Act Club and The Rules of Act Club

"It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe." — Muhammad Ali

Most people think failure comes from some massive, insurmountable challenge. But that's not what keeps us down. The TKO comes from the small, subtle forces—resistance in disguise—that creep into our minds and keep us from our A-game.

Steven Pressfield (in "The War of Art" - thanks, Shola, for the recommendation!) describes resistance as your silent, insistent, relentless opponent to making your avocation a vocation. It doesn’t announce itself like a villain in a movie. It whispers. It seduces. It rationalizes.

It shows up in ways so ordinary, we barely notice:

• The snooze button that steals your morning.

• The "I’ll start tomorrow" lie you keep telling yourself.

• The trap of wanting to have everything perfect before starting.

• The fear and doubt you might not be good enough or will find success.

• The prideful excuses you tell yourself to bypass the gym or your daily stroll.

• The choice to have "one more bite" of what you know brings you down.

Resistance is the silent opponent you don’t see coming, but it is fighting you every second of every day, distracting you from your talent and opportunities.

I am about halfway through reading "The War of Art," and my clarity is "comme de l'eau de roche" (as my French friends would say). I had never heard of this book before, but now I know why. I didn't hear about it because resistance was defeating me in the shadows.

But when I recognized resistance and embraced suffering, the doors of courage and grit swung open. I stepped into the ring, fighting for the triumph of my best self. I am becoming a pro at growth, and it is harder than I imagined but more rewarding than I dreamed.

And now, I invite you to join me in the Act Club. Lifetime memberships are available for everyone.

To become a member, you simply need to follow the 3 Rules of Act Club!

1. The First Rule of Act Club is we don't speak in Act Club. We do—actions are louder than words.

2. The Second Rule of Act Club is we fight 24/7 because resistance exists everywhere at all times.

3. The Third Rule of Act Club is we do for others because that is when we do our best.

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” - Muhammad Ali

Become self-aware, and when you recognize resistance, remember that Nuri the Engineer and LL Cool J's Mama said: Knock It Out!

Happy Friday, my Act Club Warriors!

Video interview with Steven Pressfield: https://youtu.be/Bi9dTiN1AzI?si=B6wHEMttNzYpSiA8

© Nuri Dimler 2025