Mr. Pressfield,
Please know that you are a lodestar for me. Your work always resonates, and it informs my practice. I apologize for “lurking” and not letting you know how useful and necessary your work has been for me. I’m excited to see your next offerings, and I have no doubt they will be useful and necessary also. Please keep on keepin’ on and know you are deeply appreciated.
Steve.
You Da Man. There is nobody else out there like you to keep tabs and offer advice to the rest of us who want to emulate your success in writing. We may be silent for periods on end, but we are still in the game. I have recommitted to finishing my sequel novel this year and your input will be a part of that effort. We are all grateful for your inspiration, and as Cicero said, Gratitude is the mother of all virtues.
Frank
… one quick anecdote: in 1971 at the age of 21 I went to my first Ansel Adams photography workshop in Yosemite- I learned 2 things ( tho I was too young to have much of a context to hold either of them in at the time).
First, Ansel’s presence, his, for lack of a better word ‘professionalism’ … he set up his camera at one of his classic over looks and there was something visceral in his embodied commitment— a radiance – I’d never seen an adult in that way before… it was a glimpse of a possible way of being.
Perhaps more importantly I read something that my young self must have known was wisdom I would need in the years ahead – a friend of Ansel’s , Cedric Wright , had a photography book in the gift shop and in it he wrote: “One’s work belongs first in one’s life, not second … or last” That was the short form of Steven’s “ War of Art” before I found that book many years later – I was not even a committed photographer at that moment and yet of everything else my young mind was taking in, I remembered THAT line and it gave me both heart and spine in the years ahead … though I was not always able to live up to it… I never have forgotten it’s truth and guidance- so Steven, just one of your lines can steer a life… Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. I am sure too often we focus on the ‘must dos’- job, family needs first and we put expressing our artist last, yet I have found when I am expressing my artist within I am more authentically me in my job and my family and relationships.
Steven, since I found your book only a month ago, I have faced huge demoralisation that I really am not good enough, then said F*@k it and carried on writing my current novel in progress anyway. I don’t know what will become of it- published or only read by my family, or the training ground for a future novel. But I am overcoming self doubt and fear and Resistance every time I sit down to write, and in that moment I am winning in life.
We don’t need to see more copy cat books from you Steven, we need to see you grow and branch out and develop in your writing too. The meaning of Life is to LIVE life. Being an artist is living life, so if you feel your new works are not what you have done in the past but divert into new areas, we’d love to hear about that too! Don’t let us pigeonhole you into a particular style or theme. Write On!
Thanks Steve for all you do. The Daily Pressfield is a great morning bible and prompt. I have never posted to anyone before, so you are my first. I just figured you were too famous and too busy to actually read these things. Plus sometimes people’s opinions are crude and no one should see them nor read them. Oprah and Brene Brown talked alot about that danger in the past several years. Cheers to you!!! Seems you have a very polite and intelligent community following you. Your books and Austin Kleon’s books really helped me before I retired. Keep up the good work!
You’re a rock star Steven. What I love about your work… No short cuts. Do the work. Love it. Schedule it. Embrace it. Keep it up!!
Please Steven….continue what you do. I have been following and reading all your books for years. Everything you struggle with is the same resistance and concerns I face daily walking into my studio….You use words and I use paint! I actually wrote you an email way back in 2010 when I first read The Art of War. and your reply was powerful…..Thank you for voicing the concerns we face daily. Lisa Parker Hyatt
I just love what you do Steve. Thank you. I wish you & yours much happiness. Thank you for sharing it all with us!! Reading this post made my heart so happy.
Respectfully,
Kate Stanton
Steve, if you keep writing these, count on me to keep reading them. I’ve always referred to what you’re doing with these posts as a method of feeding the writer’s soul- forgive me- more than that: the creative’s soul.
Thank you Steven! Keep your words coming! I give The War of Art to people as gifts on the regular. The feedback from my friends and family and even strangers (I randomly give your book and some others away. People are always in gratitude for your writing.. so thank you! Warmest Regards, Jennifer
Jennifer,
TWoA is also one of the handful of books I give away to anyone who looks like they need to read it. Also Turning Pro, The Artists Journey and GoF.
Love them!
I hope we have all restored Steve’s spirits and confidence. We’re here for him, just as he is here for us.
Peter
Thank you for your efforts!
Yes!
Keep on!
More!
We’re all reading and reacting and acting.
One day closer to completing our next work!
TY!
Oh, my! Your words melted my heart, Steven. You have a beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your gift with us and the world. I look forward to reading the next “war of art” kind of book you will work on. In this season, I am glued to the daily pressfield, and I am thankful to have models like yourself who inspire me to be, do, and have! Thank you!
I join the chorus. As a full-time artist, I know that a lot of my creative companions are paying attention to what you say that encourages us to keep going. We are a lonely lot, painting in silence, not only in the rooms where we hold a brush, but in our heads. and that is not easy. You encourage us to keep going so don’t hold back. I look forward to your next delivery.
