The War of Art
by Steven Pressfield
Pressfield names the enemy, Resistance, the force that stops you from doing your work, and describes its tactics in short, fierce sections. The second half, on turning pro and the mystery of inspiration, is more spiritual. Nearly every working creative person owns a copy, and most reread it when stuck.
Read it if…
you have a creative or entrepreneurial project you keep not starting.
Skip it if…
you want gentleness; the book is a kick, and the later metaphysics may not land.
Three things you will actually use
- Recognize Resistance in all its disguises.
- Turn pro: show up every day regardless of mood.
- Start before you are ready.
Do this first
Sit down and work on the thing for one hour tomorrow morning, no matter how it feels.
Our verdict
A short, hard, beloved book; the standard text on getting started.
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