There's Strength in Resistance

Pressfield nails it when he says we've got two lives – the one we're living and the one we're not.

Now, imagine that 'life' is actually a 'task.' That project or goal you've got? That's the life you're not living yet because Resistance is in the way, acting like that little voice we all know, saying, 'Hey, let's do this later.’

But here's a thought: Resistance is actually a compass. It's the North Star for the procrastinator, pointing directly to the things that matter most. The more we resist something, the more it signifies its importance in our personal universe.

Before we step into the ring with Resistance, let's gear up with some practical moves to keep us steady when feeling overwhelmed.

Practical Moves Against Feeling Overwhelmed

Embracing the understanding that feeling overwhelmed is a signal, not a setback, here's how we can confront Resistance in our daily hustle:

Understanding Resistance is one thing, but how do we stand strong when it stares us down?

Embrace the Resistance

Let's gear up with the right mindset and tackle our tasks. Imagine putting on a suit of determination that makes you invincible to distractions and delays—that's what it means to 'don our armor' against procrastination.

By acknowledging it, we strip it of its power to paralyze us. Remember, every hero's journey is riddled with dragons and demons.

Picture your procrastination as a fierce and intimidating dragon. Now imagine your task, whether it's writing an email, painting a room, or launching a new project, as a valuable treasure.

Overcoming the procrastination, the dragon guards the way to this treasure, and with each small step, you're on a quest to claim it.

Eager to shift gears from hesitation to action?

Rise to the Occasion—Turning Pro

Now, taking a leaf from Pressfield's book, 'turning pro' is our next move. It's a mindset shift from being an amateur procrastinator to a professional doer. It's about showing up, putting in the work, and embracing the grind—daily.

Turning pro means creating a ritual around our work. Our commitment is to rise above feeling overwhelmed and show up for our dreams every day.

Set a time and a place and immerse yourself in the task with no escape route in sight. It's about commitment, even on days when the muse is absent, and the Resistance beast looms large. Yet, it's exactly when we're feeling overwhelmed that we're poised to discover our true capacity for focus and creativity.

Curious about what lies beyond the feeling of being overwhelmed?

From Feeling Overwhelmed to Finding Your Flow

Something clicks into place when we face down Resistance and begin to move past it. It's like unlocking a secret level in a game where, suddenly, we're playing on home turf.

Pressfield talks about an unseen force that swoops in to buoy us along. But let's broaden the lens here—it's not just about summoning the muse for artists or writers; it's about accessing that 'zone' for anyone.

The 'zone' is our refuge from feeling overwhelmed, where focus and passion join forces to move us forward.

This 'zone' is that sweet spot where focus sharpens and actions align seamlessly with intention. It's the jogger's high, the gardener's green thumb in perfect rhythm, the baker's intuition for just when the bread has risen enough.

It's very much real and available to all of us in any endeavor that matters to our hearts. Once we commit to the task at hand and push through the initial Resistance, we tap into a powerful current that carries us forward—into our flow.

A Battle Cry for My Fellow Procrastinators

To everyone grappling with a mountain of tasks, feeling overwhelmed doesn't have to be the end of the story.

As a procrastination and productivity coach, my battle cry for you is this: Let's face Resistance head-on. Let's dance with it, learn its moves, and gently guide it to the sidelines. Your art, your work, your dreams—they deserve that much.

Take small, consistent steps—each one a victory over the procrastination beast. Celebrate the little triumphs. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. The war of art is won not with self-criticism but with self-compassion.

As Pressfield assures us, "Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do."

So, what does your fear tell you? What does your Resistance push against?

Small Steps to Big Changes

Embrace it. That's your path. That's where your personal treasure lies. And with each step, each little action against procrastination, you're not just inching closer to your goals. Still, you're also redefining what it means to be an artist, a creator, a doer.

As we journey from the page to the practice, it's about turning these words into action. It's about recognizing that feeling overwhelmed is simply the prelude to our progress.

Now it's your move. Stand up to that feeling of overwhelm with a decisive action.

• What's one small, brave step you'll take today to march past Resistance?
• Will you set that timer, make that list, or celebrate a win?

Whatever it is, take it now. Share your victory in the comments. Let's inspire each other to keep marching forward, shields high, in this collective battle against procrastination.

What's one step you'll take today to overcome feeling overwhelmed and dance with Resistance?