Thank you, Steven. I read every post, every week. I’m grateful for your wisdom shared. Be well, Ed
Steve, these Wednesday posts are so meaningful to me. There’s been many times where I’ve wanted to give up, then I check out the week’s message or read one of your books, and everything is written in such a way that you are talking to us on a personal level, that it has sustained me many times. Because of these posts and everything else you’ve written, I’m still in the trenches… I haven’t given up, though I wanted to many times. You’re right—it’s a lonely business; not the writing itself for me (when the writing is going well, I’m happy to be alone in my characters’ heads!), but the self-doubt when you’re sitting in the chair by yourself, *that’s* the part when I feel alone. I know I value and appreciate everything you do, and I think everyone here does, too. It’s funny, just this morning I wondered if you ever had resistance putting out your weekly posts—I know I would! Thank you for all you do, Steve.
Keep on keepin’ on Steven. Would still love to see some kind of yarn that follows up The Legend of Bagger Vance. Such a great tale.
Thanks, Steven. This helps. Recovery is hard. Resistance is brutal. I‘m very grateful for what you do and your willingness to share with us.
Thank you for what you do, Thank you. Thank you.
Thanks Steve. I find the column very helpful and I think those times when you don’t get many comments may be because we are still thinking and digesting what you posted.
As for holding back, don’t you dare. Bring it on! If you publish, it I promise you that I’ll read it.
Thanks heaps for your weekly message. More war of Art, please. The and my own mind are dead weights when it comes to forging ahead. I have hit a wall with technology. Can’t keep up. I am still doing my art but can’t get it out there any more. I am 76 and losing heart. So keep up your work. Need it love it.
Keep doing this, please! It helps me a lot. I am reading you from Brazil.
After you introduced us all to Rick Rubin’s book, “The Creative Act”, I started listening to all the YouTube interviews with him I could find. In one, Mr Rubin, and the podcast host, brought you up, and talked about, “The War of Art”.. They talked about how much that book gave to them and Rubin mentioned you were not just a wonderful author, but friend.. As I listened, I thought, “oh, remember this interview, so you can pass it on to Mr Pressfield. Alas, I’ve listened to so many though and forgot to mark it down.
“The War of Art”,is a go to for many. It’s a voice, when the only voices about actually doing art, were boring and self serving or too incipit to make sense of. If I haven’t bought it for friends, I’ve mentioned it as a must have for any creative. My contention has always been that we are all creatives, every single one of us. “The War of Art”, is a book for everyone.
Anyway, I have kept that book on a shelf in my heart and wanted to share that so does Mr Rubin.
More please.
🍃🌸🍃
Kathy… here’s a great conversation between Steve and Rick:
Please don’t stop! Your work is so inspiring!
I was shocked to hear you wonder about anyone out there reading your Wednesday notes. I remember feeling the same way many years ago when I was a classical music DJ….I talk but is anyone listening? Your insights are amazing. Specifically Resistance. I have been struggling with that monster for years with a very large training project I’ve been writing. It’s not the work I resist…It’s the 5 minutes leading up to sitting sown and doing the work I struggle with. Once in… I’m all in. Please keep giving me hope I’m not the only one fighting this ghost….I truly read and re-read your Wednesday thoughts and save them in an email folder….Collectively they would be a great book in the future. Thank you for being so thoughtful, honest, and sharing….I’m working through the War of Art and I assure you I will be reading all your work….
Please, please, please keep going! And please publish your other books when you feel it’s the right time. I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me. I’ve had an extremely challenging last few years (haven’t we all?) but I keep revisiting your books and your posts here. They help me not just to think that I might be able to have a creative life again, but they also help me as I’m dealing with life in general. As you say in The War of Art – “show us what you’ve got.” Thank you for all that you do and for caring enough to do it. I appreciate you.
You rock! I read War of Art for the first time over ten years ago, and revisit that special gem several times a year in print and audiobook. You urge without shaming, cheerlead without hovering, and ground me without being a ball-and-chain. I absolutely love your work and keep on keeping on because of it! Thank you for being the reminder in my head that not only is my work worthy, but it has to be produced or I will wither.
Thank you for this work.
Steve, Glad to know more books in the War of Art vein are in the works! They have all been fortifying. You called seminars “colleges of Resistance,” and I feel like the current coaches movement and seemingly infinite list of best practices they can coach you up on are, helpful in places, for sure, but can become Resistance. And people deserve to be paid, and we want to “bring in other pros and treat them with respect,” but the list of best practices seems daunting, and to properly attempt them, you need to bring in others, and if you are already living lean to keep the art/writing front-burnered, that seems perpetually just out of reach. So, you think, “I’ll get a full-time job (shadow career) to support myself so that I have the discretionary income to afford the support I need to get my content platform off the ground!” To do that is to rob the art/writing of its centrality and possibly lose the drive all-together. I’d like to see more from you on how that transition is made. Fits and starts, dogged determination, and never giving up seems surely to be the main story, but the blocking and tackling of the attempts to “gain altitude” would be great. Thanks for all you do! — Marvin
I missed last week! You’re a lighthouse: that solitory pillar on a murky crag keeping many more of us than you will ever know from crashing and drowning. Everyone here appreciates all you do and share, even us quiet ones. So THANK YOU!
Yes this Mr Pressfield I am so blessed to have recently found you ..quietly over here. It’s not all done it is not all gone it is out there hiding in a song..
Great analogy, Craig! From a fellow “quiet one.”
Dittos to all the above, Mr. P.
