<ul><li>If you are anything like the rest of us, you probably dread the possibility of failure. But being a professional means you've to show up everyday It also means you are constantly trying different techniques as you chase perfection.</li><li>You also have to be patient and willing to settle for delayed gratification. Sylvestor Stallone is the perfect example of this takeaway, especially the story of how he committed so much time to writing the screenplay for Rocky. He is willing to take the pain, persistence, and patience required to achieve greatness.</li></ul>

TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL, YOU'VE GOT TO LEARN FROM FAILURE

<ul><li>Moving forward, start with self-reflection. Retrospection should help you determine what you were born to do. This requires being honest with yourself about what makes your heart flicker. Be sure to write it down and take the first steps towards achieving this goal.</li><li>Something you ought to remember is that creative work shouldn't be selfish or self-serving. Your creativity is your gift to the world. Seeing as it is your contribution to the world.</li></ul>

TAKE ACTION TODAY

<ul><li>You cannot afford to work on your dream only when inspiration strikes . You cannot let Resistance faze you. Commit to showing up every single morning. That way, each day, you fight Resistance. Eventually the juices will flow as easily, Which will be the beginning of you honing your skills.</li><li>Think of it this way. You are in a constant battle with Resistance. You cannot let rejection, despair, or self-doubt get in your way of winning this battle.</li><li>Commit to showing up every day, no matter how unmotivated you feel.</li></ul>

OVERCOMING RESISTANCE

<ul><li>Whether we are aware of it or not, most creatives will define themselves hierarchically. It is challenging to avoid this in today's materialistic society. We attach to ourselves by what we wear, where we work, what car we drive, and who we love. Hierarchies surround us.</li><li>Unfortunately, these hierarchies can do longer hold in the world. If as a creative you define yourself based on these hierarchies, you place yourself in pecking order. You end up competing against everyone within this set order. You compare your work, success and achievements with everyone else within the rank.</li></ul>

WORKING TERRITORIALLY AND NOT HIERARCHICALLY

<ul><li>Resistance comes in at onset of you acting towards your dream and stays with you throughout the journey. </li><li>Resistance becomes even worse as you get closer to achieving your goal.</li><li>Resistance will often manifest itself in different ways, including fear, procrastination and criticism. Of these, self-doubt is the greatest enemy. It can serve as an indicator of aspiration because it reflects our love for our dreams. It lies to us, making us believe we are on the right path to achieving goals. Lastly it paralyses us and prevent us from going for what we set out to achieve.</li></ul>

RESISTANCE GETS STRONGER AS YOU GET CLOSER TO THE GOAL

<ul><li>Individuals who can past Resistance are those who accept they are amateurs. These individuals accept where they are when it comes to their skills levels. This doesn't mean they have no interest in improving their skills.</li><li>To beat Resistance, you cannot go at your goals half-assed. Part time pursuits will not get you to the level that you want. You've got to be a professional who takes on their goal full-time. </li><li>You've got to have the necessary dedication to achieve perfection within your field of choice.</li></ul>

TO MOVE PAST RESISTANCE, YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE PAST BEING AN AMATEUR

<ul><li>Exercise and diet are the most common forms of failure that most will experience. Most of us will bring home a piece of exercise equipment or pay for a gym membership, only to skip the workout</li><li>If you've ever experienced an internal battle that prevents you from achieving a goal you've set for yourself, you've experienced what calls "Resistance"</li><li>Resistance is a toxic force that brings poverty, disease and dysfunction. It deforms your spirit and keeps you from accomplishing your dreams.</li></ul>

RESISTANCE IS WHAT'S STANDING IN THE WAY OF YOUR SUCCESS

<ul><li>This is detrimental because you attach your satisfaction and happiness to everyone else. ultimately, you chase a rank instead of producing masterpieces for yourself.</li><li>Simply put, hierarchies force you into a box. Instead of working hierarchically consider working territorially. Choose a territory and perfect it. Examples include STEVIE WONDER, whose territory was the piano and ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER whose territory was his gym.</li><li>To claim your territory, work within a niche where you feel sustenance. It should provide you with the fuel and challenges to improve your life.</li></ul>

CONTINUED...

<ul><li>Showing up everyday despite your mind and body protesting takes a toll on you. But you've got to look past these obstacles to create the unique experience you see for yourself.</li><li>To achieve this unique path, stay away from excuses. Learn to conduct the business that will lead you to your dream, regardless of the obstacles. Excuses take you further from your dream, which you can't afford.</li><li>As you confront the obstacles, handle yourself sturdily and steadily. Take each day as a battle and the excuses for the stumbling blocks you've got to overcome if you are to win.</li></ul>

AS A PROFESSIONAL, AVOID EXCUSES, TAKE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, AND ACCEPT HELP

What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself.

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What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a
 naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative 
endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or
 painting a masterpiece?
The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, 
outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just
 how to achieve the greatest success.
The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and 
overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to 
reach the highest level of creative discipline.
Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself.

Steven Pressfield is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Steven Pressfield has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Steven Pressfield's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

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