Take Stock of Tasks You've Delayed - Accomplish Three of Them Today
In a call to action, author and creative thought leader encourages individuals to tackle their tasks immediately, rather than waiting for the perfect moment or for things to become clearer. This advice comes in light of the universal force known as Resistance, described by Steven Pressfield in his seminal book, 'The War of Art.'
Pressfield, in his groundbreaking work, identifies Resistance as the primary internal antagonist that sabotages creative work and personal ambitions, causing procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and other obstacles that prevent individuals from starting or completing important projects.
Resistance is an invisible and universal force that pushes us away from our creative callings and personal ambitions, making it difficult to do work that matters. It manifests in any form that opposes our creative endeavors, such as distraction, rationalization, or paralysis.
To combat Resistance, the author suggests writing down three procrastinated tasks to free up mental space. These tasks may range from mundane chores like cleaning out a closet, to more significant tasks such as starting a creative, ambitious project. The challenge is then to pick one of these tasks and do it today.
Examples of tasks to choose from include paying a lingering bill, responding to a message, making an appointment, starting a book outline, signing up for a class, or having a necessary conversation. The author emphasizes the importance of choosing a task wisely, focusing on tasks that can be completed today.
The author quotes "Memento mori" as a reminder of mortality and the importance of taking action. "Begun is half done" and "Tempus fugit" are also quoted as reminders of the urgency of action. Taking the first step towards a task weakens the grip of Resistance, and the author advises against procrastination, quoting "Don't do it later. Do it now. Today."
The author also highlights examples like canceling an underused subscription due to perceived hassle, and reaching out to an old friend due to increasing feelings of awkwardness with time. Seneca wrote that procrastination is a waste of life, snatching away each day and denying us the present by promising the future.
In essence, the author's message is clear: enough is enough. Opportunities passed on are as good as dead, and time passing makes one a little bit more dead. The author encourages individuals to take action on their procrastinated tasks, quoting "Don't do it later. Do it now. Today."
[1] Pressfield, S. (2002). The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles. Penguin Books. [3] Pressfield, S. (2018). Turning Pro: Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life's Work. Penguin Books. [5] Pressfield, S. (2011). Do the Work: Overcoming Resistance and Getting Out of Your Own Way. Penguin Books.
Memento mori serves as a constant reminder of the importance of taking action in one's lifestyle, particularly in the context of education-and-self-development and personal-growth. Embracing this philosophy, one needs to take the first step today, regardless of the task at hand, be it mundane or ambitious, in order to weaken Resistance and foster growth.