Steve, I found you after Brad Thor featured your book in a recent post. I read through your site and your mini-course that day. Everything made sense. What spoke to me was your phrase “Practice Like a Pro.” I’m a surgeon, which obviously takes years of study, training and practice to get to the point where you can make a difference in people’s lives. A few years ago, I became a farmer. I also practice combatives, getting my butt kicked regularly. In my youth I played competitive tennis All these pursuits involve DELAYED gratification. I know this viscerally. But I didn’t understand it about writing until I saw “Practice Like a Pro.” It clicked. My bestseller was released last October. You reinvigorated my fire to finish the sequel.
Keep up the good work! You make a difference to way more people than you know. (Something I get reminded of frequently.)
You have a great purpose here. You are an inspiration, and I need you; we need you. I’m just getting back into writing at 71, and I am excited because I have a purpose now, too. I entered a contest yesterday with a humorous fictional story that comes to a sad — but still humorous — ending. After that, I wrote the following piece and put it on FB, adding a rather stunning photo. Is it against the rules to place it here? After all, you, Steve, helped me write it — maybe while your were even sleeping. Thank you.It reads:
I believe in the power of solitude, for I have witnessed its effects. Annual road trips west to the mountains always furnished me with mindful calm and serenity. Yet instinctively, a flurry in my belly — an urgency to write — was forever clear and present.
Thoughts worthy to me for lyrics, poems, stories and snippets that would define deep feelings and relay good messages, I hoped would flow like the clean, clear rivers in the Colorado mountains I so loved. I would ponder the surrounding majesty of nature’s work; I would breathe in something auspicious and original to each voyage. And there was a mystical kind of healing that I could feel deep in my core. Perhaps it was my soul — something I don’t know about yet.
I have never felt lonely; I have only felt enveloped in what seemed to be “the right place at the right time.” While these cherished adventures are alive in my memory today, one is extra special and always first in memory.
I was very close to my father. My earliest memory of shadowing my dad was when I was around three to four years old. He dug a basement out from under our dear little house in St. Paul. The operation looked monstrous to me, with scary noises coming from large equipment that sat in our yard for (possibly) days. I still remember nightmares about that scene!
As his shadow, I followed dad around the house and went with him on outings. The hardware store was my favorite; second was the fish market where I could pick out a big sour pickle from the old barrel.
In another house he had a wood lathe and if my memory serves, a metal lathe, too. I found it satisfying to watch him “monkeying around” in his workshop. My dad was a genuine artist, demonstrated by the projects he created, whether it was building our homes, shooting photography or performing his work as a highly-recognized electrical/mechanical engineer.
After he passed, I headed west without a plan. (I never made plans, which was sixty-eight percent of the adventure.) Heading up toward Cripple Creek one day, I had a thought — some words or lyrics — that had to be written down. Pre-cell phone days and my recording device out of reach, I pulled over on the switch-backed, narrow road having to tightly hug a shear-cut mountain wall. There was only an aluminum guard rail on the opposing side of the road. Beyond that was a drop of about 9000 feet. If a semi truck came around the corner just behind me, there was no room for error! One doesn’t take risks like that while driving in the mountains, however, I was compelled to get my thoughts onto paper before they vanished.
I continued to write throughout the month as I travelled and camped near striking knolls, deep blue lakes and the cool, sweet green wilderness.
At long last I had a mess of words, partial stories, and poems written on tiny torn pieces of paper, in the margins of city maps and tourist memorabilia and lyrics to songs that would never be sung, written in a favorite dollar store notebook tattered by roadtrips before.
When I returned home I put my scraps and the notebook in “The Envelope” where writings before them were stored. There were cocktail napkins filled with words, phrases and poems, funny greeting cards I should have saved, now scribbled with what couldn’t even be called a first draft of anything, and if you name it, it might have been there.
Later, during a move from Florida back to Minnesota, people who were helping me pack my stuff might have looked in that bulging envelope of my precious and secret workings and saw what looked like garbage.
It was all gone.
The End.
Edited version – my apologies. Don’t be mad. I’m a little old lady in a wheelchair. A Fast wheelchair, so watch out!
I believe in the power of solitude, for I have witnessed its effects. Annual road trips west to the mountains always furnished me with mindful calm and serenity. Yet instinctively, a flurry in my belly — an urgency to write — was forever clear and present.
Thoughts worthy to me for lyrics, poems, stories and snippets that would define deep feelings and relay good messages, I hoped would flow like the clean, clear rivers in the Colorado mountains I so loved. I would ponder the surrounding majesty of nature’s work; I would breathe in something auspicious and original to each voyage. And there was a mystical kind of healing that I could feel deep in my core. Perhaps it was my soul — something I don’t know about yet.
I have never felt lonely; I have only felt enveloped in what seemed to be “the right place at the right time.” While these cherished adventures are alive in my memory today, one is extra special and always first in memory.
I was very close to my father. My earliest memory of shadowing my dad was when I was around three to four years old. He dug a basement out from under our dear little house in St. Paul. The operation looked monstrous to me, with scary noises coming from large equipment that sat in our yard for (possibly) days. I still remember nightmares about that scene!
As his shadow, I followed dad around the house and went with him on outings. The hardware store was my favorite; second was the fish market where I could pick out a big sour pickle from the old barrel.
