In our previous article, we explored the importance of nurturing your child’s creative potential and empowering them to approach their pursuits with courage, discipline, and a sense of sacred responsibility, as outlined in Steven Pressfield’s book, The War of Art. Building upon this foundation, we now delve into practical strategies for helping your child overcome Resistance, turn pro, and bring their unique gifts to the world with confidence and conviction.

One of the key principles Pressfield emphasizes is the importance of recognizing and confronting Resistance in all its forms. He explains that Resistance manifests itself through procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and countless other distractions and excuses that keep us from doing our work. By teaching your child to identify these signs of Resistance, and to view them as a natural part of the creative process, you empower them to take action in spite of their doubts and fears.

Encourage your child to develop a daily practice of facing their Resistance head-on, whether it be through writing, meditation, or any other form of self-reflection and self-discipline. Help them understand that the key to overcoming Resistance lies not in waiting for it to disappear, but in taking consistent, purposeful action in its presence. Celebrate their courage and commitment to showing up for their work, even when they don’t feel inspired or motivated.

Another crucial aspect of nurturing your child’s creative success is helping them develop the mindset and habits of a professional. Pressfield stresses that turning pro is not about money or fame, but rather about approaching one’s work with the utmost dedication, skill, and craftsmanship. He advises, “The professional has learned that success, like happiness, comes as a by-product of work. The professional concentrates on the work and allows rewards to come or not come, whatever they like.”

Encourage your child to focus on the intrinsic rewards of their creative pursuits, such as the joy of self-expression, the satisfaction of skill development, and the sense of purpose and contribution that comes from bringing their unique gifts to the world. Help them understand that true success lies not in external validation or outcomes, but in the daily practice of showing up and doing their best work.

Pressfield also emphasizes the importance of developing a thick skin and a sense of humor in the face of criticism and setbacks. He advises, “The professional learns to recognize envy-driven criticism and to take it for what it is: the supreme compliment. The critic hates most that which he would have done himself if he had the guts.” By teaching your child to view criticism as a sign that they are doing something meaningful and impactful, you help them develop the resilience and perspective necessary to persevere in the face of adversity.

Encourage your child to seek out constructive feedback and to use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement, rather than as a reason to quit or doubt themselves. Help them cultivate a growth mindset, seeing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and development.

Finally, Pressfield reminds us that our ultimate job in this lifetime is to discover who we already are and to become it fully. He states, “Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.” By helping your child connect with their authentic passions, talents, and purpose, and empowering them to pursue their creative calling with courage and conviction, you set the stage for a lifetime of fulfillment, meaning, and impact.

As Pressfield so eloquently puts it, “Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you got.”

At QMAK, we believe that by nurturing your child’s creative potential, empowering them to overcome Resistance, and encouraging them to approach their work with the discipline and dedication of a professional, you equip them with the tools and mindset necessary to bring their unique gifts to the world and make a lasting impact. Embrace the wisdom of The War of Art in your homeschooling journey, and watch as your child blossoms into a courageous, committed, and authentically expressed creator, ready to enrich the world with their talents and contributions.