UltraFitnessDynamics Review: The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steve Pressfield
| This is quite a remarkable book. It focuses primarily upon that which we find the most difficult to overcome in life; namely resistance and fear (in other words, our own personal demons). Those demons – that while self-created – nonetheless make it ‘appear’ impossible to determine, much less fulfill our life purpose. As it is often said, and usually valid, when we meet the true enemy, it is our own self.
While the nature of the philosophical methodology detailed in the program is derived from Pressfield’s endeavors to break through his creative barriers, the process he developed and the insights he gained are valuable to anyone floundering in a sea of doubt. Indeed, the true focus is upon realizing one’s potential as a human being. There are indeed various paths to the truth, and Pressfield does not portray his method as the sole answer, but rather as a methodology that can be applied by anyone to overcome the self-doubts, limiting beliefs, multitude of fears, and simple inertia that most of us fight on a daily basis. |
One of the more interesting aspects of Pressfield’s work is his central philosophy-not that we must change our unique natures, but rather that we should embrace who and what we are—since there is indeed, only one ‘you’ in the entire universe. Thus, he negates the fairytale-like admonitions found in many motivational books which provide false hope bu encouraging people to become anyone they wish through hard work and visualization. Rather, he removes any sense that we are not ALREADY sufficiently worthy, and instead focuses upon how to take the raw diamond within each of us, and cut and polish it to the point that it proudly glitters. The size and shape of the gem are not important, what is important is that it shines for all to see. As the author notes: “We are not born with unlimited choices… Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal that we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.”
Steve’s no punches pulled approach is an important one. While it would be nice to believe that the world will eventually come to meet our expectations and desires, Steve notes quite rightly that the more we desire something or someone, the more difficult an opponent resistance becomes. He also touches upon the seldom acknowledged but very real fear of success that often sabotages the most sincere efforts to move forward. While a seeming oxymoron, it is a very real phenomenon to those who have brushed success only to see it slip through their fingers. I love this line: There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. This second, we can turn the tables on Resistance. This second, we can sit down and do our work.” Yes, it is a call to live in the NOW, one that we have heard before. The question that Steve’s program answers is the HOW-how do we start, how do we continue, and how do we overcome our resistant selves. The answers are both simple and complex—but the ‘prescription’ does indeed work. As the author notes: “Resistance’s goal is not to wound or disable. Resistance aims to kill. Its target is the epicenter of our being: our genius, our soul, the unique and priceless gift we were put on earth to give and that no one else has but us. Resistance means business. When we fight it, we are in a war to the death.”
The other major obstacle tackled in the book is procrastination-there is no one that is not plagued by this malady. It is indeed maddening and it is all too real. Steve shows you that this is yet another internally created demon-as we have created this monster, so can we destroy it. You will find as you work through the program, Steve is endeavoring to demonstrate that changing your approach to life is the only way to eradicate these demons. Addressing the symptoms may be easier and may work, for a while, but only by eliminating the roots will you truly experience transformation. Such transformation is allowing the authentic you to shine through, without explanation or apology. The joy brought by uncovering your own hidden treasures is immeasurable.
Yes, you will have to work to implement the hard-won wisdom imparted by the author, but it reminds me of a yoga student who said the most difficult part of the yoga practice was unrolling her mat each day. It’s that simple and that difficult, but it can be done, and with time comes habits and with new habits come new rewards. A final, fitting quote from the author: “when we conceive an enterprise and commit to it in the face of our fears, something wonderful happens.”
Cost: The retail cost for this fountain of wisdom is a mere $9.32 for a book that you will return to for a lifetime.
Recommendation: Unless you are truly happy in every area of life, this is a MUST read for everyone. Yes, you will bristle at some of the statements, while recognizing their truth, but isn’t it better to face life without self-imposed obstacles? For most of us, the answer is ‘yes’.
Ready to get it? Click here to order from Amazon.
