The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast

What It Really Takes to Accomplish Your Dreams (ft. Steven Pressfield)

Aug 28, 2024

In this engaging discussion, author Steven Pressfield reflects on his journey from obscurity to publishing his breakout novel at 52. He shares insights on defeating creative resistance and redefines success as a grueling internal battle. Pressfield emphasizes the value of persistence, emotional alignment, and the nurturing aspect of creativity while debunking myths about the need for suffering in art. He also offers a sneak peek into his latest book, 'The Daily Pressfield,' which explores the daily grind of artistic life.

58:12

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Episode guests

Steven Pressfield

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Quick takeaways

Persistence in creative endeavors is essential, as true success often emerges after enduring years of struggle and dedication.

Resistance serves as a self-sabotaging force that inhibits creative progress, manifesting through self-doubt, procrastination, and fear of change.

Adopting a professional mindset by embracing challenges and maintaining consistency significantly enhances one's chances of achieving artistic success.

Deep dives

The Journey of Persistence

Steven Pressfield's journey highlights the significance of persistence in the creative process, demonstrating that true success often comes after years of struggle. He spent nearly three decades honing his craft before achieving recognition with his first novel, 'The Legend of Bagger Vance,' at the age of 50. Throughout this time, he faced numerous setbacks, yet his unwavering commitment to writing acted as his lifeline. The drive to create fulfilled a deep-seated need within him, illustrating that passion can fuel perseverance even during the toughest periods.

Commitment Transforms Amateurs into Professionals

01:15

Creative Success Demands Broader Skills

01:15

Daily Battles Against Resistance

01:11

Ideas Emerge and Evolve

01:29

Intro

2min

Conquering Creative Resistance

17min

Perseverance in Creativity: The Grind of the Last Chapter

4min

Overcoming Resistance: The Path to Creative Success

15min

The Role of Emotional Alignment in Achieving Greatness

3min

The Complexity of Imagination in Writing

6min

The Nurturing Nature of Creativity

3min

Embracing the Muse: The Art of Creative Inspiration

8min

Introduction to a New Book: 'The Daily Pressfield'

3min

Steven Pressfield was 52 years old when he published his first hit novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Prior to that, he wrote tirelessly for decades in obscurity, supporting himself with odd jobs along the way.

After writing several more novels and movie scripts, he distilled all of his wisdom into The War of Art, his now-famous treatise on the grinding process of creativity.

Now in his 80s, Steven looks back on his work and life with a clear-eyed view of what it truly means to make it as a creative professional. In this episode, he explains why he persisted writing for decades with little to show for it, how he compensated for his own lack of talent, why creating great art is actually a grueling war fought within the artist’s own mind, and much, much more.

Enjoy.

Steven’s new book, The Daily Pressfield

All of Steven Pressfield's Books