Comments on: Finishing and Starting

By: Dave Doolin

Dave Doolin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:54:14 +0000

Bank the Mo.

I like it. I can write about it.

Operating on momentum is when I am most productive. Until I get derailed by the mundane, what Gary Halbert called Lesser Mortal Sh!t.

What I find is the loathing that builds as I finish one project spills over into creative energy starting the next project, which has been pestering me while wrapping up the first. I usually lose interest in a project before I finish anyway. But I finish anyway. If it’s worth finishing.

My personal philosophy is that “balance” is highly overrated.

Then again, I’m about to be derailed by a head cold…

By: Istvan

Istvan — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:27:06 +0000

Dear Mr Pressfield, In the War of Art you write somewhere that had Hitler been a better painter WW2 could have been avoided. Have you seen his paintings? I believe they are quite good. Had he been accepted at the Academy, WW2 might have been avoided. Yours, Istvan

By: Ulla Lauridsen

Ulla Lauridsen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:20:03 +0000

Wonderful advice. Should have known, but still.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:37:18 +0000

Thank you for this reminder, Steven. My Resistance often manifests itself by convincing me to “reward” myself for finishing a project or writing-related task with mindless entertainment or a day off. Thank you for revealing it for what it is.

By: Kristan

Kristan — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:48:29 +0000

All I can say to this post is: So true! Whenever I miss a day of writing, that first day back is SO much harder.

By: Angel Vallejo

Angel Vallejo — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:32:24 +0000

I spent four and a half years working for a medium sized lawfirm at the city of in Madrid (Spain). It was an extremely tough time for me, in terms of the required personal life sacrifice, but it was a extremely nurturing time in terms of achieving very solid skills as a lawyer. However, one of the most important things I learned from the man in charge of the whole business was this:

“Right now” is not only the best moment to do something that should be done: it is the only moment to do that. The rest is procrastination.

Thanks to this man (Eduardo Albors) for his advice to a young lawyer and thanks to you, Mr. Pressfield for yours.The best and personal sacrifice

By: J. Scott Shipman

J. Scott Shipman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:05:48 +0000

Great post and great site. Found you through Zen/Mark and ordered your War of Art today. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and I’ll be back!