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Mind Game: Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

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Feb 16, 2025

Guest

Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield, renowned author of 'The Legend of Bagger Vance' and 'The War of Art,' shares his journey through resistance and creativity. He discusses the significance of self-doubt as a growth tool and the emotional toll of loss, highlighting how both experiences intertwine in our pursuit of excellence. Pressfield also explores the shift from amateur to professional mindsets in golf and life, emphasizing passion versus obsession, while revealing philosophical ties between golf and personal authenticity. This captivating conversation blends personal anecdotes with profound insights.

58:06

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Episode notes

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Lost Golf Courses

Steven Pressfield discusses the impact of the fires on his local golf courses.
Three courses were abandoned, and one was converted into an orange grove.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

House Fire Analogy

Casey Bannon reads Pressfield's email about the fire: "I'm OK. The house is gone, but I'm OK.".
Pressfield adds: "Just like golf, you win some, you lose some."

insights

INSIGHT

Pressfield's Perseverance

Pressfield wrote for 20-30 years without publishing a book.
He persevered because writing restored his sanity, despite the lack of success.

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Resilience and Reflection in Golf and Life

01:39 • 2min

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Reflections on Loss and Resistance

04:00 • 14min

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Transforming Mindsets: The Shift from Amateur to Professional

17:52 • 3min

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Navigating Passion and Obsession

21:05 • 16min

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Facing Resistance: Embracing Self-Doubt as a Sign of Growth

36:58 • 3min

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Writing, Golf and Self-Discovery

Gates of Fire tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a wounded Greek soldier who recounts his life and the events leading up to the battle. The novel explores Spartan culture, the rigorous training regimen known as the *agoge*, and the heroic stand of the Spartans against the overwhelming forces of the Persian Empire. The story is framed as a series of interviews between Xeones and members of the Persian court, detailing the battle and its aftermath, as well as the personal and philosophical aspects of Spartan warfare and culture.

Turning pro

tap your inner power and create your life's work

Steven Pressfield

In 'Turning Pro,' Steven Pressfield provides a practical and inspirational guide for entrepreneurs and creatives to shift from an amateur mindset to a professional one. The book is divided into three parts: the first describes the addictive nature of the amateur, the second paints a vision of what it means to be a pro, and the third focuses on cultivating professionalism. Pressfield emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, self-doubt, and procrastination, and adopting habits such as discipline, regularity, and a constant striving for excellence. He also discusses the concept of 'shadow careers' and the need to align one's work with their true calling for authentic fulfillment.

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.

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.

Government Cheese

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Steven Pressfield

The Legend of Bagger Vance

Steven Pressfield

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.

Puer Aeternus

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Carl Jung

Carl Jung's concept of "Puer Aeternus," or the eternal boy, describes an archetype representing the immature, irresponsible, and eternally youthful aspect of the male psyche. This archetype is characterized by a refusal to grow up, an avoidance of responsibility, and a tendency towards escapism. Jung explored this archetype in his work, highlighting its potential for both creativity and destruction. The Puer Aeternus can be a source of inspiration and innovation, but also a hindrance to personal growth and maturity. Understanding this archetype is crucial for achieving psychological wholeness and integrating the various aspects of the self.

Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit

Karen Horney's "The Authentic Self" explores the concept of self-realization and the importance of living in accordance with one's true nature. Horney emphasizes the impact of societal pressures and early childhood experiences on the development of the self. She argues that individuals often develop a false self to cope with these pressures, leading to feelings of alienation and anxiety. The book offers a path towards self-discovery and the integration of the true self, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. Horney's work provides a framework for understanding the complexities of human experience and the journey towards self-actualization.

Golf in the Kingdom

Michael Murphy

In this novel, a young man en route to India stops in Scotland to play at the legendary Burningbush golf club. Paired with a mysterious teacher named Shivas Irons, he is led through a round of phenomenal golf, swept into a world where extraordinary powers are unleashed. The story unfolds over a night of adventure and revelation, introducing the reader to Seamus MacDuff, the holy man who haunts a ravine off Burningbush's thirteenth fairway. Murphy's account reveals the possibilities for transcendence that reside in the human soul, drawing the reader into new worlds through this ancient and haunting game.

Steven Pressfield spent 20 years writing and pitching books to publishers without success. His breakthrough came in 1995 withThe Legend of Bagger Vance. Five years later, he releasedThe War of Art, a bestseller that introduced the concept of resistance—a mysterious force that hinders us from doing our work and realizing our potential. Whether exploring the greatest golf match that never happened, the nature of creativity, the path to professionalism, or the resilience of the human spirit, Pressfield’s work reveals a common thread: he views golf and life as one interconnectedMind Game. In this chat with host Casey Bannon, Pressfield reveals the hidden meaning behind Bagger Vance, how to battle with resistance and what it means to swing your authentic swing.

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