Archive for ‘process’ tag
Creating
This is the sequel to Robert Fritz’s book The Path of Least Resistance. Think of it as an anti-self-help book — Robert believes that the current generation spends far too much time trying to “feel good” and not enough time actually making stuff. Continue reading “Creating” »
It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be
This book is pure chutzpah — lots of inspirational sayings and (very short) stories printed in large type. It’s fun to read, and you’ll probably get some good ideas out of it. I re-read my copy a couple of times a year just to recharge my “go get ‘em!” batteries. Continue reading “It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be” »
The Artists Way
This is the great-grandmother of all artistic inspiration books. First published in 1992, it outlines basic practices that will help you to clear your creative blocks and create a more fulfilling artistic life. Continue reading “The Artists Way” »
The Path of Least Resistance
Robert Fritz has taken the creative process and deconstructed it, determining the psychological underpinnings of motivation and creativity. Some people may find this book a little dry for their tastes, but I loved it.
His key point? That our minds hate contradiction. So when we want something, and currently have something else, one of three things will happen. Either we will adjust our desires (“I didn’t really want to win an Oscar”), or we will become delusional about reality (“My performance absolutely deserved that Oscar. I was robbed!”). Or, if we can hold firmly both to what we want and an accurate assessment of what we have, our subconscious will move heaven and earth to bring the two images into alignment (“Holy Crap! I just won an Oscar!”). It may not happen immediately, and the book has lots of tips on how to maintain focus and motivation over the long haul, but you will eventually get there. Continue reading “The Path of Least Resistance” »
The War of Art
If The Artists Way is a gentle, spiritual guide to developing your creative career, The War of Art is boot camp. Steven Pressfield names the enemy and spells out its strengths, its weaknesses, and how to defeat it.
And it’s a whole lot shorter than Julia Cameron’s book, and a lot more fun to read. Continue reading “The War of Art” »