Resistance

There is a dark force, not out there – but rather in there, that is ever present and one that everyone must contend with. Author Steven Pressfield has written a book entitled, theWar of Art, in which he writes about this force, which he labels Resistance. This force is commonly known as procrastination, the putting off for later, what we should or could do today. Resistance is beyond mere procrastination because it is not an individual trait or choice of behavior. It is experienced by everyone and is not a cognitive choice that we make.

Resistance is like an invisible force field that we can feel and sense but cannot easily move through. It is what keeps writers and authors from starting, finishing, publishing, or being happy with their results. Do not confuse this with perfectionism or procrastination. It is much more insidious. Sometimes it appears when we start something and then those feelings start creeping in; maybe it isn’t worth it, after all. Maybe I’ll go back to it later, when I feel more positive about it. This Resistance factor can never be eradicated. However, we can win every day by just doing the work before us. The breaking-through must become a habit. Habits might make it easier to advance, but that insidious force is still there, waiting for a slip. This explains why prospecting is so hard, and for many, a hit or miss, fits and starts, activity. But, the habit of prospecting everyday will defeat the Resistance.

This, in fact explains why this post is a day late! It was not procrastination on my part, but rather the Resistance. I, actually, started writing several times, but did not like what I wrote. I mused over the fact that something better will come to mind. Maybe, I’ve run out of material or fresh ideas, or maybe . . . maybe . . . maybe . . .

I highly recommend that you procure a copy of Steven Pressfield’s book, the War of Art, and learn from one who understands this subject matter, so well, and writes clearly about it. His newest book, entitled Do The Work, describes the process of getting things done in spite of the Resistance. These two books will help you to achieve more than you thought possible.

Most of you, by now, will recognize one of my favorite mantras. Here it is again:  Do It Now! Let today’s content, stimulate your thinking about prospecting, that life-blood of our business success, and just do it now.