How to Overcome Inner Resistance | Steven Pressfield
In this Huberman Lab episode, Steven Pressfield and Andrew Huberman explore the nature of creative resistance—the force that emerges when we pursue work essential to our personal growth. Pressfield explains how this resistance typically surfaces as procrastination, fear, and self-doubt, and discusses how its intensity often correlates with the importance of the creative work being pursued.
The conversation examines practical strategies for overcoming creative resistance, including the adoption of a professional mindset, the implementation of daily routines, and the role of mentorship in creative development. Pressfield and Huberman address how to maintain focus despite distractions, handle external feedback, and persist through periods without immediate success. They emphasize the importance of separating one's creative self from their promotional self and sustaining a long-term commitment to one's craft.
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1-Page Summary
Understanding and Overcoming Creative Resistance
In their discussion, Steven Pressfield and Andrew Huberman explore the concept of creative resistance and how to overcome it. According to Pressfield, creative resistance is a force that emerges when we pursue work crucial to our personal growth. This resistance often manifests as procrastination, fear, self-doubt, and various forms of distraction.
Pressfield explains that the magnitude of resistance we face is directly proportional to the size of our creative vision and the importance of the work to our soul's growth. He suggests that by maintaining discipline, controlling distractions, and remaining open to inspiration, creators can transform resistance into a driving force for their work.
Developing a Professional, Disciplined Mindset
Pressfield emphasizes the importance of adopting a professional mindset to overcome resistance. He explains that professionals work daily regardless of their emotional state and maintain focus on their work rather than personal success or failure. Drawing parallels to athletes like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, Pressfield notes that professionals "play hurt," pushing through adversity to complete their work.
Pressfield and Huberman discuss the value of separating one's creative self from their promotional self, allowing for greater objectivity and effectiveness in both roles. This separation helps maintain a professional approach while navigating through creative challenges.
Routine, Ritual, and Mentorship in Creativity
Both speakers emphasize the power of daily routines and rituals in building creative discipline. Pressfield shares his own practice of starting writing sessions at the same time each day, incorporating simple tasks like laundry as "little successes" that build momentum. He maintains focus by avoiding distractions like phones and social media during writing time.
The discussion turns to mentorship, with both speakers acknowledging its crucial role in their careers. Huberman credits mentors for raising his personal standards, while Pressfield shares how mentors outside his field, including a former boss and fellow fruit picker, taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and professionalism.
Navigating External Feedback and Lack of Immediate Success
Pressfield and Huberman stress the importance of focusing on the work itself rather than external validation or criticism. Pressfield advises creators to judge their work independently and understand that success often builds gradually. He shares his mentor Paul Rink's advice to immediately start the next project regardless of the previous one's outcome, emphasizing the value of ongoing commitment and resilience.
Both speakers demonstrate the importance of long-term dedication to one's craft, with Huberman noting that resilience builds through repeated exposure to negative feedback. They advocate for maintaining a disciplined routine while avoiding overemphasis on immediate success.
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Counterarguments
- While discipline and routine are important, excessive rigidity can stifle creativity, which sometimes requires flexibility and the freedom to explore outside of structured time.
- The idea that the magnitude of resistance is proportional to the size of the creative vision may not always hold true; some individuals may experience significant resistance with smaller projects or feel less resistance with larger ones due to personal interest or motivation.
- Separating the creative self from the promotional self might not be feasible or desirable for all creators, especially in a landscape where personal branding and storytelling are integral to success.
- The concept of "playing hurt" can be problematic if taken too literally, as it may encourage individuals to ignore their mental and physical health needs, which are crucial for long-term creative productivity.
- The emphasis on independence and self-reliance in judging one's work might overlook the value of constructive criticism and external feedback, which can be essential for growth and improvement.
- The advice to immediately start the next project after finishing one may not allow for necessary reflection or rest, which can be just as important as persistence and resilience in a creative career.
- The notion that resilience builds through repeated exposure to negative feedback might not account for the potential negative impact on mental health and well-being; resilience also involves learning how to recover and adapt, not just endure negativity.
- The idea that focusing on the work itself rather than external validation is important may not recognize the complex motivations behind creative endeavors, where external validation can be a legitimate and important goal for many creators.
Actionables
- Create a "distraction ledger" to track interruptions during creative work, noting the time, type, and thoughts associated with each distraction. By documenting these moments, you can identify patterns and triggers that lead to resistance. For example, if you notice you're consistently distracted by hunger at a certain time, you can plan to have a snack beforehand to maintain focus.
