Steven Pressfield on Overcoming Resistance and Living a Creative Life

Ever feel like there’s an invisible force holding you back from pursuing your dreams? In this captivating episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Joe sits down with Steven Pressfield, the acclaimed author of “The Legend of Bagger Vance” and “The War of Art.” They dive deep into the concept of “Resistance,” that internal enemy that sabotages our creative endeavors, and explore strategies to overcome it. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone striving to unlock their potential and live a more fulfilling life.

TL;DR

Steven Pressfield introduces the concept of “Resistance” as the universal force that prevents us from pursuing our true calling.
He emphasizes the importance of treating your creative work as a profession, not just a hobby.
They discuss the difference between amateurism and professionalism in the creative process.
Pressfield shares insights from his own struggles and triumphs as a writer.
The conversation explores the role of fear, self-doubt, and procrastination in hindering creative work.

Key Topics Covered

The Nature of Resistance

Steven Pressfield defines “Resistance” as the negative force that arises whenever we attempt to pursue something meaningful, creative, or challenging. It manifests as procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and a host of other self-sabotaging behaviors. Pressfield argues that Resistance is universal and affects everyone, regardless of talent or experience. It’s that voice in your head saying you’re not good enough, that your idea is silly, or that you should just relax and watch TV instead.

The discussion highlights how Resistance is strongest when we are closest to our true potential. The more important a calling or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel towards it. Understanding this is the first step to overcoming it. As Pressfield explains, recognizing Resistance for what it is allows us to develop strategies to combat it.

“Resistance is the most toxic force on the planet. It is the root of more unhappiness than poverty, disease, and war. It is the unseen, unheard, unfelt, but omnipresent enemy of progress.” – Steven Pressfield

Amateur vs. Professional

A core concept in Pressfield’s philosophy is the distinction between the amateur and the professional. The amateur approaches their creative work sporadically, driven by mood and inspiration. They are easily discouraged by setbacks and tend to blame external factors for their failures. The professional, on the other hand, treats their work as a job, showing up every day, regardless of how they feel. They embrace discipline, accept responsibility, and focus on the process rather than the outcome.

Pressfield emphasizes that becoming a professional is a conscious choice. It’s about committing to your craft, honing your skills, and consistently putting in the work, even when it’s difficult. He argues that this shift in mindset is essential for overcoming Resistance and achieving lasting success.

“The difference between an amateur and a professional is in their habits. An amateur has amateur habits. A professional has professional habits.” – Steven Pressfield

Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

Fear and self-doubt are common manifestations of Resistance. Pressfield acknowledges that these feelings are inevitable, but he stresses that they shouldn’t be allowed to paralyze us. He suggests that fear is often a sign that we’re on the right track, that we’re pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone and growing as individuals. It’s easy to allow fear to control you, but understanding where the fear comes from is the first step to pushing past it.

The conversation also touches on the importance of self-compassion. Pressfield encourages listeners to be kind to themselves, to acknowledge their struggles, and to celebrate their small victories. He argues that self-criticism is counterproductive and that a more supportive and encouraging inner voice is essential for sustaining long-term creative work.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Pressfield shares a compelling story about his early struggles as a writer, recounting the years he spent working odd jobs and facing countless rejections. He describes the constant self-doubt and the temptation to give up on his dream. This anecdote highlights the importance of perseverance and the resilience required to overcome Resistance.

Another interesting anecdote involves Pressfield’s experience writing “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” He explains how he initially struggled to find the right voice and structure for the story. After much experimentation, he finally realized that the key was to tell the story from the perspective of the caddie, Hardy Greaves. This breakthrough demonstrates the importance of being open to new ideas and approaches in the creative process.

Actionable Insights & Takeaways

**Recognize Resistance:** Understand that Resistance is a universal force that will always try to derail your creative efforts.
**Treat Your Work as a Profession:** Commit to showing up every day, regardless of how you feel.
**Embrace Discipline:** Develop consistent habits and routines that support your work.
**Focus on the Process:** Enjoy the act of creation, rather than solely focusing on the outcome.
**Be Kind to Yourself:** Practice self-compassion and celebrate your small victories.

Conclusion

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience with Steven Pressfield is a powerful and insightful exploration of the challenges and rewards of living a creative life. Pressfield’s concept of “Resistance” provides a valuable framework for understanding the obstacles that prevent us from pursuing our true calling. This conversation is particularly relevant for artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to overcome their fears and achieve their goals. It’s a reminder that the journey is often difficult, but the rewards are well worth the effort.