Here we are - a week after I posted "Just Do It" and in that week did any of us DO any of the things that will move us towards our goals/towards what we want to achieve? Did we do one thing each day? Did we do one thing?
Since we are all human, chances are we didn't. The overwhelming thing we all seem to have in common is that we fail to take action consistently or we fail to take the most appropriate action. Why? It is not because we are lazy, stupid, or any of the other things you call yourself at moments like this; it is because no one taught us how to overcome resistance.
I had never really thought about the concept of resistance until I read Steven Pressfield's amazing book "Do The Work". Steven defines resistance as "fear, self-doubt, procrastination, distraction, perfectionism, etc." - whatever gets in the way of your getting things done. Sound familiar? Resistance comes up any time you try to make change in your life. Here's his list of activities that elicit resistance:
- any diet or health regime
- any program of spiritual advancement
- any activity whose aim is the acquisition of chiseled abdominal muscles
- the launching of any entrepreneurial venture
- the pursuit of any calling in writing, painting, music, film, dance, or any creative art
- education of every kind
- any act of political, moral or ethical courage including the decision to change for the better some unworthy pattern of thought or conduct in ourselves
- the undertaking of any enterprise or endeavor whose aim is to help others
- any act that entails commitment of the heart
- the taking of any principled stand in the face of adversity
As Steven summarizes it - any act that rejects immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health or integrity will elicit resistance. See it isn't just me, it isn't just you; everyone has resistance as part of their nature.
So what do we do? I would strongly suggest you read Steven's book. It is a short, easy read that is literally an action guide on what to do. It is a manifesto in overcoming resistance and doing the work. Here are a few bits of advice from it that are short but brilliant.
- Start before you are ready. Meaning - many of us think we have to do things first before we take action. For example, don't research something to death - just start.
- Suspend all self-judgement. Get something done - no matter how imperfect. For example, don't re-write as you go; write and then edit.
- The answer is always yes. That one is my favorite. By that he means that if an idea pops into your head and it resonates with you, do NOT talk yourself out of doing it. Take action!
- And finally - the work in progress creates its own energy field. I know how that one feels - once you start taking action, and you see progress, then it is easier to keep going and going.
If you are working on any of the items that Steven listed that create resistance, I would suggest that you take his advice and Do The Work! And as part of that work - read the book.