‘The War of Art’ Author Steven Pressfield on Conquering Fear, Self-Doubt, and Procrastination

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.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Understanding Resistance: The Barrier to Our True Calling
03:02 - The Unlived Life: Discovering Our Hidden Passions
05:52 - The Hero's Journey: Finding and Embracing Our Purpose
09:09 - The Underground River: Tapping into Our True Self
12:07 - The Nature of Resistance: A Constant Battle
14:51 - Curiosity and the Human Experience: The Quest for Understanding
17:46 - The Duality of Existence: Beauty and Struggle
21:10 - The War of Art: Navigating the Internal Conflict
23:59 - Framing Change: The Art of Embracing Transformation
35:31 - The Internal War for High Art
39:05 - The Muse and Creative Flow
43:55 - The Battle Within: Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita
49:36 - The Challenge of Individualism in a Tribal World
51:41 - Finding New Paths After Loss
55:59 - Embracing the Authentic Self
01:00:51 - Tuning into the Cosmic Radio Station
01:07:10 - The Journey Ahead: New Works and Reflections
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