5 Amazing Ideas from “War of the Art” by Steven Pressfield

Hello, Apprentice! How are you?

In this content, I will bring you the amazing book "War of the Art" by Steven Pressfield. This book has certainly helped me take my personal life up a notch through strong and motivating affirmations.

It's a shame not to do more content here about this fantastic reading, but I'm going to confide here five sentences that capture the spirit of what I'd like to pass on to you.

First Quote

“Rule of thumb: the more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the more resistance we feel to pursuing it.”

That phrase is our opener here, and it's amazing in its own way. Pressfield talks a lot about resistance being our biggest enemy, and he makes it very clear that whenever we feel it, it's a hint that we should follow or experience this path.

I have been a Nature Photographer for 7 years and I remember that when I started I felt incredible fear of daring in the places I visited due to a series of limitations that I imposed myself. They simply didn't exist, or else they could be easily bypassed!

So, here's the tip, apprentices: Whenever you feel that incredible urge to start a new project, say you like someone, move on... DO IT! Resistance is just your inner limits boycotting your true path.

Second Quote

“The paradox seems to be, as Socrates demonstrated long ago, that the truly free individual is free only to the extent of his self-mastery. While those who do not govern themselves are doomed to find masters to govern them.”

That's why I believe in self-mastery. If each of us fervently pursued this path of virtue, can you imagine how much better the world could be?

We constantly blame the government, institutions, companies, bosses, family, for our failures. But think: what it would be like to be the captain of your destiny, the boss of your life through incredible habits that will bring you full health, wealth and heightened consciousness.

Obviously, many people need help in this process, but first the inner desire to change is necessary in order to see the way.

Likewise, many are afraid to put life in manual mode and pursue the path of knowledge. When you are on autopilot you will unfortunately become a slave to circumstances.

Third Quote

“Someone once asked Somerset Maugham if he wrote with a certain regularity or only when inspiration struck. He replied, “I only write when inspiration strikes. Luckily she shows up every day at nine o'clock sharp.”

Here's some advice for those who hate routine and regularity: "Discipline is what make professionals."

This question was the one that touched me the most in Pressfield's work: “Do you know the difference between an amateur and a professional?”

The word amateur comes from one who “loves to do”. But, according to Pressfield, love is not enough to become a pro. The amateur is sort of a hobbyist, a casual practitioner. The professional, on the contrary, has commitment, regularity and discipline in doing, rain or shine.

Look at top performers and famous writers: Discipline is so great that no matter what the circumstances, the result will be there anyway. The internal resistance is practically nil!

Fourth Quote

“There's another secret that real professionals know that amateurs don't: When we sit down all day and do our work, power centers around us... When we sit and work, we become a magnet that attracts ideas and insights.”

This sentence has everything to do with the previous one, and Pressfield brings the concept of the Inspiring Muse that we sometimes talk about.

The Muses were mythological entities to whom the ability to inspire artistic or scientific creation was attributed. Hence came the word Museum, which is the place of cultivation and preservation of arts and sciences. Pressfield says a very interesting thing in his book which is: “When your muse comes, she better find you working!”

So, Apprentices... the discipline of doing at least one percent every day carries a magical aura that allows us to reach this higher level of incredible ideas, accomplishments and inspirations.

Fifth Quote

“Everything you can do, or dream you can, start. Boldness has genius, magic and power. Start now. - W.H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition”

Murray was a great adventurer and obviously an inspiration to me. The fact that you believe in what you want and put a constant amount of energy into it is what makes the magic happen.

I see many criticizing people who have become great exponents here on social media today... Obviously they may not be the most brilliant and skilled in the world in what they decided to talk about, but they had the power to dare and start... and ended up succeeding in their endeavors!

So our final word is: just get started. Do and let go of the results they will take care of themselves.

That's it, Apprentices! I hope I helped you a little on your journey.

See you on the next level!