The Mental Shield of Resistance
Core Idea: Rationalization is Resistance's primary cognitive tool, providing seemingly legitimate reasons to avoid creative work while hiding the underlying fear that actually prevents action.
Key Elements
Function in Resistance
- Serves as Resistance's "spin doctor"
- Hides fear behind plausible justifications
- Protects ego from acknowledging cowardice
- Provides seemingly logical reasons for inaction
- Creates complex intellectual frameworks for avoidance
Common Rationalizations
- "I'm not ready yet" (need more research/preparation)
- "The timing isn't right" (waiting for perfect conditions)
- "I need to handle these other priorities first"
- "I should develop my skills further before starting"
- "This project needs more planning/thinking through"
- "I work better under pressure" (justifying procrastination)
- "I need to heal myself before creating" (endless introspection)
Insidious Nature
- Many rationalizations contain partial truths
- They sound reasonable and responsible
- They're socially acceptable excuses
- They protect us from facing our fears
- They can become sophisticated self-deception systems
- They often gain support from friends and family
Combating Rationalization
- Recognizing the pattern of avoidance
- Naming rationalizations when they appear
- Understanding that fear is the true source
- Developing awareness of personal favorite excuses
- Taking action despite seemingly legitimate reasons not to
- Accepting that conditions will never be perfect
- Committing to schedules rather than waiting for readiness
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Cognitive Biases (systematic thought patterns)
- Applications: Mindfulness in Creative Practice (awareness techniques)
- See Also: Resistance (the force behind rationalization)
References
- Pressfield, Steven. "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles"
#creativity #psychology #resistance #self-deception #mindset
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