Most of us walk around with two lives—the one we’re living and the one we’re too scared to chase. The gap between them? That’s resistance. It’s that invisible force that keeps hitting snooze on your dreams, convincing you to stay small. You want to overcome resistance, but it’s like wrestling fog. You sit down to work, and suddenly your brain’s screaming, “Check your phone! Clean the fridge! Literally anything but this!” I get it. I’ve spent years stuck in that loop—buying books I never opened, signing up for gym memberships just to ghost them, cramming for exams the night before. Resistance isn’t some mythical villain, though. It’s homemade. We create it. And that means we can crush it.
Resistance isn’t the enemy. It’s the universe’s way of testing how bad you want it. Every time you set a goal that scares you—like launching a business, writing that novel, or finally getting fit—your current self freaks out. It doesn’t want to die. So it throws up roadblocks: doubt, procrastination, Netflix binges. But here’s the secret Steven Pressfield drops in The War of Art: turn pro. Amateurs wait for motivation. Pros show up even when they’re terrified. They don’t wait for the fear to fade—they work through it.
I used to think discipline meant white-knuckling through tasks. Wrong. It’s about rewiring how you see the grind. Resistance isn’t a stop sign—it’s a green light. The heavier it feels, the more you need to do it. Think of it like gym gains. That burn in your muscles? That’s weakness leaving the chat. Same with resistance. The pain of starting a task? That’s your old self thrashing. Lean into it.
A buddy once told me, “Your mind’s a drama queen.” So true. When I committed to waking up at 6 AM to lift, my brain threw tantrums. “It’s too cold. You’re tired. One more snooze.” But after weeks of dragging myself out of bed, something shifted. The dread turned into anticipation. Not because it got easier—it didn’t. But my brain started linking the pain with growth. Now, when I’m mid-squat and my legs feel like jelly, I’m weirdly… happy. Because I know nobody else is willing to hurt this bad.
This isn’t just gym logic. It’s life. Resistance thrives on avoidance. The more you run, the bigger it grows. But face it daily, and it shrinks. Start stupid small. Hate emails? Write one. Scared of the blank page? Doodle nonsense. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s proving to yourself that you’ll show up. Charlie Morgan, a entrepreneur who’s built multiple million-dollar companies, calls this “the work.” Not glamorous, not viral—just consistent action your future self will high-five you for.
Your brain’s a creature of habit. The first time you do a hard thing, it’s agony. The tenth time? It’s routine. The hundredth? You crave it. Coffee tasted like burnt dirt until I forced it down enough mornings. Now I’m a latte snob. Same with resistance. Keep confronting it, and your brain starts associating the struggle with pride. You stop fearing the friction—you chase it.
Pressfield’s book nails this. He says resistance is strongest when the work matters most. That novel you’re avoiding? The career leap? The apology you need to make? The bigger the stakes, the louder resistance screams. But here’s the twist: the scream is a signal. It means you’re on the right track. So next time your gut knots up before a big move, smile. That’s your ticket out of mediocrity.
I won’t lie—some days, resistance wins. You’ll scroll instead of work, skip the workout, take the easy path. But the magic isn’t in being perfect. It’s in refusing to quit. Every time you come back, you’re stronger. Your “current self” isn’t the villain—it’s the raw material. Sculpt it through action.
Funny thing about goals – they’re not about the finish line. They’re about who you become chasing them. The days you grind through resistance? That’s where the gold is. You stop being the person who talks about dreams and start being the person who builds them. And when you look back, you won’t remember the pain—you’ll remember the pride of outgrowing your excuses.
So yeah, resistance sucks. But it’s also the best teacher you’ll ever have. The more it fights you, the more it’s secretly rooting for you. Because on the other side of that fear is the life you’re meant to live. And trust me—it’s worth the burn.
If this hit home, grab a copy of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s a short, punchy kick in the pants that’ll change how you see creativity, work, and that voice in your head saying, “Maybe tomorrow.”
If you found this post helpful, consider Buy me a book 📙. Your support means the world to me!
Latest Exclusive Post:How to Master ANYTHING in Life
Ready to begin your own transformative journey? I’d love to guide you personally. Book a one-on-one session with me.
Unlock even more insights and exclusive content by upgrading your subscription! Don’t miss out—upgrade now!
- Other Socials: Twitter(X) || Medium || Newsletter || YouTube || Facebook || Instagram
- Join community: Telegram Channel || WhatsApp Channel || Discord Channel