In another house he had a wood lathe and if my memory serves, a metal lathe, too. I found it satisfying to watch him “monkeying around” in his workshop. My dad was a genuine artist, demonstrated by the projects he created, whether it was building our homes, shooting photography or performing his work as a highly-recognized electrical/mechanical engineer.
After he passed, I headed west without a plan. (I never made plans, which was sixty-eight percent of the adventure.) Heading up toward Cripple Creek one day, I had a thought — some words or lyrics — that had to be written down. Pre-cell phone days and my recording device out of reach, I pulled over on the switch-backed, narrow road having to tightly hug a shear-cut mountain wall. There was only an aluminum guard rail on the opposing side of the road. Beyond that was a drop of about 9000 feet. If a semi truck came around the corner just behind me, there was no room for error! One doesn’t take risks like that while driving in the mountains, however, I was compelled to get my thoughts onto paper before they vanished.
I continued to write throughout the month as I travelled and camped near striking knolls, deep blue lakes and the cool, sweet green wilderness.
At long last I had a mess of words, partial stories, and poems written on tiny torn pieces of paper, in the margins of city maps and tourist memorabilia and lyrics to songs that would never be sung, written in a favorite dollar store notebook tattered by roadtrips before.
When I returned home I put my scraps and the notebook in “The 9×12 Manilla Envelope” where writings before them were stored. There were cocktail napkins filled with words, phrases and poems, greeting cards I obliterated that should have saved for memories, envelopes from utility bills now scribbled with what couldn’t even be called first drafts of anything, and other paperish things things that if you named one, it might have been there.
Later, during a move from Florida back to Minnesota, people who were helping me pack my stuff might have looked in that bulging envelope of my precious and secret workings and saw what looked like garbage.
It was all gone.
The End.
Such a powerful post. I am a professional clown (started when I was young going to clown college and touring with Ringling brothers. Not a humble brag just context). I have been working toward having creating myself as a children’s television show star for the last 20 plus years.
It’s all about the journey
I only do joking posts on social media. I’m very thin skinned so I avoid trolls or hate.
I post very elaborate and I believe very funny videos almost everyday. I don’t get a lot of views or comments and I wonder what I’m doing? Why am I bothering?
To hear that same resistance voice from Steven (you’re such a big deal I would normally never assume you’d see my post) means a ton and a half to me.
I’m embarrassed to promote but you can view my videos on yiutube tik tok instagram. @ boswickthecliwn. That’s my life’s project.
Thank you Steven
I just started reading Writing Wednesdays after the last post about the poll. I didn’t respond either and really regret it. I figured “what do I have to contribute? Not much”. Resistance at its finest. I am incredibly heartened at the prospect of more books in line with The War of Art. I’ll buy them the instant that I can.
I am glad to hear you will keep teaching and sending writing advice. I am new to writing and have used your books to guide me and motivate my writing. I have read two of your books and just started a third one. Thank you for all you do, share and teach.
Steve, don’t hold back — you said it yourself in War of Art, page 146: “…We come into this world with a specific, personal destiny…it’s our job to realize it and get down to business”. We need you – because the world needs us. It’s the butterfly effect. I read the Daily Pressfield every morning, kinda like a Bible to me. Steven Pressfield, KEEP GOING, please and thank you.
I always read these and enjoy them all, seems like you get plenty of good replies so I usually do not respond but I do find them helpful.
Steven,
Your inner struggles and battles that you bring to the forefront of your posts and discussions is EXACTLY why I tune in and read your posts every Wednesday. It’s this human rawness with which you share yourself with us that makes me feel like I belong – and I haven’t published anything . . . yet.
As an actor I crave the direct response from the audience. This is my gauge – my fix and my thrill. And quite honestly I miss that as it’s been some time. It doesn’t surprise me at all that you need some feedback as well as you toil on your brilliant writing alone in the trenches.
All I can say is I benefit from all you do and the effort you put into your no-nonsense, insightful and work that’s brimming with Love.
Thank you for that. You have and continue to inspire me. I’m forever changed.
Coach, you have the means of production and a captive audience (myself among them.) As Seth Godin says, ship ’em!
For me sitting down to write has never been the issue, I’ve been doing it habitually since I was a kid. I come here to overcome the Resistance to everything that follows — rewriting the first draft into the 14th draft, sending it out to my beta readers, then, a year or so later, my editor, ingesting and shaping what she sends back, interior book formatting (myself), cover design (working with a graphic artist), pre-sales, marketing, then of course the actual publishing … Black Irish & Sarsaparilla are, as someone said above, lodestars for me.
Sam Luna. In the trenches.
Good words, Sam.
Thank you Steven!
Keep writing. Keep posting.
I read every Wednesday and often forward them along to friends/family I think they would help.
Brian
: )
Hasn’t this been inspiring, Steven?
I’ve only been getting WW for the last couple of years – and they’ve been the most difficult years of my life, so the infusion of your perspective was so very timely! A life-altering accident in my forties has turned my sixties into a pain-clouded struggle to continue.
Your insight and vulnerability in naming and describing Resistance cleared my own sight to realize that the fight against resistance isn’t only in the arena of work – it must be fought for anything GOOD that is hard, even just getting up, moving around, trying. For resistance is like nap – it has two directions. One direction is rough, and the other is not only “not rough” or “smooth” – it is slick. It resists toward good and speeds along towards apathy.
