In a compelling conversation, bestselling author Steven Pressfield shares his 25-year journey to becoming a novelist, highlighting the grit behind the glory of success. He reflects on odd jobs that shaped his resilience, like driving trucks, and how to overcome self-sabotage and ego. Pressfield emphasizes the importance of commitment, humility in creativity, and learning from setbacks. His insights on surrender and continuous creation offer valuable lessons for anyone pursuing long-term dreams.
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Early writing
Steven Pressfield was inspired to write a novel after his boss, Ed Hannibal, successfully published Chocolate Days, Popsicle Weeks.
Pressfield's first attempt was a failure; he choked near completion, leading to personal turmoil and a 27-year struggle to redeem himself through writing.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Government Cheese
Government Cheese refers to the USDA surplus food program Pressfield encountered while truck driving.
He delivered these goods to impoverished communities, finding the work surprisingly fulfilling.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Becoming a truck driver
Pressfield became a truck driver at 28 after struggling to find stable work.
Hugh Reeves, a dispatcher, hired him, giving Pressfield a much-needed opportunity.
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In the Depression year of 1931, on the golf links at Krewe Island off Savannah's windswept shore, golf legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen meet for a mesmerizing thirty-six-hole showdown. They are joined by a local unsung opponent, the troubled war hero Rannulph Junah, who is guided by his caddie and mentor, the mysterious and charismatic Bagger Vance. Vance holds the secret of the Authentic Swing and his mysterious powers guide the play, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives he touches. The story is a sports fable that reveals that, in life as well as golf, the real battle is not with outside opponents but with oneself.
Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be
Steven Pressfield
Government Cheese
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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.
In a world that celebrates overnight success, it's easy to forget that very often, achieving your dreams takes a heck of a long time. My guest knows this all too well. You may know Steven Pressfield as the bestselling author of books like The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, and The War of Art, but as he details in his new memoir, Govt Cheese, it took more than a quarter century for him to become a published novelist.
Today on the show, Steven talks about what he learned in that journey, and the many odd jobs, from driving trucks to picking apples, that he took along the way. We discuss the lessons Steven gleaned that apply to achieving any dream, including how to overcome a propensity for self-sabotage, get your ego out of the way, finish what you start, and develop the killer instinct.
This is a great, motivating conversation on learning not to "pull the pin" on the important commitments in your life. And we'll explain what that means coming up.
The Art of Manliness 
