Episode Details

I’ve been battling my demons lately in the process of writing my first book. Naturally, I’ve become obsessed with creatives who are familiar with hitting a wall during the creative process, or better yet, have conquered it. Bestselling author, Steven Pressfield, is one of those people. He’s mastered resistance so much that it’s framed many of his best works, including The War of Art, a book that guides you to get out of your own way. 

You probably have a Steven Pressfield book on your bookshelf (The Legend of Bagger Vance, Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire, or Tides of War, for example). But did you know it took him 27 years to get his first book published? 

In this episode, we untangle the roots of the diabolical enemy – resistance. You know, that “thing” that pushes you to press the snooze button, so you don’t get s***t done. We explore the subtle ways resistance rears its ugly head, and how we can fight against it and win to produce the work our higher self wants to birth into the world. 

If you’re looking for the keys to unlock the mental cage you’ve locked yourself in, this conversation with a literary legend (20 books and counting!) is sure to get you on the roll again. 

05:04 — “Kill your Darlings” - Breaking Down the Editing Process 

• How a career in advertising and screenwriting helped shape his concise delivery 
• Writing drafts and evolving your creative ideas 
• The negative force stopping you from working 

14:51 — Resistance as the Enemy 

• Internal resistance, external resistance, unconscious resistance 
• When resistance masquerades as a good intention
• Shadow elements of resistance (self-doubt/critical self-talk)
• Procrastination as the #1 form of resistance 
• The inner victim voice trying to trip us up

27:16 — Shame as Creative Fuel 

• Amateur vs pro attitude
• Failing at the finish line 
• Resistance as ego

42:10 — Turning Pro 

• Encountering adversity as a pro
• Character traits of the pro
• Getting your life in order
• Micro decisions for bigger outcomes
• Humility and dealing with rejection
• Turning yourself into a business (YOU inc.)

59:03 — The Role of the Muse?

• The history of the muse 
• Channeling ideas from another place 
• How the muse and resistance collide 
• Pivoting your career while pursuing your art  

More about this episode.

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