Episode 45: Resistance, Self-Sabotage, and What It Really Takes to Accomplish Dreams (ft. Steven Pressfield)

About the Episode

Steven Pressfield was 52 years old when he published his first hit novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Prior to that, he wrote tirelessly for decades in obscurity, supporting himself with odd jobs along the way.

After writing several more novels and movie scripts, he distilled all of his wisdom into The War of Art, his now-famous treatise on the grinding process of creativity.

Now in his 80s, Steven looks back on his work and life with a clear-eyed view of what it truly means to make it as a creative professional. In this episode, he explains why he persisted writing for decades with little to show for it, how he compensated for his own lack of talent, why creating great art is actually a grueling war fought within the artist’s own mind, and much, much more.

Enjoy.

Steven Pressfield Quotes From the Episode

Resistance is a real diabolical, ever-changing, protean intelligent force that will fake you out at every turn. It never goes away. It’s always subtle, always nuanced, always devious.

The fact that there’s so much blowback coming at you is a good sign. Big dream equals big resistance. Little dream equals little resistance.

Turning pro is about flipping the switch in your head—deciding to show up every day, to not fold, and to play hurt.

Suffering has never hurt any writer that I know of. But too much suffering can break your heart and stop you in your tracks.