The Power of Consistent Effort and Subconscious Problem Solving
Chris Ricci - Career Coach
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The Power of Consistent Effort and Subconscious Problem Solving in Your Career
"The harder you work at something, the more inspired you become?—?because your subconscious starts working on problems for you." — Steven Pressfield
In the world of career development, many believe that inspiration leads to action. But in reality, it's often consistent, disciplined work that generates inspiration, not the other way around. This insight comes from Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art, where he explores how effort unlocks creativity by activating our subconscious.
How Does This Apply to Your Career?
We’ve all experienced moments in our careers where progress felt slow, and motivation was low. It’s easy to believe that the solution is to wait for a stroke of inspiration to push us forward. However, as Pressfield suggests, it’s the act of working through these moments—showing up and doing the work even when inspiration is absent—that often leads to breakthroughs.
In a professional setting, this translates to tackling complex problems, learning new skills, or navigating difficult projects. The more we engage with a task, the more our subconscious begins to assist us. It starts solving problems behind the scenes while we focus on day-to-day tasks. This is why, sometimes after a night's rest or a break, we suddenly find clarity or a solution to a problem that seemed insurmountable just hours before.
Why Hard Work Fuels Inspiration
Pressfield’s perspective is particularly relevant in the corporate world, where success often requires long-term commitment and resilience. Here’s how consistent effort can spark inspiration in your career:
1. Building Momentum: Consistent effort creates a rhythm. The more you engage with a task, the more familiar and approachable it becomes. This momentum reduces the initial resistance and paves the way for deeper focus.
2. Problem-Solving Power: Once you immerse yourself in work, your subconscious mind engages. As Pressfield notes, the subconscious starts working for you, making connections and solving problems without you consciously realizing it. This is why many people find solutions after stepping away from a problem for a while.
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3. Mastery Through Practice: Working consistently builds expertise. The more you practice, the more intuitive your skills become. It’s in the act of doing that mastery is achieved, and with mastery comes increased creativity and innovation.
4. Inspiration Through Discipline: Inspiration isn’t always spontaneous. It’s often the reward for sticking with something long enough to overcome the initial hurdles. Pressfield argues that the discipline to show up every day is what eventually opens the door to creative solutions and breakthroughs.
Applying Pressfield’s Wisdom to Career Challenges
When faced with career plateaus or difficult projects, the key takeaway from Pressfield’s quote is to keep moving forward. Whether you're learning a new technology, leading a team through challenging times, or preparing for a career transition, remember that inspiration is a byproduct of hard work.
Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, dive into the task at hand. Trust that the more you engage, the more inspired you will become, and your subconscious will begin to work out solutions for you. Over time, this discipline not only leads to career growth but also helps build the mental toughness required to succeed in any professional setting.
Conclusion
Steven Pressfield’s wisdom about effort and inspiration is a valuable lesson for anyone striving to grow in their career. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, developing a new skill, or transitioning into a new role, consistent work is the key to unlocking your potential.
By embracing this mindset, you’ll not only overcome obstacles but also position yourself for success in ways that might surprise you. So, show up, do the work, and let inspiration follow.
Credit: This insight is drawn from Steven Pressfield's work, particularly his book “The War of Art”, which explores the nature of creativity, resistance, and the power of disciplined effort.*