The Invisible Force Blocking Your Best Work
Have you ever sat down, ready to dive into something that matters—a project, a piece of writing, a bold new idea—only to find yourself suddenly, inexplicably doing anything but the thing you meant to do? Maybe you’re checking emails, reorganizing your desk, or scrolling through Instagram.
That’s not laziness. That’s Resistance.
Steven Pressfield, in his classic book The War of Art, gives this inner saboteur a name: Resistance. It’s the invisible force that keeps us from showing up fully for the work that matters most to us. It’s not loud or obvious; it’s sneaky, manifesting in habits, feelings, or distractions that derail our progress.
It’s easy to imagine Resistance as something that haunts writers, artists, or musicians. But the truth is, it’s everywhere. Entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, activists—anyone who takes on a meaningful project—faces it, too.
Resistance doesn’t care if your work could change the world or simply bring you closer to your own truth. Its only goal is to keep you stuck.
The Many Faces of Resistance
Resistance doesn’t always look like procrastination (though it’s certainly good at that). It can be trickier to spot because it often disguises itself as “being productive.”
Let’s expand on how it shows up:
Focusing on the wrong metrics: Spending hours perfecting something that doesn’t actually move the needle, like reformatting a spreadsheet instead of creating content.
Over-researching: Falling into an endless loop of gathering information instead of acting on what you already know.
Overplanning: Writing detailed plans you never execute because “you’re not ready yet.”
Underplanning: Jumping into projects without clarity, creating chaos that reinforces the narrative that “this is too hard.”
Polishing the surface: Perfecting the logo, website, or pitch deck while avoiding the real work that feels more vulnerable.
Endless training or certifications: Convincing yourself you need “just one more course” before you can begin.
Unnecessary meetings: Scheduling discussions that feel productive but don’t lead to action.
And let’s not forget the emotional manifestations:
Blaming the system: Convincing yourself external forces are keeping you stuck, like your boss, the economy, or your circumstances.
Fear of imperfection: Not starting because you think the first draft, version, or attempt won’t be perfect.
Saying yes to everything: Filling your plate with obligations to avoid focusing on your big goals.
Obsessing over shortcuts: Looking for “hacks” when the long, steady path is the one that works.
Avoiding accountability: Not telling anyone about your goals to avoid feeling exposed.
Comparing endlessly: Spending hours looking at others’ work and convincing yourself you’ll never measure up.
Perfectionism: Delaying progress because you’re obsessing over every detail, afraid of being judged.
Resistance Isn’t a Moral Failing
Here’s the good news: Resistance isn’t proof that you’re lazy, undisciplined, or unworthy. It’s just part of being human. Think of it like stubbing your toe or burning the toast—not ideal, but not catastrophic, either.
The key isn’t to beat yourself up about it but to recognize it. When we can name Resistance, we can disarm it. We don’t have to let it stop us.
How to Dance With Resistance
Dancing with Resistance starts with three realizations:
You have a choice. These habits don’t just “happen” to us; they’re decisions we make (even if they don’t feel that way at first).
You can learn new tactics. Better habits and tools are within reach. Resistance thrives on old, unexamined patterns. But learning new ones is how we loosen its grip.
You can face the fear of change. Resistance feeds on fear: fear of failure, success, uncertainty, or even being seen. Naming this fear is a crucial step in moving through it.
Here’s the practice:
Pause and notice. When you find yourself stuck, ask: Is this Resistance?
Name it. Say it out loud (or write it down). Simply naming it reduces its power.
Choose differently. Start small. Instead of scrolling, take one tiny step toward the real work.
Resistance wants us to stay frozen, but every step we take—no matter how small—reminds us we’re capable of moving forward.
A Closer Look at Common Traps
Let’s break down a few more sneaky traps Resistance sets:
The Busy Trap: Filling your day with low-priority tasks to avoid the harder, more important work.
The Overthinking Trap: Spending too much time analyzing options instead of making a decision and moving forward.
The Reinvention Trap: Constantly pivoting or starting over because it feels safer than sticking with something and risking failure.
The Self-Sabotage Trap: Taking on too much, missing deadlines, or leaving details out to unconsciously create reasons to fail.
The Comfort Zone Trap: Choosing tasks you’re already good at while avoiding areas where growth is needed.
The “Someday” Trap: Telling yourself you’ll start when the timing is better, when the kids are older, or when life is less chaotic.
The Fear Beneath Resistance
At the heart of Resistance is fear—fear of failing, fear of succeeding, fear of being seen, fear of change.
But here’s a truth I keep coming back to: The work that matters most is often the work we fear most.
And fear doesn’t mean stop. It means pay attention. It means the work is probably worth doing.
Strategies to Overcome Resistance
So what can we do about it? Here are a few tools I’ve found helpful:
Start small. When the big picture feels overwhelming, focus on the smallest possible next step.
Time-blocking: Set dedicated times for your most important work and protect those blocks fiercely.
Accountability: Share your goals with someone you trust. Check in regularly to keep yourself on track.
Embrace imperfection. Let go of the idea that your work needs to be perfect right out of the gate.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge small wins to remind yourself you’re moving forward.
Create rituals: Anchor your work with habits or routines that signal, “It’s time to focus.”
Revisit your “why.” When Resistance is strong, reconnect with the deeper purpose behind your work.
A Gentle Reminder
Resistance will always show up, especially when we’re working on something meaningful. That’s not a sign to stop; it’s proof you’re on the right path.
The next time you notice its presence, try this: Take a breath. Thank it for trying to protect you (because that’s what it’s doing, in its own misguided way). Then tell it you’ve got this.
The work matters. You matter. And even though it might not feel like it, every small action you take in the face of Resistance is a victory.
Let’s keep going.
Warmly,