You’re doing so much more than just helping people get their work done, or even achieve their dreams. You’re sharing insight that helps us thrive in LIFE. Thank you for that.
What’s more, you have drawn together a group of people who would not have occurred otherwise. I said in the poll comments that creativity takes place in isolation by necessity, and that is true. But it grows best in company – and what a company you have assembled! I’ve been so encouraged, and had so many ah-hah moments, while reading the comments these last two Wednesdays. Just that would have been worth the price of admission. 🙂
Bring it on, Steven. You clearly have a thirst to satisfy!
In the last few months, I have unsubscribed to a lot of newsletters and blogs that came to my Inbox – not because they weren’t wonderful but because I did t need their content right now. Yours stayed. Yours I need. I look forward to this Wednesday morning ritual because you showing up helps me show up.
I love Wednesdays thanks for all you do.
Sometimes, I don’t add a comment because I feel stupid about my previous comments. I worry about it for the whole week and decide, “Don’t comment.”.
Yet… You cause me to think beyond where I’m thinking or what I settle for. . You, Mr Pressfield, have added to my life and at times have felt like a solace wrapped with encouragement,
Thank you.
Thank you, Steve, for motivating and mentoring us.
Can’t wait for the new stuff!
If such thought ever entered your mind, quickly discard it. Send it back to abyss where it came from for I personal know what I have grabbed from this site each week. Keep them coming.
Steven,
Bring it on! You a North Star. If you dim your light, a lot of us us will lose our way.
Yes I/we are reading! Sometimes, I need to be in the right frame of mind to fully take in your writing Wednesdays, so it may take 2-3 weeks before I catch up on them…like today! But rest assured, they are read, and while maybe not all have the same effect on me, the ones that I relate to the most are gold, and help push me when I’m down.
Thank you sir! and keep them coming!
it’s probably just me, but this doesn’t sound like the Stephen I’m used too at all. It post sounded like a marketing ad written by someone else.
Wednesday mornings always bring a smile when searching for your new lesson. Thank you for creating the Pressfield Student Body!
You’re encouraging, Steve.
And I’m not easily encouraged.
I can’t tell you how many interviews of other authors, actors artists, and performers in general I have listened to throughout the years, who have sited you as their inspiration (specifically The War Of Art), in helping them on their creative journey.
Like so many, I did not take the poll assuming you would have more responses than you could read, and you assumed no one would respond… Go figure! Lol
I have been a long time admirer of your work, and this column. I hope that after the responses received in this post, you now realize and embrace how valued and respected your thoughts and words are. You put yourself out there for anyone who will listen week after week. You have impacted so many through your generosity. In doing so, you have not only provided an invaluable service, but have created a beautiful community.
With so much gratitude Steve, thank you.
What great comments…… WOW!!! I’m a musician trying to get a collaboration now with other players but I’m looking for a particular type of sound and I live in a small town but I have a local classified ad running with fingers crossed!!! I get a great inspiration Vibe from All of you guys!!!!! You never know where or when Lightning will strike.
Dear Steve,
I thought about your recent request post often throughout a busy period of time, and am glad you’ve mentioned it again ‘cuz I’ll take advantage of the opportunity to answer. Hopefully, someone else has already said this, but for me your work is an essential body of work for us very ordinary, often broken humans,who are Spiritual Warriors. Walking somehow often blindly, yet committed to this long Life path of what can become a walk of healing, wholly transformation, service, creative expression, and when we’re lucky, we get humbly and gladly escorted and directed by Grace.
The purity and depth, commitment, transparency, availability, realness, talent and skill you serve with help so many. Thousands. Throngs! And you have certainly for the last couple of years been a beacon of light in my own journey. 10,0000 thank yous. Your referral to Fr. Richard Rohr ‘s work ended up being life changing for me, especially during the inward period where I just stopped for many months, in the mountains of northern NM. A new chapter is underway now, and it’s forming in a very new fashion thanks to that inner time and learning to embrace the Fall Upward. The mentoring you give has a living quality to it which I cherish. And now I start each day at my desk with the Daily Pressfield, and the postcard pics truly inspire as well. I love “Resistance Wakes up with Me” and it always helps me go – “nope, haha yep…here it is again always, & even famous people have this! Even those who are doing incredible work in this world, and its presence is no excuse for not showing up and doing my best with what is here for me to do. Time to work.” I thank you for your enormous contribution, never cease! All love, Dea
100% agree with everyone. Steve! Don’t stop writing. I re-read your books over and over and over again. When I get stuck on a writing problem, I open War On Art, Turning Pro, Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Is, Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit and sure enough, no matter how many times I read those books, I find the solution to my current writing problem. My heart leaped with joy when you mentioned you are thinking of writing 2 more War On Art type books. Be still my heart! He hasn’t written them yet. In the meantime, I will re-read again and again. Thank you for these amazing books and in all they do to sustain us writers in the trenches.
I like BANG BANG BANG!!! Go for it!
As you can see, Steven, we are a community, a team of creative souls, physically alone but linked in hearts and spirits. Your brave words and example bring greater courage to us all.
Man, I want those War of Art books! I need them now. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for what you do for us.
