Using Resistance to Guide Creative Direction
Core Idea: Fear and resistance indicate the path of greatest growth; the more fear you feel toward a creative endeavor, the more certain you can be that it's important to your development.
Key Elements
The Principle
- Fear points to what we must do
- The degree of fear correlates with the importance of the work
- Resistance is directly proportional to love
- The activities that elicit the strongest resistance are those most vital to our evolution
Identifying True Fear
- Distinguished from rational concerns or practical considerations
- Often manifests as avoidance, procrastination, or rationalization
- Arises when facing work that challenges our identity or comfort
- Creates physical and emotional discomfort when contemplating the work
- Generates elaborate excuses for not proceeding
Common Fears
- Fear of success more than failure
- Fear of becoming who we truly are
- Fear of separation from the tribe/community
- Fear of responsibility that comes with realizing potential
- Fear of the unknown territory beyond current limitations
Navigating by Fear
- Using resistance as a reliable guide to important work
- Recognizing self-doubt as an indicator of aspiration
- Moving toward rather than away from fear-inducing projects
- Accepting fear as a permanent companion rather than an obstacle to overcome
- Distinguishing between fear (a signal) and resistance (the enemy)
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Creative Process (emotional aspects)
- Applications: Project Selection (choosing meaningful work)
- See Also: Resistance (the manifestation of fear)
References
- Pressfield, Steven. "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles"
#creativity #fear #guidance #psychology #resistance
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