- Develop a "creative resilience journal" where you record instances of pushing through resistance, detailing the emotions felt and the strategies used to overcome them. This can serve as a personal case study, showing you that you're capable of overcoming obstacles. For instance, if you managed to write despite feeling uninspired, jot down what motivated you to start and how you felt after completing your work.
- Implement a "mini-milestone" system where you set small, frequent goals throughout your project. Celebrate these achievements with a simple reward, like a five-minute break or a cup of tea. This can help build momentum and a sense of progress, especially during long-term projects. If you're working on a novel, for example, you might set a mini-milestone for every 1,000 words written.
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Understanding and Overcoming Creative Resistance
Steven Pressfield and Andrew Huberman discuss the concept of creative resistance, its impact on individuals pursuing their passions, and how to overcome it.
Creative Resistance Sabotages Creative Pursuits
Creative resistance, according to Steven Pressfield, is a force to be reckoned with, often manifesting when one engages in work that is crucial to one's personal growth.
Creative Growth Faces Greater Resistance
Pressfield shares that our true callings are immediately countered by resistance, which tries to stop us from achieving self-actualization. This resistance can escalate as a project becomes more important to our soul's evolution, as Pressfield points out by using Mark Wahlberg’s character in the film "The Fighter" as an example. Resistance can even take the form of sabotage from those closest to us, including our families.
Forms of Resistance: Procrastination, Fear, Self-Doubt, Distractions
Pressfield identifies various forms of resistance, such as procrastination, fear, self-doubt, distractions, and perfectionism. He reflects on his own struggles with distractions and the inner critic, which posed challenges during his writing process. Individuals often succumb to resistance by engaging in activities like political anger or focusing excessively on perfectionism to the extent of hindering progress. Pressfield also discusses the social dynamic of resistance manifested through groups of friends who collectively resist growth.
Resistance Is Crucial to the Creative Process
Pressfield and Huberman explore the idea that resistance is not only a hurdle but also an integral component of creativity.
Resistance Is a Shadow of Creative Vision - The Greater the Vision, The Larger the Shadow
Pressfield personifies resistance as a devil-like force, proposing that the size of our dreams is directly proportional to the resistance we face. The larger the creative vision, the more formidable the resistance.
Resistance Indicates Deeply Meaningful Work
The more meaningful the work to one's soul's growth, the ...
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Understanding and Overcoming Creative Resistance
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Clarifications
- Creative resistance is the internal and external obstacles that hinder individuals from pursuing their creative endeavors. It can manifest as procrastination, self-doubt, fear, distractions, or perfectionism, preventing individuals from fully expressing their creative potential. The intensity of resistance often correlates with the significance of the creative work to one's personal growth and fulfillment. Overcoming creative resistance involves maintaining discipline, managing distractions, embracing professionalism, and staying open to inspiration to unleash one's creative abilities.
- Self-actualization is a psychological concept that describes the realization of one's full potential and the desire to become everything one is capable of being. It is the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, representing personal growth and fulfillment beyond basic requirements. This process typically occurs after fundamental needs like safety and belonging are met. Self-actualization involves intrinsic growth and the actualization of one's true self.
- Personifying resistance as a devil-like force is a metaphorical way to describe the intense and insidious nature of the obstacles that individuals face when pursuing their creative endeavors. It symbolizes the relentless and malevolent aspects of resistance that can feel like an internal adversary working against one's creative aspirations. This comparison emphasizes the formidable and challenging nature of resistance, highlighting how it can seem almost sinister in its efforts to thwart creative progress. By li ...
Counterarguments
- While creative resistance is often seen as a negative force, some argue that it can be a sign of a lack of genuine passion or interest in the project at hand, rather than an external force to be overcome.
- The idea that true callings face immediate resistance might be overly deterministic and not account for individuals who find their path with relative ease and without significant resistance.
- The escalation of resistance with the importance of the project could be seen as a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the belief in resistance actually creates more of it.
- The notion that close relationships often sabotage creative pursuits could be challenged by the idea that supportive communities and relationships are equally common and crucial for creative success.
- Categorizing behaviors like procrastination and self-doubt solely as forms of resistance might overlook their potential underlying causes, such as mental health issues or a need for rest.
- The concept of collective resistance in social dynamics might be too simplistic, ignoring the complex reasons why groups may resist change or growth.
- The assertion that resistance is crucial to the creative process could be contested by pointing out that many successful creative processes occur without significant resistance.
- The metaphor of resistance as a shadow of creative vision might be misleading, as it suggests a constant, almost supernatural adversary, which could overemphasize the struggle and underemphasize the joy in creative work.