I was looking at 2023 as the year of great disruption. and that 2024 would be something like a revitalized focus on creativity. It hasn’t turned out that way for a number of reasons. Resistance in the forms of internal and external seems to remain in robust health. So, for now, small daily gains is the objective, If I can make just an hour or two or, wow, three work for me in the course of a day I am running with it. I continually find myself drawing inspirations from your observations, and am utilizing your fine tuning of do the work.
Read the first The War Of Art, and love your stuff.
Thanks, Steven!
As someone who suffers from Commenter’s Remorse, I appreciate this post so much!
Thank you, Steve. I didn’t reply last week but absolutely could have to say YES, please keep on doing this! You are speaking directly to all of our hearts—and it’s much appreciated!
You once wrote something to the effect that it’s a sin to not use a gift. Holding back can hurt others by denying them a possibility ble resource. I know reading your thoughts, ideas, and visions has made my journey a more positive experience. Please continue sharing. I’ll read it as fast as you make it available.
You once wrote something to the effect that it’s a sin to not use a gift. Holding back can hurt others by denying them a possibility ble resource. I know reading your thoughts, ideas, and visions has made my journey a more positive experience. Please continue sharing. I’ll read it as fast as you make it available.
Steve,
I didn’t see the opportunity to answer your poll in your last weekly email but if I had I would surely have done so. I maybe flicked through it too quick as is often my way in the mornings, or left it as ‘Read’, instead of unread for comment upon later. However, I just want to say that I just watched you on Andre Duqum’s podcast and my, what a lovely, lovely, humble, honest, clever, kind, generous down to earth man you are!!! And I hope you know this….. and never doubt it and please do publish more fabulous books to help me publish my one not so fabulous Book! 🙂
Steve, please keep doing what you’re doing. You are an inspiration to so many.
Yes! Keep it coming!! Please!! This is your Calling! We don’t always respond, because we are fighting a WAR out here!! Semper Fi!!! But you are inspiring each of us in our daily battles! And we are winning! When I got the post last fall about your new book, I immediately ordered two copies. One for me and one for my daughter who got sober after 31 years in June (again — but this time on her own). The book was her Christmas gift along with $100 to help her secure her first apartment in YEARS. I knew, sight unseen, that your book would help her fight her battles each day. So far, so good! One Day at a Time! THANK YOU for being there for my daughter. I love her so much! As for me, I chose my new word for the year the week before New Year’s Day. It is ProActive — the opposite of Reactive. I’m working daily to be less reactive to people, situations, etc. and making real progress. But I also chose ProActive to help me knuckle down and grow my quilting business and my Etsy shop more! and reach several other important goals. I’m 76 and healthy, but I have some urgency to make sure I reach a few other vital goals — and I am doing great so far! I read one page from your book daily and it helps keep me on track and my energy focused. I’m amazed at how much more I’m accomplishing this year! I mean — HUGE difference! Thank you for making such a sweet difference in my life. I created a Vision “Wall” in. my kitchen! In the center I put two 8″ tall words ……. AS IF …… which you know I got from one of your Wednesday emails!!! What you said spoke to me and influences me! I’m able to push just a little further each day — and then a little further — but without. burning out. I thank God in Heaven for you, your talents, and all with which you have blessed so many — all by overcoming Resistance. We follow your example. You’ve come a long way, Baby — don’t stop now!!! We need what you were born to give to all of us — your brothers and sisters! And wow! — Look at all the things you have inspired all of us to do!! A direct result of your efforts — magnified over and over. Ripples from your pebbles in the pond. What happens to the ripples if you stop throwing those pebbles in the pond? You are creating a legacy! Who is to know but that your greatest work is yet to be created. Resistance be damned!
Hi Steve,
I must admit, resistance was in the area and beat me last week so I didn’t comment on the poll (but not today!). I’m a newbie to this whole process, and I see the Writing Wednesdays as a delicious dose of resistance’s antidote that all of us need whilst in the journey to become a Pro. So much needed, so much appreciated from us all. Don’t be doubtful, we’re all listening you! Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Lorena
I can only resound a number of above messages, bring it on. Let us have more of your experience, strength and hope, your WISDOM. Even with 25 years under my belt as a full time visual artist and sound practitioner, it helps tremendously, on a daily basis. Powerful reminders and assurances to continue to evolve and refine, to flow. Having several of your books in my Kindle app, I play roulette with it at times. Meaning, I pull up say, The Daily Pressfield, and flip through it with motion to see what page it may land on, that then becomes my daily BOOST. All that you share is medicine, vitamins…whatever you choose to call it. So yes, please, bring on the next one, can’t wait for it to be published. Thank you kindly.
Yes, more War of Art please! One of my nieces is a big fan of you too because of it. I gave her War of Art years ago and one of my nephews has it too. He considers you his favorite author (because of Gates of Fire). The honor is ours to be with you. Rock on, Steven! Much love and hugs and gratitude.
God bless, Anne Marie 🙂
Dear Steve, you would be happy to know that I started writing the last chapter two days ago. On the fires of hell where the page with the words burns though, and indeed it always seems too pathetic to be of any good to the readers (even hell’s fires seem as a compliment in comparison to every line’s misery), I don’t stand there alone. We are. And we go past Resistance to our fate.
