For today’s adventure, I read Steven Pressfield’s “Turning Pro” . It’s a rapid read (it took only 2 hours, cover to cover) and continues the conversation he starts in his first book, “The War Of Art”. His first book provides a thorough examination of the concept of resistance and introduces the idea of “the pro”. The pro is someone who nurtures a consistent set of habits geared towards overcoming this resistance with a view to not only acknowledging their true gift (whether that be writing, or painting, or parenting, or dancing, or cooking, or care-giving..) but  also delivering that gift to the world.

Steven devotes a considerable amount of time (in “Turning Pro”) to the notion of distraction (also a form of resistance). He suggests that many of us (amateurs) distract ourselves from our true purpose (our true gift, our potential work of art, our new business) by living shadow lives (lives that look meaningful and fulfilling but they’re not really in line with our true gift and/or who we really are … and so they don’t feel like they’re the “real deal”) and by engaging in certain behaviours (like addictions) which allow us to hide from ourselves.

The pro faces up to the fullness of who they really are, acknowledges their gift and then brings their gift into the world.

As I read the book, it brought up some big questions for me :

1. To what degree do I distract myself (and how do I distract myself) ?

2. What would I discover if I didn’t distract myself?

3. Am I living in alignment with my true purpose? (Should I have a purpose at all? If I do have one, what is it?)

I share more about my response to Steven’s writing in today’s video. He’s certainly got me thinking!

 

I am just going outside and may be some time 🙂 .

JT