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📚 Read Slowly - Take Notes - Apply the Ideas​

Slay the Reading Resistance Monster

Hello Reader,

In 2002, Steven Pressfield published The War of Art, a book that explores the very real problem of Resistance in our lives. He approached the topic as a writer, but I’d like to apply his ideas to reading books. Let’s start with a great quote from the introductory pages.

I don’t know about you, but I feel resistance as a reader. I talk about books all day long – they’re my passion. But that doesn’t protect me from Resistance. Every day, I want to read but my brain resists. It’s the strangest thing. I’m pulled in other directions, fully believing I’ll sit down and read once a few tasks get done.

🤔 I could blame it on human nature, but that feels like a cop-out.

🤔 I could blame it on a busy schedule, but that’s ridiculous. We’re all busy.

🤔 I could blame it on a lack of sleep or bad indigestion, but neither applies.

🤔 I could blame it on the construction workers outside with jackhammers, but that’s easily overcome with some Airpods and my Read Well Reading Playlist.

There’s nothing to blame. It’s simply Resistance, and I think that’s why Steven Pressfield capitalizes the R. He makes it a proper noun. This turns the somewhat ambiguous “feeling” of resistance into a tangible Resistance entity, something to wrestle with. He personifies Resistance, making it the real antagonist in your life story. It’s now an obstacle to overcome, an enemy to defeat, and a monster to slay.

If that’s the case, how do we slay the Resistance monster daily? I’ve noticed he gets stronger as the day gets longer, and that’s why I ALWAYS read as soon as possible.

Before I open my computer…

Before I write my daily reading post…

Before I eat my breakfast…

I open my book and slay the Resistance monster.

Until next week, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.

-Eddy

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Works Cited:
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Pressfield, Steven, and Robert McKee. The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle. First Black Irish Entertainment paperback edition, Black Irish Entertainment LLC, SANAGE Publishing House, 2012.

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New This Week: ​

Book Recommendation The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Listen to the Podcast How to ACTUALLY Learn from Audiobooks | EP 77 See the Video How to Take Great Notes (for Fiction Readers) Update from the Book Club We've Begun Anna Karenina

Book Recommendation

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

It's only fitting that I recommend Steven's book since I featured it in my message above.

I love this book because it reminds me that the Resistance I feel is normal. There's nothing wrong with me for not wanting to get started on a project, read the book, or write the post.

It also reminds me that all I have to do is get started. That's the hardest part. By sitting down in the chair, opening the book, or writing my first word - I conquer Resistance for the day.

Finally, it reminds me that this is an everyday battle. Resistance will be here tomorrow, and I'll have to slay him again if I want to make something worthwhile.

Listen to The Podcast

How to ACTUALLY Learn from Audiobooks | EP 77

Audiobooks are powerful, but too many of us rely on them alone to absorb knowledge. In this video, I share how audiobooks are just the first step in truly learning from a book, and how to build on that initial listen to get a full grasp of complex ideas. I’ll also share my experience with a favorite book and how I used audiobooks to deepen my understanding..

My Latest Video

How to Take Greate Notes (for Fiction Readers) Not all fiction needs note-taking, but when you find a book with something to say, jotting down your thoughts can deepen the experience. In this episode, I’ll share why I sometimes take notes on fiction, how I set up a dedicated notebook for it, and my process for capturing meaningful insights. Whether it’s a novel packed with ideas or one that just hits home, here’s how I approach notes when fiction gets philosophical. Watch on YouTube

Updates from Book Club

Anna Karenina Yesterday, we began reading Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. If you want to enjoy this incredible book, consider joining us online on Tuesday evenings for a LIVE discussion. Show Me the Book Club

Hi, I'm Eddy.

How Can I Help? Feel free to respond to this email. Let me know how I can make your experience in our reading community better, or if you have questions, I'm all ears. ​ As always, read slowly - take notes - apply the ideas. -Eddy