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250: How Pros Beat Resistance Every Day | Steven Pressfield
Episode 250
The Learn-It-All™ Podcast – Celebrating 250 Episodes!
Steven Pressfield on Beating Resistance, Turning Pro, and Doing the Work That Matters
What separates amateurs from true professionals isn’t talent; it’s the daily battle with resistance, fear, and self-doubt. And for our 250th episode, we’re celebrating with a legendary guest who has defined that battle for millions. On this milestone edition of The Learn-It-All™ Podcast, Damon sits down with iconic author Steven Pressfield, whose books The War of Art, Turning Pro, and The Legend of Bagger Vance have become essential reading for leaders, creators, and high performers, to break down the invisible force that keeps us from doing our most important work: Resistance. From nearly 28 years of rejection before publishing his first book to the disciplines and mindsets that separate pros from amateurs, Steven shares a masterclass in overcoming self-sabotage, trusting your inner calling, and showing up no matter what. Packed with lived wisdom, practical tools, and brutally honest insights, this episode is for anyone ready to stop holding themselves back and step fully into the work and the life they’re meant to lead.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The real difference between amateurs and pros, and why pros show up no matter what
- How resistance disguises itself as procrastination, perfectionism, fear, and distraction
- Why self-doubt is often a sign you’re on the right path
- What a “shadow career” is and how to break free from one
- How to build discipline, consistency, and the ability to work even when you don’t feel like it
- Why self-validation matters and how professionals learn to coach themselves
- The tools Steven Pressfield uses to push through resistance and finish meaningful work
Timestamps:
00:00 – Damon’s intro and why Steven Pressfield tops his “bucket list” of guests
00:46 – Steven’s journey: 30 years to overnight success
02:00 – Amateur vs. pro: how habits make or break you
03:12 – Why pros show up every day, no matter what
04:16 – Handling failure: “winning or learning”
05:36 – The concept of resistance: procrastination, perfectionism, and self-sabotage
06:25 – What it feels like when resistance strikes
08:43 – That critical voice isn’t yours—it’s resistance
09:26 – Why the “blank page” isn’t neutral
10:09 – How (and why) self-doubt means you’re on the right track
11:31 – Actors, uncomfortable roles, and stepping outside your comfort zone
12:19 – Self-doubt: dismiss it and get back to work
12:29 – What is a “shadow career”—and how to escape it
14:18 – Self-validation and why you need to be your own coach
16:22 – The Wizard of Oz effect: facing down fear
16:28 – Book recommendations and final takeaways
16:47 – Closing thoughts: letting go, scaling, and growth for founders
About Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield is a celebrated author and creativity thought leader, whose books have empowered millions to defeat “resistance” and unlock their own professional potential. After an odyssey of blue-collar jobs (from fruit picking to the Marine Corps), Pressfield spent nearly 30 years fighting to publish his first novel—before finally breaking through with The Legend of Bagger Vance, later adapted into a Hollywood film. He’s since penned modern classics like The War of Art and Turning Pro, establishing himself as the “author’s favorite author” and a go-to voice for writers, creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone learning to lead themselves.
Resources & Mentions:
- Visit Steven’s website: Published on 2 weeks, 6 days ago