Winning the Battle Against Resistance with Steven Pressfield
In this episode of “Tuesdays with Morrisey,” we are joined by one of the most influential writers of our time, Steven Pressfield, most recently the author of The Daily Pressfield. Known as many writer’s favorite writer, Pressfield’s work has inspired creatives across various disciplines, from authors to entrepreneurs. His best-known book, The War of Art, introduced the concept of “resistance” and how it holds us back from realizing our full potential. Pressfield has been featured by major outlets, including The Joe Rogan Experience, The Daily Stoic, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
In this conversation, we discuss Pressfield’s personal battle with resistance, his journey from struggling writer to best-selling author at the age of 52 with the publication of his first novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and the lessons he’s learned about discipline, fear, and self-doubt. Pressfield opens up about his creative process, his late-blooming success, and why overcoming resistance is essential for anyone with a calling, whether it’s writing, art, or business.
Several top takeaways from the discussion:
- Understanding Resistance: Pressfield defines resistance as the internal force that stops us from doing the work we’re meant to do. It manifests as procrastination, perfectionism, fear, and doubt. According to Pressfield, success comes from recognizing this resistance and learning to push through it daily, regardless of your field.
- Falling in Love with the Process: For Pressfield, the key to sustained success is showing up and finding joy in the process itself, rather than focusing on the outcome. Even when self-doubt lingers, it’s the discipline of doing the work consistently that leads to breakthroughs.
- The Power of Self-Discovery through Work: Pressfield believes that we discover who we truly are through the work we produce. Each project brings new insights into ourselves. In this way, creating art, stories, or any kind of work is not just about the end product but also about self-exploration.
- Navigating Self-Doubt and Fear: Pressfield shares that self-doubt is a constant companion, even after years of success. It’s not something to avoid but to recognize as a part of the creative journey. Often, the fear we feel signals that we’re on the right path and that the project is worth pursuing.
- Commit to Your Calling: As Pressfiled famously says, “put your a** where your heart wants to be.” Whether it’s writing, painting, or entrepreneurship, success lies in committing to your craft and showing up every day. It’s the regular practice that transforms dreams into reality.
FULL LIST OF TOPICS COVERED:
- Inspiration Behind The Daily Pressfield – Steven discusses the influence of Ryan Holiday and why he created a 365-day guide for overcoming resistance.
- Defining Resistance – What resistance is, why it matters, and how it acts as the barrier between the life we live and the life we want to live.
- Steven’s Late-Blooming Journey – His path from working various jobs to publishing The Legend of Bagger Vance at 52, and how resistance shaped his early career.
- Navigating Resistance vs. Intuition – How to discern between resistance that arises from pursuing your potential versus the kind that indicates you’re on the wrong path.
- The Role of Process in Creativity – The importance of falling in love with the process over focusing on outcomes, and how this drives Steven’s consistency with writing.
- Managing Creative Blocks – Steven’s strategies for overcoming extreme resistance and finding solid footing when facing creative challenges.
- The Understory Concept – Why understanding the “understory” is crucial for storytelling and how it applies to both fiction and real life.
- Advice on Committing to Your Calling – Steven’s advice for creatives and anyone looking to pursue their dreams: “Put your ass where your heart wants to be.”
I hope you enjoy this thought-provoking conversation! Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know if any ideas resonate with you.
