Name: Do the Work
Rating: 4 (20374 reviews)
Author: Steven Pressfield

"Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure. It will falsify; it will seduce you." Steven Pressfield's Do the Work reveals how inner obstacles sabotage our dreams and lays out strategies to conquer them.

1. Resistance is your invisible enemy

Resistance emerges whenever you strive toward meaningful work, acting as an invisible force that holds you back. It clouds your mind with doubt, procrastination, and fear.

We often experience resistance intensely when starting something we deeply care about. The more significant the task, the stronger the resistance. It feeds on our fears – fear of failing, fear of succeeding, or fear of judgment. But recognizing resistance is the first step to fighting it. When it appears, it doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path; it’s often a sign you’re moving toward something worthwhile.

Henry Fonda, despite being a celebrated actor, threw up before every stage performance due to resistance. Resistance manifests in many forms, from small distractions like obsessively cleaning your desk to major crises like crippling self-doubt. Understanding that these impulses stem not from laziness but from resistance can help you reframe and challenge them.

Examples

Charles Lindbergh felt resistance deeply before his famous solo flight but used his determination to push through.
Author Steven Pressfield views resistance as his ever-present opponent in writing books.
People who exercise regularly often face resistance, tempting them to skip workouts, but overcoming this leads to growth.

2. Ignorance and stubbornness can be your surprising allies

Traits like arrogance and stubbornness, often considered flaws, can sometimes fuel perseverance during challenging times and help neutralize resistance.

Charles Lindbergh flew from New York to Paris despite daunting odds. Why? He lacked complete awareness of how risky the journey was but was stubborn enough to press on. Similarly, Steve Jobs displayed immense stubbornness, an unwillingness to compromise, which helped steer Apple towards its monumental success.

When things feel impossible, a touch of arrogance can shield us from internal negativity. Ignorance about how difficult a task may be can also allow us to take bold actions instead of hesitating. Embracing these traits, instead of suppressing them, can be vital when dealing with difficult pursuits.

Examples

Lindbergh’s ability to block out naysayers resulted in a history-making flight.
Steve Jobs' insistence on staying true to his vision helped reinvent the tech industry.
Artists who persevere against criticism often exhibit stubborn dedication.

3. You block yourself by overthinking and preparing too much

Preparation might feel productive, but overpreparing often serves as an excuse to avoid starting.

Overthinking and overanalyzing projects often paralyze us before we even begin. Resistance feeds into this cycle by convincing you to find the “perfect” time or gather “more information” before starting. Conquering this means focusing on action rather than endless preparation. Work first and reflect afterward. Approach your task like meditation, where you deal with distractions but refocus and keep going.

Instead of obsessing over perfect details, break your work into digestible parts. Use a structure like the three-act framework (beginning, middle, end) to simplify processes and maintain progress. When you find yourself stuck, remember that messy beginnings often lead to remarkable results.

Examples

Writers often get stuck editing their first paragraph forever instead of finishing the entire draft.
The development of Facebook followed a simple three-act framework, evolving over time.
Entrepreneurs who dive into action often learn faster than those lost in overplanning.

4. Self-doubt is resistance disguised as fear

When doubt creeps into your mind, recognize it as resistance attempting to stall progress.

It’s common to hear inner voices that second-guess your abilities, especially when pursuing meaningful work. However, this inner critic isn’t the real you – it’s resistance in disguise. Accept its presence, but don’t let it influence your decisions. Build momentum by acting, even in small ways, and let progress silence these doubts.

Michael Crichton, the bestselling author, tackled this by immersing himself completely in his work, isolating himself in hotel rooms if necessary, to preserve his creative momentum. Start shifting your focus from “I might fail” to “Let’s see what happens if I try.”

Examples

Artists often hear voices telling them their work has no value but improve their craft by persisting.
Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech emphasizes the value of action over hesitation.
Entrepreneurs who ignore naysayers and internally created doubts often succeed despite the odds.

5. Asking yourself two questions reveals your true commitment

There are two critical questions to confront when resistance strikes: How much do you want it, and why?

If your commitment is half-hearted or based on shallow goals (like fame or external rewards), you’re unlikely to persevere. You must want it so deeply that giving up isn’t an option. Additionally, your reason for pursuing your goal matters. Passion for the craft or the joy it brings will prove more sustainable than chasing money or recognition.

Think of passionate creators like Vincent van Gogh, who painted tirelessly regardless of external success. Commitment and pure intent are the flames you’ll need to battle resistance when it tries to extinguish your creativity.

Examples

Olympic athletes dedicate years to training because they want victory enough to sacrifice comfort.
Van Gogh focused on his love for painting, not on worldly accolades.
Entrepreneurs who prioritize meaningful visions over profit often last longer.

6. Crashes are part of the process

Every journey involves setbacks, which Pressfield calls “Big Crashes.” These moments test your resilience.

Perhaps you lose all your data or your project receives harsh criticism, derailing your momentum. These crashes, while discouraging, help identify weak points in your process and reveal essential improvements. They are opportunities to step back, analyze, and rebuild better.

Pressfield had this experience with a novel that friends initially disliked. Instead of giving up, he revised the project through tough self-reflection. Recognize that crashes don’t mean failure; they’re proof of your progression toward something meaningful.

Examples

Thomas Edison conducted countless unsuccessful experiments before perfecting the light bulb.
Pressfield’s rewritten novel found success through persistence.
Athletes often experience near-burnout moments but grow stronger when they push forward.

7. Fear of success can be as paralyzing as fear of failure

Surprisingly, the closer you get to achieving your goal, the more resistant you might feel. This fear of success is often tied to the unknown territory it brings.

Why does this happen? Success demands vulnerability, exposes you to public scrutiny, and raises expectations. But instead of withdrawing, see fear as a partner to success. When resistance intensifies, it usually means you’re onto something significant.

Examples

Many writers procrastinate during their final chapters due to fear of disappointing readers.
Athletes stepping onto bigger stages often question themselves more intensely than before.
Steve Pressfield used morning rituals to steady these nerves and finish strong.

8. Creating structure helps tame chaos

Having a structure makes tackling creative work less daunting. Organizing tasks into smaller, achievable goals provides clarity and builds momentum.

The three-act structure exemplifies this: start with an idea, build it into something substantial, and conclude solidly. It can apply to creative projects, businesses, or personal growth. Structures like these help you stay the course when resistance threatens to derail.

Examples

Filmmakers often follow storytelling frameworks to complete projects efficiently.
Facebook’s early development adhered to clear, phased plans.
Writers breaking drafts into introduction, body, and conclusion stay motivated.

9. Passion and curiosity are your ultimate weapons

Ultimately, passion fuels progress by overriding excuses and doubts. Genuine love for your craft pushes you through resistance and inspires continual improvement.

Instead of obsessing over avoiding failure, engage deeply in the process. Curiosity about how things unfold energizes you, while passion sustains you when external motivators falter.

Examples

Musicians often invest years into mastering instruments they adore.
Painters work into the night because of their love for their art, regardless of audience size.
Entrepreneurs thrive on the thrill of turning ideas into tangible businesses.

Takeaways

Focus on starting instead of endlessly planning. Action dispels resistance.
Break intimidating projects into smaller stages to reduce overwhelm and maintain momentum.
When doubt arises, reconnect with the joy and love behind your work, rather than fixating on the outcome.