In an earlier post, we discussed some of the things that can potentially get in your way when you’re attempting to start a new venture, complete a course, or create a business.  To put it very bluntly, there is no shortage of monsters along the way.  As I’m sure you’ve figured out by now, the road to the promised land is full of many obstacles and pitfalls.

Let’s start with the idea that sometimes we can be our own worst enemies.  A business mentor of mine once told me that PERFECTIONISM is the biggest serial killer out there in the market.  Having high standards and high expectations can be a great attribute in business and in life, but it can also keep us from ever getting started.  If we are able to overcome a perfectionist mindset enough to start, then it often rears its ugly head when our first few projects or ideas don’t measure up to our own expectations.  This is a common reason why lots of perfectionists quit early on.  I know many influencers talk about how “Done is better than good” and “Finished is better than perfect.”  These are tough concepts for a perfectionist to live by.  Oh the struggle!!

The Imposter Syndrome is another dark force that chisels away at the minds and confidence of creators and entrepreneurs.  This syndrome is characterized by asking yourself questions like “What do I know?”  “Who would possibly buy a course from me?”  “I’m no expert.”  Surprisingly, the Imposter Syndrome flu isn’t limited to beginners.  Even experienced and well-seasoned creators talk about having to face this feeling even after they’ve produced lots of amazing results with their businesses and projects.  This doesn’t affect everyone, but I’d say this syndrome has earned it’s rightful place on America’s Most Wanted.

We could likely do a several part series on all the things that may oppose you as you develop your idea and begin to take action.  The absolute best account of these dark forces, how to identify them, and ultimately how to defeat them…is covered by Steven Pressfield.  He is an amazing author who talks extensively about the concept of “Resistance” in three of his books.  I will list the titles of the three books below.   Pressfield asserts that resistance is experienced as fear.  Resistance shows its jagged teeth in countless ways.  These can include self-loathing, despair, self-doubt, procrastination, self-sabotage, distraction, and narcissism.  Resistance can even disguise itself in innocuous ways.  For example, if we spend too much effort reading and reflecting on our craft, and not enough time “implementing and doing”, then resistance is at work.  Pressfield maintains that resistance must be dealt with and encountered head on.  The author says, “the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.  The battle must be fought anew every day.  We can defeat resistance when we sit in the chair and do the work.  Put your ass where your heart wants to be.” I now realize there are no shortcuts on the road to where you want to go and the chair represents the path to goal acheivement.

Pressfield’s words serve as a constant reminder that if we want to get the prize, we must be willing to acknowledge the enemy, find the courage and plan to push through, and never stop working.  Before we MAP this out, I will leave you with one last Pressfield quote.  “It’s better to be in the arena, getting stomped by the bull, than to be up in the stands or out in the parking lot.”