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Writer's pictureJohn Georges

Resistance- A Call To Action

The Creative Process

  1. This is awesome.

  2. This is Tricky.

  3. This is terrible.

  4. No, I am terrible.

  5. This might be ok.

  6. This is awesome!

We all have the power to write our own story.  “All you need are these: the certainty of judgement in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.6


Resistance will tell us anything to keep us from doing our work. It is a force that will stop an individual’s creative activity through any means, whether it be rationalizing, inspiring fear and anxiety, emphasizing other distractions that require attention, or raising the voice of an inner critic, and yes, more.


Resistance is an artist worst enemy. It has no power on its own. It comes from us. We give it life with our own fear. It constantly tells us lies, just to keep us from doing our work. It is a liar. liar, liar, pants on fire!!


I have asked students if that internal critic’s voice that is telling them those fabrications were a person, would that person be their friend? I always hear, no!


To make matters worse, our consumer culture drives more distractions toward our unhappiness with food, drugs and stuff we do not need. Yep, there goes another creative artist, swirling down the drain.


Warriors Act, they do not React.


To quote Telamon of Arcadia (a mercenary around the 5th century), it is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior’s life.


Easier said than done. I am sure many people do not see a knight in shining armor, as a hired gun, going out to murder someone.


Turning pro is the way to counter resistance.  Adopting a professional mindset involves committing to one’s craft, dedicating time and effort consistently. The professional, unlike the amateur, comes to work, ready to work. They are doing it for a living, love what they do, and know that as long as they show up and start working, the rest will come.


Stop Thinking and Start Doing - You do not ask yourself whether you should brush your teeth, vacuum your home, or do the dishes. They are automatic.

Approach the work like a professional.


Know Yourself – Identify what causes you the most resistance, so you are prepared to face them.


Have a scheduled time and place.


Clarify with goals. “If a man knows not which port he sails, no wind is favorable.” -Seneca


Write five things that need improvement. Use a Daily Planner. Identify ahead of time exactly what you are going to do. Document your accomplishments.  Adjusting and making corrections are fine. You are still in control. You are not drifting away, hoping to finally arrive somewhere.


Have weekly, daily and monthly goals. Practice on weak spots!


For me, I plan my practice prior to the next day. Just as athletes do, Prior to practice, I warm up my hands and feet first. I then follow my plan. I document my constant and never-ending improvement. I always document my process.


Commit to your goals socially. (One at a time). Once you’ve done that, there is no turning back! This turns a story into motivation!


Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic and power in it. Begin it now.” - Goethe

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