A great book I read recently is “Do the Work” by Steven Pressfield. He motivates and gives specific ideas to beat the Resistance (yes, “Resistance” is capitalized) that plagues all of us. Here’s a quick quote from this outstanding eBook (often offered for free on Amazon.com):
In Native American myths, our totemic ally is often an animal—a magic raven, say, or a talking coyote. In Norse myths, an old crone sometimes assists the hero; in African legends, it’s often a bird. The three Wise Men were guided by a star. All of these characters or forces represent Assistance. They are symbols for the unmanifested. They stand for a dream.
The dream is your project, your vision, your symphony, your startup. The love is the passion and enthusiasm that fill your heart when you envision your project’s completion.
Sometimes when Resistance is kicking my butt (which it does, all the time), I flash on Charles Lindbergh. What symphony of Resistance must have been playing in his head when he was struggling to raise the funding for his attempt to fly across the Atlantic solo? “You’re too young, you’re too inexperienced; you’ve got no credentials, no credibility. Everyone who’s tried this has failed and you will, too. It can’t be done. Your plane will crash, you’re going to drown, you’re a madman who is attempting the impossible and you deserve whatever dire fate befalls you!” What saw Lindy through? It can only have been the dream. Love of the idea.
Pressfield, Steven (2011). Do the Work (pp. 33-34). The Domino Project. Kindle Edition.
Think of a hero that can motivate you, like Pressfiled mentioned Charles Lindbergh. Realize that the Resistance is normal and will be there for you as for everyone. Then make plans to blast it out of your way. This stuff works!
Your thoughts? Leave your ideas and reactions below on the comments. I look forward to hearing from you.
Terry
Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
www.TerryBrock.com, Terry@TerryBrock.com
