Listening for Inner Doubt

A Book Recommendation for the New Year

What are your hopes for the New Year personally and for your church’s ministry in the community?

January is a month for big dreams and new beginnings. But it doesn’t take long for those big dreams to lose steam.

The War of Art is my favorite book on the creative process and it offers some helpful insights to keep you moving towards those dreams.

Steven Pressfield is the author of the book. He’s a fiction writer, but it’s a non-fiction book about staying on track in your creative process. It’s a fantastic read with short, one-page chapters that will have you inspired and ready to chase down those big ideas.

According to Pressfield, the biggest challenge to the creative process is something he calls Resistance. He writes, “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance… Resistance arises from within. It is self-generated and self-perpetuated. Resistance is the enemy within.” He goes on to describe various forms of resistance like procrastination, doubt, lies, distractions, fear, sabotage, and criticism.

I won’t give away too much but one antidote to resistance is consistency. Refuse to give up on your goal and take time every day to achieve it.

As you embark on this New Year, chase down those God-sized dreams for your life and your church. Listen for the deceitful voice of resistance and tune it out. The Kingdom of God is at hand, and you’re invited to be a part of its unfolding.