So off to be glorious or die, with the glory illuminating only in that corner of our heart where all our dreams were. Noone touch that corner, it kills.
No problem, You are the best one who gets this ART. Yes, WAR OF ART is a fantastsic good EVERYONE should read if they have any kind of dream. Keep this one going.
Steve—I’ve been a fan forever. I give the War of Art as a gift to anyone and everyone who asks me for advice on writing. I am 59 days into the Daily Pressfield and my goddamn fingers are tired from all the dog-earring. So knock it off with your “I wonder if anyone is out there” nonsense. Of course we are, hanging on every word. But thanks for proving your own point that Resistance never subsides and never runs out of masks. One more amidst a million of your powerful reminders. Keep up the great work.
Steve, your writing has been such a comfort and inspiration to me, as a beginning writer (in my 70’s!). I loved your interview with Marie Forleo, and find so much sound advice in your War of Art book. Many thanks!
Steven, Be Encouraged, Press On Mr. Pressfield.
I am 100% interested in a ‘War of Art’ type book – loved the first one! More please. Your books have inspired more than anything else I have read on writing.
I read only 2 weekly blogs
Yours and The Marginalian
I always know I will gain just the right quirky bit of aha inspiration for my creative journey
The War of Art is probably my favorite book of all time. I’ve read it 4 times now, I believe. The concept of Resistance is so relatable and powerful. I also love the part about Angels. I’d like to pre-order the War of Art 2. I read all your emails and your work has helped me tremendously as a commercial writer, narrative screenplay, and even with writing content for my health coaching. I plan on finishing writing my first feature film this year. Thanks for all your content, Steven
I don’t think my ‘it’ would make it to the page if it wasn’t for you and yours. So please keep publishing and thank you for all you share to keep us all in the trenches. Gratefully yours, Gena : )
I hope you write a novel, that’s my interest and looking forward to reading it. “War of Art” was brilliant, and I still look up. But after that, similar ones, no matter how you develop and expand, the basic is the same, so less interesting.
If you really have a courage to reveal inner self including demon, show the process of writing, I mean actual novel: many revisits of change, and why… . Explanation of the lecture style in your post time to time, is tiring to me. If you really want to help other, challenge to write a completely different type of a novel, so that we feel, sense, hear “New Steven”. Let’s fight together!
Thank you for what you do, from the bottom of my heart. It is so valuable. Keep fighting the good fight!
Stephen, “The War of Art” and “Turning Pro” have been invaluable to me…as an actor, a musician and a writer. If nothing else (and it’s a LOT), your voice is a gentle call to maintain creative practice along a treacherous path. It’s easy to forget, particularly on worse days, when self doubt/Resistance seems to dominant one’s mind. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your generous, humble spirit helping many creatives along their difficult journeys. That said, before continuing along the same “line”… that is, publishing more books related to The War of Art, I would urge you to consider if doing so reflects you being the most creative you can be (and only you know if that is true or not). I’m reminded of art instructors/professors who prefer the steady paycheck over actually creating their own art, or even relatively “successful” artists spending their energies trying to repeat their success and, as a result, no longer actually creating Art at all. These are all simply choices, neither good nor bad and there are many reasons why someone makes the choices they do. But, I would argue that many people make “safe” choices because of Resistance. Just like you picking apples back in the day, or me working as a carpenter for almost 30 years, we can spend a lot of time avoiding the discomfort of risk… of the unknown. The War of Art has helped a lot of people move into their creative selves and if you feel there are deeper depths for you to plumb around Creativity and Resistance, I’m all for it. But I would urge you to be sure you’re not doing it just because we readers loved the first few incarnations of it. Respectfully….my2cents
Thank you, Steve, for helping me tame Resistance one day at a time. Knowing is always the first step.
Forgive me for not commenting ever before, Steven. (I mean, who am I?) I have been quietly reading you, though, for years, and sometimes sharing your “Writing Wednesdays” with other creatives.
I’m so glad that you are revisiting BANG BANG BANGing out your two “War of Art”-type books that you’ve hesitated on rolling out. I read WOA years ago and it spelled out the truths that I suspected, but didn’t know how to describe or couldn’t find the words for. It was such a forehead-slap moment for me, that I have given away many copies to my creative family and friends in the hopes that it would help them as much as it helped me. You can’t say that we are not alone in our creative solidarity and struggle against resistance in too many ways. I need to hear it over and over again, from all angles, sides, and acute perspectives.
Since reading and soaking in WOA, my eyes have been opened to see that resistance is in every aspect of my life; my relationships, work, and even how I treat and take care of myself. This realization has helped me beyond my creative endeavors. I chalk up so many things to resistance now that it’s been identified, and don’t let it get in my way or get me down. Examples are like spilling coffee on myself as I’m rushing aut the door, forgetting my phone at home, or getting red lights at every intersection. I chalk it up to the universe just doing its resistance thing. I just breathe and don’t take it personally or let it bother me. It’s just resistance and, with patience, it’s temporary. Thank you for that, Steven!
I’m in a new writers’ critique group and we share resources at our meeting. “Writing Wednesdays” will be my next contribution.
I always look forward to every Wednesday!! Thank you, Steven!
Steve, your work is important to so many artists. Please publish those manuscripts. We’re here, waiting for you to share them with us. Thank you for all the wise words in Writing Wednesdays!
