Podcast Summary
From struggling truck driver to renowned author: Steven Pressfield's inspiring journey: No matter the obstacles, persistence and resilience are key to overcoming self-doubt and achieving success. Creative process and psychology of success explored, emphasizing personal growth and determination.
Learning from this episode of The Rich Roll Podcast is that no matter where you start in life or what obstacles you face, there is always hope for growth and success. Steven Pressfield, a prolific writer and thinker, shares his own improbable journey from a struggling truck driver to a renowned author, and emphasizes the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming self-doubt and resistance. The creative process and the psychology of success are explored, offering valuable insights and life advice for anyone pursuing their dreams. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of staying focused on personal growth, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the conversation underscores the power of determination, hard work, and the belief that everyone has the capacity to fulfill their creative compulsions and chase their dreams.
Recognizing and dealing with resistance: Resistance is a natural part of life, and it's important to recognize it and find ways to push through it to achieve our goals. The intensity and length of the struggle can vary greatly from person to person.
Everyone experiences resistance in different ways and to varying degrees. While some people may find joy in pushing through resistance in areas like fitness, others may struggle with it and find resistance in other areas, such as writing. For example, Rich finds joy in training but experiences resistance when it comes to writing. David Goggins, on the other hand, hates running but uses it as a practice to confront resistance. Ultimately, resistance is a part of life, and it's essential to recognize it and find ways to push through it to achieve our goals. Additionally, the length and intensity of the struggle to overcome resistance can vary greatly from person to person. Rich's experience of writing, as detailed in his book "Government Cheese," highlights the severe resistance he faced and the long, hard journey he went through before finding success.
The importance of experiences and mentors in shaping an artist's work: Experiences and mentors play crucial roles in fostering creativity. Dedication, hard work, and a willingness to face resistance are essential for the creative process.
The creative process and the value of experiences in shaping an artist's work cannot be underestimated. The author's journey, as depicted in the book, emphasizes the importance of mentors and various life experiences in fostering creativity. The author's experiences ranged from working for a trucking company to picking fruit, and each person he encountered left a lasting impact on him. The timeline of events is not always clear, but the richness of the experiences is evident. The author also touches upon the idea of natural talent versus process and work, acknowledging that some artists seem touched, but maintaining that most creatives are not anointed geniuses. The author expresses admiration for artists who have produced great work at a young age, such as Bob Dylan or The Beatles, but also questions how they managed to do so. Ultimately, the author suggests that the creative process is accessible to all, but it requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to face and overcome resistance.
The Power of Determination and Persistence: Determination and persistence can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals, even when faced with numerous setbacks. Unconventional individuals offer unique perspectives and insights, challenging societal expectations.
Determination and persistence can help individuals improve their skills and achieve their goals, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. The speaker's experience in writing demonstrates this, as he started out struggling but continued to learn and hone his craft despite numerous rejections. The journey was long and difficult, but his passion and dedication kept him going. Additionally, the speaker highlights the wisdom and unique perspectives of individuals who choose to live unconventional lives, often seen as outcasts by society. These individuals, whether they were residents of a halfway house or hobo train car dudes, saw through the conventional life and couldn't fit into the norm. While their choices may not be for everyone, their courage to live differently and challenge societal expectations can provide valuable insights.
Society's pressure to conform can limit unconventional lifestyles: Society's expectations can limit individuals' unique paths, but it's essential to question societal ideals and explore authentic fulfillment
Society can unintentionally enable certain unconventional lifestyles, but they may come with their own set of challenges and limitations. These individuals, like the transient fruit pickers discussed, may not have a backup plan or a conventional career path, and their existence can be filled with uncertainty and risk. However, this doesn't mean there's anything inherently wrong with such a lifestyle. In fact, some people may find fulfillment and happiness in it. The problem lies in the societal pressure to conform to the conventional American dream, which may not be authentic or fulfilling for everyone. Ultimately, it's essential to question the veracity of societal ideals and explore our unique blueprint and calling in life, regardless of whether it fits into the conventional mold or not. Everyone has something valuable to offer, and suppressing that can lead to dysfunction.
Exploring the intangible calling of artists: Artists have a unique calling to bring their ideas to life, which involves learning the craft, acquiring soft skills, and embracing the mystical element. Mentors and experiences can be valuable in understanding and pursuing this calling.
