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Ep. 304: Seinfeld on The Deep Life
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Overcoming Resistance in Writing and Cognitive Pursuits
Overcoming resistance in writing and cognitive pursuits involves recognizing that there is no writer's block, but rather feelings of laziness or fear. Creative and cognitive tasks are challenging because they involve abstract cognition, which is not what our brains are evolved to do. When engaging in such tasks, the brain initially resists due to the mismatch between the abstract nature of the work and our evolved capabilities for concrete actions. However, as we immerse ourselves in the task, our brain adjusts, activates relevant networks, and inhibits irrelevant ones, making the process easier over time. The key is to embrace the difficulty, stop waiting for inspiration or the perfect circumstances, and understand that improvement comes with persistent effort and practice. Progress in writing and other cognitive endeavors requires consistent work, revision, and trust in the gradual development of one's skills and creations.
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