I just finished re-reading Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, a book I first read in the altMBA program I participated in last year. Though the book is framed as a resource for writers and artists, the lessons can be applied to any pursuit in life.
Pressfield starts by introducing the “Resistance”, a catchall for the internal forces that hold us back from doing our work. It manifests as fear, as procrastination. We rationalize with it to avoid what really needs to be done, and it beats us every day if we aren’t watching out for it.
The author then presents the solution: “going pro” – not in the sense of professional accreditation or anything literal. But rather treating our work with persistence & care. Of choosing not to be the amateur who works when it suits them, or waiting for creativity to strike.
As Somerset Maugham puts it, “I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.”
In other words, the professional has rules for themself.
Of the many resources on procrastination and creative blockers, The War of Art is, to borrow the Esquire quote off the front cover “A vital gem…a kick in the ass.” It’s a quick read, and well worth your time.