It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior's life.
Steven PressfieldRead
Late at night have you experienced a vision of the person you might become, the work you could accomplish, the realized being you were meant to be? Are you a writer who doesn't write, a painter who doesn't paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote encourages individuals to confront their inner barriers to achieving their potential.
In this quote, Steven Pressfield addresses the concept of 'Resistance', which embodies the self-doubt and obstacles that prevent people from pursuing their true passions and capabilities. He prompts readers to reflect on their dreams and the excuses that hinder them from realizing their potential, encouraging them to overcome these barriers and take action towards their goals.
Themes
PotentialResistanceActionDreamsSelf-Doubt
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at a writers' workshop.
More from Steven Pressfield
All quotes →The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.
Steven PressfieldRead
When we sit down day after day and keep grinding, something mysterious starts to happen... Unseen forces enlist in our cause; serendipity reinforces our purpose.
Steven PressfieldRead
You know, Hitler wanted to be an artist. At eighteen he took his inheritance, seven hundred kronen, and moved to Vienna to live and study... Ever see one of his paintings? Neither have I. Resistance beat him. Call it overstatement but I'll say it anyway: it was easier for Hitler to start World War II than it was for him to face a blank square of canvas.
Steven PressfieldRead
It’s better to be in the arena, getting stomped by the bull, than to be up in the stands or out in the parking lot.
Steven PressfieldRead
Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
Steven PressfieldRead
Similar quotes
One hard day of work proves you have heart. But day after day is what proves you have maturity and commitment.
Dwayne JohnsonRead
I picked up an issue of 'Cosmopolitan' the other day that had tips for job interviews, because I was like, "I need to get better at interviews." The article was basically about how to get someone not to hate you in 20 minutes. Every single thing they told you not to do, I was like, "I do that every day."
Jennifer LawrenceRead
If you imagine that you will be able to achieve your ideal by ingeniously planning out a timetable with a pen on a piece of paper, you had better give up hope at once.If you are not prepared for discouragements and disillusions;_x000D_ if you will not be content with a small result for a big effort, then do not begin. Lie down again and resume the uneasy doze which you call your existence.
Arnold BennettRead
Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass.
Napoleon HillRead
I'm really focusing now on how I can get to the next level as a batsman. How can I get even more competitive? How can I get even more consistent? How can I get better?
Sachin TendulkarRead
You know, failure hurts. Any kind of failure stings. If you live in the sting, you will - undoubtedly - fail. My way of getting past the sting is to say no, I'm just not going to let this get me down.
Sonia SotomayorRead