Everyone has a unique calling or passion in life, which goes beyond a specific job or career. This calling is often intangible and doesn't come with a salary, but it's essential for personal fulfillment. Artists, in particular, have a strong yearning to bring their ideas to life, which can be a source of both personal and potentially commercial success. This process involves learning the craft, acquiring soft skills, and embracing the mystical element, which includes understanding where ideas come from. Mentors and experiences can play a crucial role in helping individuals understand and pursue their calling. The speaker's mentor, Paul Rink, was instrumental in teaching him the fundamentals of storytelling and providing guidance throughout his writing journey.
A mentor's unconventional wisdom: Embrace authenticity, respect the creative process, and trust in the power of hard work and self-expression.
Mentors and the lessons they impart can have a profound impact on a person's life and creative journey. The speaker shares a story about a mentor who introduced him to the idea of accessing creative inspiration from another dimension, and the importance of respecting the creative process. This mentor, despite his unconventional lifestyle and skepticism towards writers, instilled in the speaker the value of hard work and bringing one's gift to the world. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of believing in the power of the creative pursuit and trusting that one is being supported in their endeavors. Ultimately, the speaker encourages embracing the authentic self and living in alignment with one's truth, whether that be through writing, art, or any other creative outlet.
Trusting inner voice leads to personal growth and eventual success: Staying true to inner convictions and continuing to take action, even when uncertain, leads to necessary experiences for personal growth and eventual success. Trust and persistence allow us to find evidence in the world to support our dreams and ultimately conspire to help us succeed.
When we listen to our inner voice and stay true to our inner convictions, even when the path ahead is unclear, the universe seems to conspire to support us. This doesn't mean that success will come quickly or on our preferred timeline, but rather that every experience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is necessary for our personal growth and eventual success. The author shares his own experiences of feeling lost and uncertain, but trusting in his inner voice and continuing to take action, even when there was no logical justification for doing so. He believes that this trust and persistence allowed him to find evidence in the world to support his dreams, and that the universe ultimately conspired to help him succeed. The author also emphasizes that the journey towards success is not a smooth one, and that failure and setbacks are a natural part of the process. However, if we stay true to our inner voice and continue to do the work, eventually we will find ourselves flowing in an underground river of unseen energies, and something will happen as long as we don't quit.
Embrace the creative grind: Daily hard work and perseverance are essential for accessing inner inspiration and producing art.
The creative process requires dedication and consistent effort, much like an underground river that flows within the artist. Accessing this inner source of inspiration doesn't come through mystical means but rather through daily hard work and perseverance. This is not a glamorous or easy process, but a grind that must be embraced. Moreover, artists should maintain momentum by continuously producing work and not becoming too attached to the results or waiting for external validation. Superstitions and beliefs, like respecting the presence of fairies, elves, and angels, can also play a role in the creative process for some individuals. Bob Dylan is an example of an artist who shares this perspective.
An artist's journey to find the right team and discover unexpected connections: Embrace the unknown, remain open to unexpected connections, and recognize the importance of humility and acknowledging the mysteries of the universe in artistic creation
Creating an album or any artistic work involves more than just writing and performing the music. It requires making connections with people and discovering the intangible energies that bring resonance and vibration to the project. The speaker shares a story of an artist's journey to find the right producer and musicians, which leads to unexpected discoveries. The artist's journey highlights the importance of humility and acknowledging the mysteries of the universe. With advancements in technology, such as AI, the question of whether it can possess soul or consciousness arises. The broader point is that there is much more happening in the world than we can perceive with our limited senses, and we should remain open to the mysteries of the universe. The speaker also touches on the idea of universal truths and the role of the muse in artistic creation. Ultimately, the speaker encourages embracing the unknown and recognizing that our understanding of the world is constantly evolving.
Exploring Inner Potential: Exploring inner potential is crucial for personal growth and making a positive impact on the world. Neglecting inner impulses can lead to suffering, and mass movements can exploit those struggling to find meaning. Privilege and introspection are key to understanding and fulfilling our roles in life.
Ideas come from within us, but it's important to ensure they're clear and unadulterated by past traumas or experiences. When we're attuned to our inner voice and fulfilling our role in life, we can tap into a greater consciousness and make a positive impact on the world. However, not everyone has the privilege to explore the peak of Maslow's pyramid, and neglecting our inner impulses can lead to darkness and suffering. Eric Hoffer, an American philosopher who was a longshoreman, wrote about how mass movements like communism and Nazism recruit people who are struggling to understand and fulfill their inner potential, leading them to seek answers in extreme ideologies. Ultimately, it's essential to acknowledge the privilege of introspection and work towards creating conditions where everyone can explore their inner world and fulfill their roles in life.
