Steven Pressfield's "Resistance" Gets a Playful Makeover in the Lil' Habit Method
Instead of conquering your Resistance I invite you to stop fighting, tune in and move through it.
In his bestselling book “The War of Art,” author Steven Pressfield introduces the concept of Resistance as the ultimate enemy of creativity and personal growth. According to Pressfield, Resistance is the invisible force that arises whenever we try to pursue a calling or make a positive change in our lives. It's the voice that tells us we're not good enough, that we should put it off, that we should stick to what's safe and familiar.
Reading Pressfield's work was a lightbulb moment for me. Suddenly, I had a name for the inner obstacle course I had been navigating my whole life. But as I began to observe my own Resistance more closely, I realized that fighting against it only seemed to make it stronger. That's when I discovered a surprising truth: Resistance isn't the enemy. In fact, it's a valuable ally on the path to personal growth.
In the Lil' Habit method, we practice meeting Resistance with curiosity and compassion. Through a simple but powerful exercise, you'll learn to personify your Resistance as a lovable character - maybe a worried grandparent, a mischievous friend, or a cautious advisor. Or you might visualize your Resistance as your ride or die on your growth journey - often annoying, but ultimately loyal. By giving Resistance a face and a voice, you create space to acknowledge its concerns without being controlled by them.
This shift in perspective is game-changing. Instead of battling against Resistance or trying to silence it, you learn to engage with it playfully and creatively. You might have a dialogue with your Resistance, acknowledge its fears, and then gently remind it of your deeper goals and values.
With permission, here’s a text I recently received from a graduate of my 6-week Dream a Lil’ Dream program that does an excellent job of showing the intentional work of shifting their mindset.
The more you practice meeting Resistance with love and understanding, the less power it has over you. You start to recognize its voice more quickly, and you develop the skills to navigate its objections with grace. Slowly but surely, you expand your comfort zone and build the confidence to take on bigger challenges.
If you're intrigued by the idea of befriending your Resistance and want to experience this transformative practice for yourself, we invite you to dive deeper with the Lil' Habit method. Here are a few ways to get started:
Download the free Kickstart Workbook to dive into the basics of the Lil' Habit method and start exploring your own lil' habit.
Check out the 1-Hour Kickstart Course for a quick and actionable introduction to the key principles of the method. Perfect if you're eager for change and ready to DIY.
For a more comprehensive and personalized experience, enroll in the 6-Week Dream a Lil' Dream Program. This structured and supportive program includes 1:1 coaching and the resources to make your new habit stick.
If you're new to coaching and want to sample the benefits at your own pace, try the Monthly Subscription. It offers a flexible timeline and a gradual approach to personal growth at an amazing value.
No matter where you are on your growth journey, the Lil' Habit method meets you there with open arms (and a playful wink). By learning to engage with Resistance, you'll unlock a powerful tool for transformation - and have a lot more fun along the way. So take a deep breath, thank Steven Pressfield for the introduction, and let's take the first step together.
If you think this could help a friend or loved one get unstuck, please share!
Disclaimer: My Substack posts are my personal reflections and should not be taken as clinical guidance or treatment. Consult qualified experts regarding your specific health needs.