What The War of Art Taught Me About Creating

This tiny little book called The War of Art is basically a pep talk for anyone trying to create something — whether it’s writing, painting, building a business, or just showing up for your own creative life.

Steven Pressfield makes the point that the thing standing in your way usually isn’t the world, it’s you. He points out that we all deal with this invisible force called resistance that holds us back, and it shows up in all kinds of subtle, sneaky ways. He names that inner voice that tells you you’re not good enough, that today’s not the day, that laundry is more important than your novel. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it. It’s everywhere.

But the flip is that Pressfield doesn’t just call you out — he calls you up. He says the answer isn’t waiting for inspiration or some magical moment. It’s showing up like a pro. Every day. Even when you don’t feel like it. That’s how the work gets made. That’s how you get unstuck.

My favorite part is that Steven makes creativity feel sacred. Like showing up for your work isn’t just about productivity — it’s about honoring something bigger than you. There’s a kind of quiet power in that. So if you’re wrestling with your own resistance — and I mean, who isn’t — this book is like a mirror and a battle cry rolled into one.