the most common manifestation of resistance

“Procrastination is the most common manifestation of resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize. We don’t tell ourselves, ‘I’m never going to write my symphony.’ Instead we say, ‘I am going to write my symphony; I’m just going to do it tomorrow.’” — Steven Pressfield

Our minds are very good at helping us avoid discomfort. It happens so reflexively, that we often don’t even realize how we end up scrolling instead of writing, or researching new cars instead of working on that book proposal, or how we convince ourselves that we don’t need to turn off the TV to hear our inner voice clearly. 

Procrastination is less about time management and more about mixed feelings. Think about the callings that are in your heart versus the attitudes that are in your mind and how much they contradict each other. Mixed emotions cause inner conflicts that we’re often not aware of until we feel stuck, or a pattern starts to emerge, insisting that we take a closer look.

For example, if I want to write books that help people all over the world, but I have unacknowledged fears about being overwhelmed by success; then my doubt conflicts with my desire and creates an attitude of resistance, making me more likely to avoid the character-building work that I need for this calling.

Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, says “Procrastination is the most common manifestation of resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize. We don’t tell ourselves, ‘I’m never going to write my symphony.’ Instead we say, ‘I am going to write my symphony; I’m just going to do it tomorrow.’”

With everything we have on our minds each day, it’s no wonder that we avoid our mixed feelings and run to what feels safe and sure by putting off uncomfortable tasks just a little longer. We procrastinate because of our fears about the uncertain process ahead, the ripples that our actions will create.

So how do we recognize our hidden inner conflicts and the obstacles they create? How do we override the urge to flee when it’s time to focus?

WARM UP

Choose one task related to your project or calling that often gets avoided, neglected, and deprioritized. First, make a list of reasons why this task gets avoided and neglected. Dig deep and be honest with yourself. Circle the one that seems to hold the biggest resistance. Then, brainstorm a list of at least 10 ways you can change your feelings and reaction to this resistance.