The human desire for freedom and self-actualization can lead to susceptibility to extremist beliefs: The internal struggle to live out aspirations and overcome self-sabotaging tendencies can lead individuals to extremist movements, as seen in historical events like Jim Jones and Jonestown.
The human desire for freedom and self-actualization can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment when it's not attainable, making individuals more susceptible to extremist beliefs and movements. This phenomenon can be traced back to historical events like Jim Jones and Jonestown, where people turned to strong leaders and scapegoats to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Resistance, in this context, refers to the internal struggle individuals face when trying to live out their aspirations and overcome self-sabotaging tendencies. While it's possible for people to change and grow, not everyone is willing to take the necessary risks and sacrifices to do so. Understanding this dynamic can help us make sense of the rise of nationalism and other divisive movements, and the role they play in shaping our society.
A difficult experience led to personal growth and a new career path: Even the most challenging experiences can lead to valuable lessons and new opportunities if we're open to learning and following our intuition.
Sometimes the most challenging and confusing experiences in life can lead to the greatest growth and opportunities. The speaker in this conversation reflects on a difficult period in their past, which they now view as essential for their personal development. They emphasize that they wouldn't have learned the valuable lessons they did if they hadn't gone through that experience. The speaker also mentions that the idea for a book came to them during this time, which ultimately led to a new career path. The unexpected turn of events was initially met with resistance from their agent, but the speaker felt compelled to follow their creative instincts. The result was a work that was deeply personal and different from anything they had produced before. Ultimately, the speaker's willingness to take a risk and trust their intuition led to a new direction in their career and a more authentic creative expression.
Embrace the unexpected source of inspiration: Be open to ideas from various sources, even if they seem unrelated to your current work or expertise, and trust the creative process to guide you.
Ideas come from various sources, often unexpectedly, and it's essential for creators to be open and receptive to them. These ideas can strike at any moment, like a thunderbolt, and may not be related to one's previous work or expertise. For instance, a golfer might be inspired to write a historical novel about a battle after reading about it in an unrelated book. The creative process is a mystery, and the source of inspiration resides in the mystical unknown. It's crucial for creators to honor this process and trust the universe to provide them with their next assignment, even if it's a surprise. Failure to do so can result in stagnation and a lack of integrity with one's creative muse. Elizabeth Gilbert's book, "Big Magic," echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of allowing ideas to flow through us and expressing them before someone else does. Ultimately, the creative process is a collaboration between the individual and the collective consciousness, and it's up to each artist to tune in and receive the signals that are meant for them.
The War Against Self-Doubt and Resistance in Creativity: Embrace the warrior mindset to overcome self-doubt and resistance in the creative process.
The creative process involves overcoming self-doubt and resistance, which can manifest differently at various stages of success. Elizabeth Gilbert, a famous female writer, experienced this when she struggled to revive an old book idea after a kiss from another writer. The core idea may differ in expression from person to person, but the war against self-doubt and resistance is a common theme for creatives. The war of art, as described by Steven Pressfield, is a constant battle against this negative force that tells us we're not good enough or capable. It's essential to adopt a warrior mindset to overcome self-doubt and push through the resistance to bring our creative projects to life. Self-doubt is a natural part of the creative process, and its presence indicates that we're on the right track towards something meaningful.
Everyone's journey to success is unique and challenging: Success doesn't come easily for most people, but fully committing to one's craft can lead to personal growth and fulfillment
While some people may appear to have an easy path to success, such as famous musicians, the reality is that they have also faced significant struggles and challenges along the way. This was highlighted in a conversation about the book "Government Cheese" and the podcast featuring Bruce Springsteen. The speaker emphasized that it's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique and that success doesn't come easily for most people. Robert McKee, a well-known writing teacher, has a different perspective on this, as he believes in the importance of fully committing to one's craft and giving it the best possible effort. Despite their differences, they both agree that the journey of self-exploration and expression is a worthy investment of time, even if it doesn't lead to Hollywood success. The speaker shared that they had attended McKee's seminars multiple times and that his belief in the power of writing and the importance of giving it one's best was inspiring.