Nice Article
Steve, I would love to see more like The War of Art. You giving a name and persona to Resistance has not only helped me write more consistently, but has also helped me overcome my reluctance to examine and unpack some memories and experiences that needed unpacking. The fact the that unpacking took the form of writing is a huge bonus. I may not always win the war with resistance, but at least I now know my advisary and can say “I see you there and I’ve got your number buster!”
Keep it coming, I am listening, reading, learning and experiencing from your posts.
Steve,
I missed last week’s poll…so sorry.
By all means keep GoGoGoing! And, I will also!
Yes, also please ship whatever Shit you have…I love every bit of it!
Yours is among the very few subscribed emails I look forwerd to in my in box…and I’m really picky.
Sorry, meant to address you as Steven!
Much love Steve,
I get something out of each and every one of your Wednesday posts.
They always seem to come at the right time. I am right now in the throws of a book, and I attribute so much of the confidence I have built, and getting this far due to your works.
Please do keep going. I, and I am sure many others, consider your work an ‘essential ingredient’ to the process of creation.
Greetings from the West of Ireland!
Chris
Thank you too from me Steven. I meant to comment last week, but got caught up in ‘life’, so am taking the opportunity now. I’m struggling to complete my first novel whilst juggling life as a mum and an English teacher, working in Spain, learning Spanish etc etc.. It’s so encouraging to receive your emails and hear about your battles, to inspire me to keep moving forward and ‘hang on in there’! Keep up the good work…. all of us aspiring writers appreciate it.
Best wishes,
Carolyn
Thanks for reminding me that it’s unfair to simply consume, enjoy, and use the information you so generously provide. In the future I will contribute what comes to me in reply to your posts. And would definitely read the books.
Of all the myriad of newsletters that I get, I ALWAYS read yours the day it arrives. Love the message, love the tone. (To the point that I gave your latest gift package to a dear friend for her writing journey, for which she has thanked me numerous times.) And I love your creativity on display, especially with the pivot to the warrior series during COVID. Brilliant. Please continue!!!
Hey Steven, I’m not a writer, but I have been following you and reading your books for the past few years.
I get tons of inspiration so I just wanted to say thank you!!
Hi Steven
I will be very happy for any new book you publish.
I’ll keep doing it if you will!
Thanks for being.
To me, ‘combating resistance’ , alternatively speaking, may be ‘maitaining my focus/attention on work’.
Yes, this is hard.
My focus/attention drifts away before I really realize it.
The longer I am able to maintain focus, the more successful I’m in combating Resistance.
Steve. Never. Stop. Please? Not ever. The writing world is an infinitely better place because of you. We get busy. We don’t respond. But you’re NEVER not in our hearts and heads. Thank you for being in my head. It’s better with you in there. Love you. xo
Love your podcast, Linda.
Hi Steve
I have to ask you.
What 3 keys would you give to an aspiring writer?
Thanks for your reply,
Barry
https://thewritepractice.com/become-a-better-writer-quotes/
“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is PERSISTENCE.”
—Octavia E. Butler
Amen!!! Release those books Steven! I also love The Daily Pressfield!!!
Steven, I read from your books every morning. In fact I keep them in a stack on my kitchen table and read from them while the eggs are cooking. So please put those next two out so I can add to the collection. They mean a ton to me.
I pursued a screenwriting career from age 22 to 30 and then stopped because I thought I was getting “older” and needed to settle down. Biggest regret of my life. From there I went on to have a very successful 30-year copywriting career. But now I’m looping back to writing screenplays, and having a blast with it… all due to the inspiration you gave me through your books. So don’t stop now! Keep the new material coming!
Best,
Casey Demchak
Steve, you are simply the man! Keep it all coming. You are a gift to us all.
Steve, what you do is a gift. So is Diana. <3
You are always a ‘fortification for my commitment to keep doing this thing’
Always
Never stop
Bang bang bang, fast as you can
Keep it coming
We need it ALL
Sending you Encouraging Grace in which we must bath daily.
Yours sincerely
Rufus
Ah resistance! Powerful enough to make a person as splendid as Steven Pressfield doubt himself.?
Oh what fools these mortals be! Don’t quit on us Steve…..The battle continues every day, in each of our lives and we’re counting on your sage advice. Much Thanks!!!!
Hi Steven, I write late, but I still wanted to leave my answer. Your blog and books have been part of my creative journey in a very beautiful way. In my case, martial art. I’m a 40-year-old woman who discovered a path to the soul since discovered jiu-jitsu at 34. And here Resistance is also present! Thank you for sharing your art and your journey. Two days ago I finished reading Last of the Amazons. I cried like a child… about thirty times! I have everything you wrote and which was translated into Portuguese (I’m from Brazil). It’s always inspiring. Thanks again!
Keep doing it, Steven.
Thank you for shouting into the void with generosity and persistence. Yes, Steven, what you do matters.
I am working on a manuscript that had I not been loaded with neurotic resistance would have begun ten years ago. As it is, the level of vulnerability required means it’s slow going for me because the material is very personal and directly related to my own journey toward emotional and spiritual adulthood. I can only face the material and my own deepest truths a few hours per day. Beating resistance requires a lot of self nurturing. It’s the only way I know how to do art.