An Ode to Resistance

From the Happiness PhD Project with Jackson Kerchis...

Here we take a brief departure from the world of more academic, science-based constructs to bring you “Resistance”…

I do this to serve you as I find this formulation from the author Steven Pressfield most useful.

You’re due to write an essay, tackle a big project, figure out your career, have that tough conversation, go to the gym, start meditating, etc. and the moment comes…

And you just can’t quite seem to do it…

It’s as if some invisible force is interrupting you, pushing you away, or feeding you distractions.

Resistance is the powerful, universally experienced force that keeps individuals from realizing their potential. Resistance is elicited most commonly by any action that rejects immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health, or integrity. Or, expressed another way, any act that derives from our higher nature instead of our lower.

It is the insidious force that, somehow seemingly by magic, keeps you from doing the work you know you ought to do. Rationalization is Resistance’s secret weapon. It comes when faced with the following (including but not limited to)...

• Any creative calling writing, painting, music, film, etc.

• Launching any new venture

• Any diet or health regime

• Any efforts designed to overcome an unwholesome habit or addiction

• Education

• Any act of political, moral, or ethical courage, including the decision to change for the better some unworthy pattern or conduct in ourselves

To overcome Resistance…