The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Flashcards
What is the primary challenge of writing according to the text?
Sitting down to write
This highlights the struggle with initiating the writing process.
What are the two lives most people have?
The life we live and the unlived life within us
Resistance stands between these two lives.
Define Resistance as described in the text.
Any act that rejects immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health, or integrity.
How is Resistance characterized in terms of visibility?
Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard, or smelled, but it can be felt.
What is the nature of Resistance?
A repelling force that is negative and aims to distract and prevent us from doing our work.
Who is the enemy within according to the text?
Resistance.
What does the rule of thumb state about Resistance?
The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
In which direction does Resistance obstruct movement?
Only from a lower sphere to a higher.
When is Resistance most powerful?
At the finish line.
What common behavior is often a manifestation of Resistance?
Procrastination.
What is the most pernicious aspect of procrastination?
It can become a habit.
What can we do in this very moment according to the text?
Change our lives.
What does the text say about sex and Resistance?
Not all sex is a manifestation of Resistance; it can be determined by the hollowness felt afterward.
How do we unplug ourselves from the grid of unhappiness?
By doing our work.
What does criticizing others often indicate?
It may stem from Resistance.
What question indicates self-doubt related to one’s creative identity?
‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?’
How does self-confidence differ between counterfeit innovators and real ones?
The counterfeit innovator is self-confident; the real one is scared to death.
How is fear related to Resistance?
The degree of fear equates to the strength of Resistance.
What is the relationship between Resistance and love?
Resistance is directly proportional to love.
What do grandiose fantasies signify?
They are a symptom of Resistance.
What is Rationalization’s role in relation to Resistance?
It keeps us from feeling shame for not doing our work.
What is an insidious aspect of Rationalization?
Many rationalizations presented by Resistance are true.
What did Tolstoy accomplish despite personal challenges?
He had thirteen kids and wrote War and Peace.
What does Somerset Maugham’s quote illustrate about professionalism?
A pro writes regularly, exemplified by Maugham’s routine of writing every morning at nine o’clock sharp.
This highlights the importance of discipline in a professional’s work ethic.
What is the Principle of Priority?
It states (a) the difference between what is urgent and what is important, and (b) do what’s important first.
What motivates a professional to work?
A professional works out of love for their craft, not just for money.
This love is essential for long-term dedication and commitment.
What is the risk of having too much love for one’s work?
Too much love can lead to choking or overwhelming pressure.
What is the true payoff of playing the game for money?
The proper professional attitude developed through the experience, not the potential financial gain.
What is the professional’s approach to patience?
A professional understands delayed gratification and avoids unrealistic timetables for project completion.
How does a professional deal with fear?
A professional acts in the face of fear, knowing it can never be fully overcome.
Why does a professional dedicate time to mastering technique?
To be prepared with a full arsenal of skills when inspiration strikes.
What does it mean for a professional to distance herself from her instrument?
She assesses her talent and skills objectively, without personal identification.
How should a professional handle failure and success?
They should not take either personally, as it reinforces Resistance.
What is the role of self-validation for a professional?
A professional self-validates and objectively assesses their work to improve continuously.
What does it mean to endure adversity as a professional?
It is better to be actively engaged in one’s work, even amidst struggle, than to be passive.
What does the critic represent in the context of a professional’s work?
The critic often projects their own unfulfilled ambitions and fears onto the artist.
What happens when we sit down and do our work as artists?
Power concentrates around us. Ideas come and insights accrete.
This reflects the idea that dedication attracts creativity and inspiration.
What does Resistance feed on?
Fear.
Resistance manifests as various fears that hinder creative expression.
List some fears associated with following our heart.
- Fear of bankruptcy
- Fear of poverty
- Fear of insolvency
- Fear of groveling
- Fear of being selfish
- Fear of failing to support families
- Fear of betraying community
- Fear of failure
- Fear of being ridiculous
- Fear of throwing away education
- Fear of launching into the void
- Fear of madness
- Fear of death
These fears can prevent individuals from pursuing their true passions.
What do we fear about our potential?
We fear discovering that we are more than we think we are.
This includes the fear of realizing our true talents and capabilities.
What is the job of an individual in this lifetime according to the text?
To find out who we already are and become it.
This emphasizes authenticity over conforming to external ideals.
What must the artist do in terms of their work?
The artist must operate territorially and do their work for its own sake.
This suggests that creative work should not be for personal gain or societal recognition.
What is a key question to determine if one’s orientation is territorial or hierarchical?
If I were feeling really anxious, what would I do?
This self-reflective question can reveal true motivations behind creative pursuits.
What would Arnold Schwarzenegger do on a freaky day?
He’d head for the gym.
This illustrates a focus on personal discipline rather than seeking social comfort.
Fill in the blank: Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for ________.
[attention]
It is presented as a gift to the world.
What happens when we embrace our ideals?
We must prove worthy of them, which can be daunting.
This can lead to losing some friends but finding truer connections.
What is the relationship between losing friends and finding new ones in the creative journey?
We lose friends but find better, truer friends.
This suggests that pursuing authenticity can lead to more fulfilling relationships.
