‘The War of Art’ Author Steven Pressfield on Conquering Fear, Self-Doubt, and Procrastination
Jan 8, 2025
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Join bestselling author Steven Pressfield as he discusses the battle against Resistance, revealing how fear, self-doubt, and procrastination can hinder creativity. He shares his inspiring journey, publishing his first novel at 52, proving it's never too late to pursue one's calling. The conversation delves into the 'unlived life,' the importance of authenticity, and the transformative power of artful battles. Steven emphasizes that embracing personal struggles can lead to profound self-discovery and fulfillment.
Steven Pressfield emphasizes that Resistance manifests through fear, procrastination, and self-doubt, hindering individuals from pursuing their true callings.
The metaphor of the 'underground river' illustrates the innate passions within us that need recognition and exploration to avoid living a wasted life.
Pressfield compares the artist's journey to the hero's journey, highlighting the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles to find one's authentic self.
Deep dives
Understanding Resistance
Resistance is identified as a force that prevents individuals from pursuing their true callings, revealing itself through procrastination, self-doubt, and fear. The concept distinguishes between the life one leads and the 'unlived life' within, suggesting that many people exist in a state of unrealized potential due to this resistance. Stephen Pressfield emphasizes that recognizing and confronting this force is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. He uses the example of someone working a conventional job but yearning to become an artist, illustrating how resistance manifests in various forms.
The Underground River Metaphor
Pressfield introduces the metaphor of the 'underground river' to describe the innate calling within each person that needs to be discovered and allowed to flow. He likens this river to the core essence of an individual, which holds their true purpose and passion. The challenge is to identify this river amidst the distractions and societal pressures that can lead to a 'wasted life.' This idea emphasizes the importance of introspection and the relentless pursuit of one's authentic self in order to live a fulfilling life.
The Artist's Journey
The discussion explores the journey of an artist as a transformative process involving self-discovery and overcoming challenges. Pressfield aligns this journey with the concept of the hero's journey, where individuals face obstacles to ultimately find their true calling. This phase is followed by the 'artist's journey,' which involves honing skills and finding one's unique voice in creative expression. The path is often accompanied by struggles and self-doubt, but persistence leads to a deeper understanding of one's artistic identity.
The Duality of Existence
The conversation reflects on the duality of existence, where individuals constantly navigate between their ego and the greater self. Pressfield articulates that the ego often resists change, stemming from a fear of losing control or identity. This struggle highlights the continuous internal battle individuals face as they strive to live authentically. The recognition of this battle, compared to a war, provides a framework for understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of pursuing one's passion while coping with societal expectations.
Finding Authenticity
Pressfield asserts that the journey to authenticity is about uncovering the inherent qualities individuals possess rather than shaping oneself into an ideal. He believes that our personality is developed before birth and that discovering one's true self is essential for creativity and fulfillment. Moreover, he draws parallels with professional athletes who face the challenge of redefining their identity after retiring from their primary vocation. The crux of this journey lies in tapping into one's unique gifts and contributions to the world, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Is the real battle for mastery fought outside of us—or within—and what does it take to win that fight every day?
I’m so excited for this week’s guest, Steven Pressfield. Steven is a bestselling author and thought leader on creativity, known for his groundbreaking works like The War of Art and The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Steven’s journey is a testament to perseverance—he didn’t publish his first novel until he was 52—and his story proves that it’s never too late to embrace your calling. In this conversation, Steven and I dive deep into the nature of Resistance—how it manifests as fear, procrastination, or self-doubt—and what it takes to overcome it. We explore the concept of the “unlived life” and the metaphor of the “underground river” that represents our innate talents and passions. Steven shares his insights on creativity as a sacred connection, how to discover your purpose, and why living authentically is one of life’s greatest battles.
Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, athlete, or anyone on the path to mastery, I think you’ll find Steven’s perspective both grounding and inspiring.