The first section of the book focuses on artist's block or what Pressfield labels "Resistance". I've always, and most recently, had a serious blockage problems when writing. I always do a hundred smaller tasks surrounding the actual goal at hand, I get up countless number of times to get snacks or drink. I stop to web surf or check my e-mail.
Here are some excerpts:
Resistance is the most toxic force on the planet. It is the root of more unhappiness than poverty, disease, and erectile dysfunction. To yield to Resistance deforms our spirit. It makes us less than we are and less than we are born to be.
Resistance cannot be seen, touched, or smelled. But it can be felt. We experience it as an energy field radiating from a work-in-potential. It's a repelling force. It's negative.
Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate, falsify; seduce, bully, cajole... It will take any form if that's what it takes to deceive you.
Procrastination is the most common manifestation of Resistance because it's the easiest to rationalize.
Sometimes Resistance takes the form of sex...because sex provides immediate and powerful gratification. When someone sleeps with us we feel validated and approved of... of course not all sex is a manifestation of Resistance. It goes without saying this principle applies to drugs, shopping, masturbation, TV, gossip, alcohol, and the consumption of all products containing fat, sugar, salt, or chocolate.
Resistance seems to come from outside ourselves... [but] is not a peripheral opponent. Resistance arises from within. It is self-generating and self-perpetuating. Resistance is the enemy within.
