#501: Steven Pressfield — How to Overcome Self-Sabotage and Resistance, Routines for Little Successes, and The Hero’s Journey vs. The Artist’s Journey

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Feb 26, 2021

Steven Pressfield, a former Marine and acclaimed author of "The War of Art," shares his journey of overcoming self-sabotage through creativity. He explores the concept of 'Resistance' and how it hinders artistic expression while promoting the significance of small successes and routine. The contrast between the hero's journey and the artist's journey offers insights into personal growth. Pressfield encourages embracing fears and authenticity in creative writing, highlighting the importance of resilience and the transformative power of pursuing one's passions.

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ANECDOTE

House and Cat

Steven Pressfield lived in a $15/month house with no electricity or plumbing while driving trucks.
He befriended a feral cat, seeing it as a symbol of self-sufficiency and resilience.

ANECDOTE

The Halfway House

Pressfield lived in a halfway house after getting fired from a delivery job.
He found the residents, many released from mental institutions, to be insightful and interesting.

ADVICE

Trucking and Mentorship

Driving tractor-trailers taught Pressfield self-reliance and discipline.
The pressure to deliver goods helped him overcome self-sabotage.

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A Man at Arms

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Steven Pressfield

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Steven Pressfield

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit

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Steven Pressfield

The 4-Hour Body

An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

Tim Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.

The Creative Habit

Twyla Tharp

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.

Falling Upward

A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

Richard Rohr

In 'Falling Upward,' Richard Rohr divides human life into two halves. The first half is about building a life, achieving success, and establishing an identity. The second half, often misunderstood as a period of decline, is actually a journey of spiritual growth, contentment, and deeper understanding. Rohr argues that spiritual maturity is achieved not by avoiding failures and sufferings but by embracing them as necessary steps towards true self-discovery and union with God. The book offers practical guidance on transitioning from the outer tasks of the first half of life to the inner tasks of the second half, emphasizing the importance of integrity, love, and non-dualistic thinking[2][3][5].

The 4 Hour Workweek

Timothy Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth. The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.

The Story Grid

Shawn Coyne

Steven Pressfield

Shawn Coyne's "The Story Grid" provides a comprehensive framework for plotting and structuring novels. It emphasizes the importance of genre conventions and offers a detailed scene-by-scene analysis method. The book's focus on clear structure and reader engagement makes it a valuable resource for writers of all levels. Coyne's approach is both analytical and creative, appealing to writers who appreciate a structured approach to storytelling. It's a popular choice for writers seeking to improve their plotting and overall narrative structure.

The Warrior Ethos

Steven Pressfield

The Sand Sea

Michael McClellan

The Sand Sea is a historical fantasy novel that takes place on an alternative Earth, mirroring the Gilded Age. The story revolves around the quest for beserite, a mineral of immense value, and the struggle for power in a world where ancient prophecies and magical artifacts hold the key to global domination. The novel features a complex world with detailed political systems, environments, and characters, including the tyrannical Grand Vizer Jemojeen and the young nobleman Peter Harmon.