"The hardest thing is to sit down and write. What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance."

Sitting down to write is often the most challenging part of the writing process. The core idea here is that starting is tough, and what stops us is something called Resistance. This Resistance isn't just procrastination. It's that nagging feeling that makes you suddenly find a million other things to do instead of writing. You might know you have a deadline, yet there you are, reorganizing your bookshelf or deep-cleaning the kitchen. That’s Resistance at play.

Historically, this idea was articulated by Steven Pressfield in his book, "The War of Art." He wrote it to help creative folks—writers, artists, entrepreneurs—understand and overcome the invisible barriers that prevent them from doing their work. Pressfield observed that even seasoned professionals struggle with this, not just beginners. It’s comforting to know that everyone, from bestselling authors to movie directors, deals with this internal battle.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Imagine Jane, an aspiring novelist. Jane's had this incredible idea for a book for years. She visualizes herself at book signings, her name on bestseller lists. But when she sits down to write, she suddenly feels overwhelmed. Her mind races with doubts: "What if it's terrible? What if no one reads it?" Instead of writing, she spends hours browsing social media, convincing herself she needs "inspiration." Days turn into weeks, and her manuscript remains untouched. Jane's story is relatable to anyone who's tried to start a big project but couldn't get past that initial hurdle.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? First, recognize that Resistance is a natural part of the process. It’s not a sign that you’re not cut out for writing—or whatever creative endeavor you’re tackling. Acknowledge it, but don't let it dictate your actions. Break your work into small, manageable tasks. Tell yourself you’ll write for just 10 minutes. Often, the hardest part is starting, and once you do, you'll find it easier to keep going.

Here’s a relatable scenario. Think about a time you had to start a new exercise routine. The thought of a 5-mile run might have felt daunting. But committing to just putting on your sneakers and walking around the block? That’s doable. You start walking, then maybe you jog a bit, and before you know it, you’re running. Writing works the same way. Start with a sentence. Then a paragraph. Before long, you're in the flow.

Imagine you're meeting a friend at a coffee shop, and they're venting about how they just can't seem to get started on their new project. You'd probably tell them something like, "Hey, I get it. Start small. Just sit down and write anything. Even if it’s just ‘I don’t know what to write.’ You’ll get into the zone eventually." And you'd remind them that everyone faces this challenge. They’re not alone.

So, the key takeaway? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Recognize Resistance for what it is, and take small steps to push through it. Remember, the hardest part is starting. Once you do, the momentum will carry you forward.