Perseverance and dedication lead to growth and unique creation: Stay committed to your craft, even during challenging times, to create something meaningful and lasting.
Perseverance and dedication to one's craft, even during challenging times, can lead to significant growth and the creation of something unique. The author's experience of learning about structure and form through an apprenticeship and the resulting writing of "Bagger Vance" is an inspiring example of this. The process of writing, like swimming in the ocean, requires a commitment to stay in it and learn the skills necessary to succeed. While the creative world may be disorienting with an abundance of content coming and going, it's important to stay focused on what truly resonates and has the potential to make a lasting impact. The hero's journey is a reminder that the process may be long and difficult, but the reward is worth the effort.
Overcoming Resistance and Trusting the Creative Process: Lower expectations, start small, embrace self-doubt as a sign of a great idea, and trust in your ability to overcome resistance and share authentic stories.
Overcoming resistance and sharing authentic stories are essential parts of a hero's journey. The speaker expressed admiration for a book that came from the author's soul, but then faced resistance and self-doubt when considering his next project. The speaker acknowledged the importance of lowering expectations and starting with small steps to build momentum and overcome resistance. He emphasized that self-doubt and resistance are signs of a great idea and encouraged the author to trust in their ability and not let themselves down. The speaker also suggested starting with a simple first sentence or thought when beginning a writing project. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and trusting the creative process.
Balancing structure and flexibility for productivity and creativity: Find a balance between setting goals and establishing a routine for productivity, and being open and adaptable to spontaneous inspiration for creativity.
Maintaining a consistent routine and setting goals are essential for productivity and creativity, but it's important to strike a balance between structure and flexibility. Rich's experience of growing his business while also prioritizing physical fitness illustrates this tension. He emphasizes the importance of finding time for both, even when faced with challenges and distractions. While some people may retreat to a cabin or hotel room to focus intently on a project, Rich values the equilibrium of his daily life. He believes that setting goals and establishing a routine help create a productive environment, but also acknowledges the importance of being open and adaptable to the creative process. Ultimately, the key is to find a balance between structure and flexibility, allowing for both focused work and spontaneous inspiration.
Maintaining balance in creativity through meditation and self-publishing: Meditation increases self-awareness and connects to unconscious mind, protecting creative process and self-publishing empowers artists to retain control over content and profits
Finding balance in creativity involves avoiding excessive attachment or detachment towards one's work. Meditation can help in achieving this balance by increasing self-awareness and expanding the connection to the unconscious mind. Protecting the creative process by not sharing it with others can be seen as a way to maintain focus and avoid distractions. Ambition plays a crucial role in driving the creative process, but it can also lead to disappointment and burnout if not managed properly. Self-publishing can be an empowering option for artists who struggle to find traditional publishing deals, allowing them to retain control over their content and profits.
Navigating the complexities of publishing: Focus on writing, believe in yourself, and stay the course for potential success in publishing
Publishing, whether traditional or self, requires authors to navigate a complex and often uncertain industry. Traditional publishing can be difficult to break into, with a small number of books generating the majority of profits. Self-publishing, on the other hand, offers more control and potential for greater financial rewards, as seen in the success of authors like David Goggins. However, the economics of mainstream publishing remain a mystery to many. The key is to focus on writing and putting out your work, rather than getting bogged down in self-doubt or negative self-talk. Your work can have a profound impact on others, and the success stories of authors like Stephen Pressfield are proof that perseverance and belief in one's capabilities can lead to great things. The hero's journey is often enacted in a state of denial or uncertainty, and it's essential to stay the course even when progress seems slow or non-existent.
Looking back on past challenges as necessary steps towards growth: Trust the journey and keep going, even when it's difficult, as past challenges are often necessary steps towards growth and clarity will eventually emerge.
Sometimes it's only in hindsight that we can truly understand and appreciate the clarity of our life's journey. The speaker shares his experience of looking back on past challenges and realizing that they were necessary steps towards growth. He also emphasizes the importance of persevering through difficult times, just as one keeps swimming in the ocean to avoid drowning. For those currently grappling with resistance or feeling lost, the speaker encourages them to keep going and trust that everything will work out in the end. As Anthony Hopkins wisely put it, "just keep going." There's no plan B. The universe may not always make sense in the moment, but with persistence and faith, clarity will eventually emerge.
