are you a pro?
Last week I promised that I would report back after reading the War of Art, so I’m here today to make good on that deal. Before I dive in, I just want to acknowledge - books for work are tricky. There’s usually some kind of takeaway, but if a book comes to you at the wrong time, it can be easy to write it off. Also, everyone has their own methods and something that works for one person is not necessarily going to work for another.
Overall, my hot take here is that I read (actually, listened to) this book so you don’t have to. The writing style was not particularly inspiring to me, however, there were some important takeaways, and some excellent points made - which I will fill you in on so you can get the benefits of the info without having to spend a few hours slogging through ancient philosophy, a pretty bizarre soundtrack, and war quotes to get to the good stuff.
The overall message here is that everyone is an artist (true, I think), whether you are a painter, designer, builder, or entrepreneur, we all have something that we should create in this world. But, the human condition makes it so easy to resist creating.
Here’s how Mr. Pressman suggests we take control of our inner resistance, and create:
Become a professional in your craft, not an amateur.
Pros show up and put in the work, every single day, even if there’s little to show for it. Amateurs believe art can only be created when inspiration strikes. “I only write when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes at nine every morning.” - William Faulkner (you can insert whatever it is that YOU do into this quote, and it still makes sense)
Pros don’t hesitate to ask for help or guidance or reassurance from others who have been there before. Even the most famous professional athletes in the world have teachers, coaches, and teammates to rely on.
A Pro treats herself like an employee who can be hired or fired, and does not take every success or failure personally. Would you hire yourself?
2. You get out what you put in. Your creative territory can only be claimed by putting in the work. As the author says, creating doesn’t give, it gives back.
3. Ultimately we are all afraid of success. To truly succeed at an art that has not yet been created, we have to do things we have never done before. We have to become someone we are not now. Future success most likely means leaving a part of who we are right now behind. Are you willing to change to succeed?
I wish I was coming here to say READ THIS BOOK because I really do think there’s a lot in here that should be heard. If you’re feeling stuck with whatever it is you’re trying to create (a painting, a book, a business), maybe you should give it a try? Maybe it just didn’t come to me at the right time. Please report back!