Resistance, Turning Pro, and the Higher Realm in THE WAR OF ART

Have you ever experienced procrastination, writer’s block, or imposter syndrome? If you answered “yes” to any one of those, then you need to add The War of Art¹ by Steven Pressfield to your TBR (to be read) list. 

The book is divided into three parts:

1. Resistance: Defining the Enemy. Pressfield defines anything that prevents us from doing creative work as “Resistance.” In this section, Pressfield writes, “(Resistance’s) aim is to shove us away, distract us, (and) prevent us from doing our work” (p.7). By naming your creative enemy, you can see it coming when you sit down to work. 

2.    Combating Resistance: Turning Pro. Pressfield argues that the best way to combat resistance is to turn pro. In this section, Pressfield distinguished amateurs from professionals. Even if your creative work is not something you get paid professionally to do, you can still bring professional habits to it. 

3.    Beyond Resistance: The Higher Realm. In the last section, Pressfield explains the concept of “the Muse.” In Greek mythology, the Muses were the nine daughters of Zeus. Their job was to inspire artists. Demystifying this concept, Pressfield encourages readers to find their creative calling and to do work that is bigger than yourself. 

The War of Art is a short, easy read for anyone who is looking to combat procrastination, writer’s block, or imposter syndrome. It is an inspirational “kick-in-the-pants” for those doing creative work. 

Pressfield concludes The War of Art with these encouraging marching orders: “Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It is a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got” (p. 165).

1. The War of Art is one of my recommended books. ↩︎

_{Originally posted on June 26, 2024. Last updated on October 19, 2025.}