What do art and the Battle of Thermopylae have in common? Well aside from the fact that the Greeks had a hand in both, Steven Pressfield also wrote a book about each one. I’ve read several of his fiction books but I’ve recently finished an excellent non-fiction work of his, The War of Art, in which Pressfield deals out a swift kick in the ass regarding yourself and that eternal enemy each of us faces every day, resistance.
I’m a firm believer that we all hold the tools to our own salvation but most of us go through life not even opening the tool shed. Truthfully, it can be somewhat daunting to face down your own perceived inadequacy, constant stream of lame ass excuses, and inherent short comings, on a daily basis. Pressfield blows open the doors, hands you the tools and personally reads aloud the manual for what you need to do everyday to be successful at whatever it is you do.
Pressfield reiterates the story of how he got started as a writer and the stream of dead-end jobs, failed relationships, and bad decisions that finally pointed him in the right direction. He also talks about how he faces the everyday struggle to sit down and write. What demons tug at him, trying to send him into a downward spiral of procrastination and resistance. He shares with us the little tips and tricks he’s learned, through the occupational school of “hard knocks”.
The War of Art holds up a mirror, and in it’s reflection you’ll see, in what area, your lacking in being able to nail that presentation to your boss, bring in a healthy stream of clients, stick with your commitment to make it to Crossfit three times a week, or whatever it is your failing to accomplish because your just this side of greatness.
We all need a jump start from time to time and if your feeling like there’s something that’s tugging at you, trying to bring you down, I’d give this book a try for a little pick me up.
What do you use to motivate yourself? Is it a quote from a book or poem? Something a mentor once taught you? Please, share with the class.
Today’s Workout:
20 Min AMRAP:
1 Rope Climb
6 burpees
9 Kettlebell Sumodeadlift High Pulls (1.5pd/1pd)
12 Box jumps (24″/20″)
