Overcoming Resistance: How to Stop Holding Yourself Back

Have you ever felt stuck in life, like you're holding yourself back from achieving what you know you're capable of? I think we all experience resistance in one form or another, especially when it comes to pursuing creative endeavors. Whether you're struggling with starting a project or feeling stuck as your kids get older and life is shifting, resistance can be a major roadblock.

The War of Art Summary - Overcoming Resistance

In a recent video (scroll down to watch it), I dive into the concept of resistance as described in Steven Pressfield's book, The War of Art. I also share my personal experiences of battling resistance, especially when it comes to creating YouTube content. This post will explore four types of resistance—fear, procrastination, self-doubt, and misery—and how you can overcome these barriers to unlock your potential.

Don't Let Fear Hold You Back

Fear is one of the most common forms of resistance. It's easy to let it stop you from moving forward, especially when you're worried about what others might think. But fear often signals that you're on the verge of doing something meaningful. Instead of letting it hold you back, recognize it as a natural part of the creative process. In the video, I share how embracing fear has helped me push past my own creative blocks and move toward my goals.

Procrastination: The Endless "Tomorrow"

How many times have you said, "I'll start tomorrow"? Procrastination is another sneaky form of resistance that can keep you from making progress. The truth is, there's never a "perfect" time to begin. You just have to start, even if it's messy and imperfect. Watch the video for more on how I've struggled with procrastination and the steps I've taken to overcome it.

Self-Doubt: "Who Am I to Share This?"

If you've ever thought, "Who am I to share this?" you're not alone. Self-doubt can be crippling, making us feel like we don't have anything valuable to contribute. But the reality is, your experiences and journey are unique—and others can benefit from them. In the video, I explore how self-doubt has held me back and how I’ve managed to push through it.

Misery: The Weight of Unfulfilled Dreams

Not pursuing your creative passions can lead to a deep sense of misery. The longer you put off doing what you love, the heavier that sense of dissatisfaction becomes. In my video, I explain how starting, even when you're scared, can help alleviate this misery and get you moving toward a more fulfilling life.

If you’re feeling stuck in life, especially in your 40s or 50s as you're approaching the empty nest phase, and find yourself battling resistance, this video is for you. Check it out below!