3 min read

The War of Art: Summary

Everything you need to know about Steven Pressfield's The War of Art, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying The War of Art by Steven Pressfield in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a book that encourages readers to overcome their internal resistance and pursue their true purpose. It outlines the psychological and emotional roadblocks, such as fear and procrastination, that can sabotage a creative life, and offers strategies for overcoming them, such as understanding one’s vision and taking consistent action. It also discusses how creativity is an essential part of life, and how it enables us to discover our true potential.

Want to know more?

The War of Art: Key Points

  1. Resistance is the main enemy of creativity and progress. It is an invisible force that works against us, blocking our potential and goals.
  2. We must be aware of Resistance in order to overcome it. We need to identify what it is and where it comes from in order to be able to effectively combat it.
  3. Professionalism and discipline are essential for successfully overcoming Resistance. We need to set up routines, remain focused on our goals, and be persistent in our efforts in order to win the battle against Resistance.
  4. Fear is a sign that we are on the right track. When we feel fear or discomfort associated with doing something, this shows that we are pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone, which is necessary for growth and success.
  5. Taking action is the best way to break through Resistance. Inaction only perpetuates Resistance, so we must take concrete steps towards our goals in order to make progress and achieve success.

What to say about The War of Art

  • "The War of Art really opened my eyes to the importance of embracing creative resistance and how to overcome it."
  • "The War of Art helped me to define my creative goals more clearly and stay focused on them."
  • "The War of Art changed my mindset in terms of how to approach my work - with great discipline and dedication."
  • "The War of Art provided me with valuable insights into the power of creativity and how to use it for success."
  • "The War of Art pushed me to reconsider the idea of 'resistance' as something that can be used to propel forward progress rather than hold it back."
  • "The War of Art showed me the importance of breaking down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks that I can achieve when feeling overwhelmed."
  • "The War of Art has given me a deeper appreciation for the creative process, and how small steps can lead to great rewards over time."
  • "The War of Art taught me new ways to think about productivity and how best to channel my energy into meaningful work."
  • "The War of Art has been a great source of inspiration for me and helped me stay motivated in times when I felt unmotivated or stuck."
  • "Reading The War of Art was a game-changer for me; it made me realize just how much potential I have and how I can tap into it for success."

What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about The War of Art

  • "Just finished reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - a must-read for anyone who wants to take their career to the next level! #motivation"
  • "The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is full of inspiring stories and practical tools to overcome our inner resistance and achieve success. #professionaldevelopment"
  • "The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is an absolute must-read for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone looking to stay motivated and productive. #success"
  • "This morning I read The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and it has changed the way I view my professional growth. #transformative"
  • "A great reminder from The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: 'Our greatest battles are within.' #selfimprovement"

Top 5 Quotes from The War of Art

  1. "Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance."
  2. "The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it."
  3. "If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends, 'Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?' chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death."
  4. "The professional has learned that success, like happiness, comes as a by-product of work. The professional concentrates on the work and allows rewards to come or not come, whatever they like."
  5. "The artist must be a witness to humanity. He must see what others cannot see; he must look deeper than others look."

Other books by Steven Pressfield

  • The Legend of Bagger Vance
  • Gates of Fire
  • Tides of War
  • Last of the Amazons
  • Killing Rommel
  • The Afghan Campaign
  • The Profession
  • Nothing Lost
  • Do the Work
  • The Authentic Swing
  • The Virtues of War: A Novel of Alexander the Great

Did you know?

💬

The War of Art has been published in over 20 languages and is used by business coaches, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes as a source of inspiration and motivation.