Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way

This short, provocative book was my first introduction to Pressfield's rather novel theory of the creative process. After reading it, curiosity compelled me to get a quick sense of what other people were thinking -- and I was struck by how many readers here have taken issue with the book's brisk, seemingly superficial style, and how many have doubted whether it was even worth their time. While I recognize the style takes brevity to an extreme, I think most readers will still find it informative and worthwhile, because it contains at least a few notable ideas. One is the notion of resistance. Pressfield's genius here is to invite us to identify a series of seemingly disconnected forces -- internal and external -- that ultimately hinder our creative processes, as one and the same. The urge to procrastinate or make excuses to put off writing until tomorrow, the inner critic constantly second guessing us to the point of paralysis, or the spouse who radiates real or imagined guilt about our self-indulgent artist-fantasies, are, in Pressfield's view, really the same thing: what he calls `Resistance'. To conquer this relentless cancer of the creative spirit, we need to adopt a warrior ethic, and be cunning, dogged, and hyper-aware of the machinations of this singular entity that we now discern, thanks to Pressfield's indispensable concept. But contrary to many of the criticisms voiced here and elsewhere, the picture of the artist painted here is not essentially dark or violent (although it is certainly less placid than some!). As an antidote to the notion of Resistance, Pressfield speaks of the ultimately superior power of `Assistance', which refers to the guiding role played by our deeper creative vision that fills us with the inspiration to continue and somehow always reappears after the episodic crises of self-doubt. If all of this sounds too metaphysical, there are many smaller gems to take away. He implores us to `begin before you're ready', to place yourself on a `research diet' (since research can quickly become resistance), and to avoid mixing writing and reflexion, at least at the beginning. Momentum is everything. Quit delaying and begin the work that has been percolating in your head for so long by simply stating its theme in one sentence; sketching its beginning, middle and end in a sentence each, and then filling in the gaps, step by step. Above all, keep working. Reflect latter, once the momentum begins to build. In short, this book has something worthwhile to impart to anyone serious about the creative process. After all, there are many other books about writing that cost more, take longer to read, and have much less to say.

"On the field of the Self stand a knight and a dragon. You are the knight. Resistance is the dragon." Resistance is not just an annoying feeling at the pit of our stomachs. Apparently, it is so much more. It is the internal demon that is dead set on destroying our creative powers, eradicating our motives of self-expression, and scaring the living daylights out of us every time we set out to do something authentic and inspired. Just great, right?! Resistance is the antagonist in this brilliant, captivating book by Steven Pressfield, and we - our souls, our yearning souls, our poor hungry souls - are the protagonist. How do we win this battle? Because make no mistake about it, as Steven tells us so bluntly, this is a war, and the universe is not indifferent to our will, it is antagonistic, it is evil, it is a repelling force, it is negative, it is here to distract us, shove us away, do us harm, make us suffer and use with the most brilliant schemes to get the job done. You are at the mercy of this evil force unless you have a plan, and allies, and a battle strategy. This is the book that arms you with all of that and more so read it. Read it if you ever plan to do something that is outside the norm of your daily life. Read it if you want to write a book, start a business, leave a good job, make a big change in your life and generally do anything that is outside your comfort zone and outside the conventional way of living and existing. Read it because Resistance's ears perk up when it sees you step outside the ordinary path to reach for higher rewards. Resistance wakes up from its slumber and comes to haunt you and your creative efforts. And if you are not careful, you will just give in. You will stop your painting, your book, your business, your dream, because Resistance will convince you to give it up. The gravest mistake we can make on this journey is to take Resistance lightly and to think that we have mastered it when you are just beginning to understand its force. The force of resistance gets stronger as you approach the finish line. It is at its worst a few minutes before you reach the summit, before you type the last chapter, before you ship that product or offer that service. Resistance works closely with shame, guilt, humiliation, failure, and its best friend, FEAR. Resistance has no mercy on your soul and no care for your happiness, and it's not personal either. Resistance goes after everyone who chooses to do something creative and extraordinary with his or her life. If that is you, then you need to learn how to deal with this monster, or else, resign yourself to living in the shadow of the beast forever. But you don't want that, and neither do I so read this masterpiece of a genius - which is very short by the way, it will take you maybe 1 hour to read it - and you will outsmart Resistance for the rest of your days. As far as the writing, I am not crazy about non-fiction books. Pressfield's writing voice speaks to me. I love his desperate plea for waking up and paying attention. I love how he identified this monster and didn't mince words. I love how passionate he gets, how obsessed he becomes with defeating the monster, and how simply and freely he writes on the topic. I do like the right-adjusted large font text interweaved with the regular text. I must have highlighted the entire book and do plan on reading it again, and recommending it all my clients and customers. You know, I wish someone had recommended this to me when I was struggling with leaving my lousy corporate job, or when I wanted to dig deeper into my yoga journey and heard how futile it was to do so at such an "old age" (30 something!). And one thing is clear to me now: I will make a conscious effort to battle Resistance every time I start my heart-centered projects and endeavors, and frankly, you should too! :)

This book is the kick in the pants that you need to get your project moving along.

The clarity Pressfield writes makes you not just want to do it, but you actually will do the work. A classic and beautiful read.

Un libro che mi ha sorpreso per lo stile con cui è scritto e per il concentrato di idee e spunti che contiene, pur essendo solo 100 pagine. All'inizio può essere un po' "spiazzante" il modo con cui è stato scritto, con caratteri di diverse dimensioni, testo non allineato. Concetti brevi, a volte ripetuti ma pieni di significato. Probabilmente va letto più volte per riuscire a comprenderlo a pieno e le poche pagine in questo possono aiutare. Come in altri libri si parla molto di "resistance" e di come la si debba affrontare per riuscire a fare al meglio il nostro lavoro, qualunque esso sia. Che si tratti di un lavoro creativo, come scrivere un libro, o ripetitivo come moltissimi dei lavori "comuni" questo libro da spunti utili per dare il meglio ogni giorno.

Once you step on the peddle, you can't take it off. That's exactly what I felt when I read this in one sitting- didn't stop until it was done. The book is short and goes over many important lessons all leading to just 3 words: DO THE WORK. The whole book fits well as a package and keeps you engaged the whole time while you are reading it. The language is easy to decipher and I felt as if Steven was right there in front of me, mentoring me. A worthwhile read for anyone who likes to read without fillers and the lengthy anecdotes, cutting straight to the main points of interest.

Short but very useful