- The idea that resistance indicates deeply meaningful work could be challenged by the fact that sometimes work that feels easy and flows naturally can also be deeply meaningful.
- The suggestion that beneficial types of resistance can push individuals forward doesn't consider that som ...
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Developing a Professional, Disciplined Mindset
Steven Pressfield, along with insights from Huberman, unpacks the notion of adopting a professional, disciplined mindset, emphasizing consistency, commitment, and the ability to push through adversity.
Adopting a "Professional" Mindset Overcomes Resistance
Pressfield discusses the importance of a professional's daily commitment to their art despite any emotional resistance.
Professionals Work Daily, Regardless Of How They Feel
Pressfield advocates for a disciplined approach, underscored by the idea that professionals are those who perform their duties irrespective of their feelings. He practices what he preaches by showing up every day to his craft, emphasizing that emotions should not dictate whether work is done.
Professionals Stay Focused on Work, Not Personal Success or Failure
He goes further to suggest that professionals, unlike amateurs, do not take success or failure personally. Instead, they maintain a focus on the actual work, perpetuating a drive that outlives any temporary triumphs or setbacks.
Professionals "Play Hurt" - Pushing Through Adversity to Complete Work
Drawing an analogy to athletes like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, Pressfield underlines the idea that professionals continue to work through adversity. They 'play hurt,' overcoming obstacles and discomfort to fulfill their responsibilities, much like he does through his own gym routine.
Separating "Worker" and "Ceo" Identities Aids a Professional Mindset
Pressfield and Huberman discuss the importance of separating different aspects of one's professional identity to remain objective and effective.
Separating Creative From Promotional Self Enhances Objectivity and Effectiveness
To maintain a ...
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Counterarguments
- While commitment is crucial, working daily without regard for emotional well-being can lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long term.
- Emotions can provide valuable feedback about one's work and well-being, and sometimes they should be heeded rather than ignored.
- Personal success or failure can sometimes provide important lessons and motivation, and a complete disregard for these outcomes may hinder personal growth and adaptation.
- While pushing through adversity is often necessary, consistently "playing hurt" can exacerbate injuries or issues, whether physical or psychological, and sometimes rest and recovery are more beneficial.
- The separation of worker and CEO identities might not be feasible or ...
Actionables
- You can create a "Commitment Calendar" to track your daily work habits, marking each day you successfully work despite emotional resistance. Use a simple wall calendar or digital app where you can visually see your consistency. For each day you work as committed, place a green sticker or mark; for days you don't, use a red one. This visual accountability can motivate you to build a streak of green marks, reinforcing the habit of working consistently regardless of feelings.
- Develop a "Task Completion Ritual" to help push through adversity. Start by identifying a small, enjoyable activity you can do after completing a difficult task, like taking a short walk or enjoying a favorite beverage. Before starting the task, set out what you'll need for the ritual. This creates a tangible reward to look forward to, which can help you push through challenging moments to reach the finish line.
- Use a dual-journaling technique to separate your worker and CEO identities. Keep two separate jou ...
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Routine, Ritual, and Mentorship in Creativity
Steven Pressfield and Andrew Huberman delve into the interconnectedness of daily routines, rituals, and the role of mentorship in cultivating creativity.
Daily Routines and Rituals Build Discipline and Focus
Pressfield emphasizes the importance of a consistent daily routine, such as starting his writing sessions at the same time each day. He sees disciplines like laundry as "little successes" that build momentum for creative work. He starts the laundry before writing for an hour, then takes a break to move it to the dryer before returning to write again, which helps him to build momentum. This concept of routine is bolstered by the conversation about going to bed early, demonstrating the role of daily routines in maintaining discipline and focus in one's work. Similarly, Pressfield ensures he does not have his phone or internet engaged during his writing time to maintain focus and avoid distractions like social media, which can pull people away from meaningful work.
Seeking Mentors Both In and Outside Your Field Offers Guidance and Inspiration
Mentorship is addressed by both Huberman and Pressfield, noting its importance in both their personal and professional lives. Huberman credits mentors for playing various roles in his life, some of whom became close friends. He suggests that mentors can raise personal standards by pushing and striving alongside their mentees.
Pressfield discusses the impact of mentors outside his field, like a former boss and a fellow fruit picker, who instilled the importance of perseverance and professionalism—key traits that contributed to his success as a writer. He also highlights the positive influence of his mentor Paul Rink, who introduce ...
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Routine, Ritual, and Mentorship in Creativity
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Counterarguments
- While daily routines can build discipline, they may also lead to creative stagnation if not coupled with periods of change or spontaneity.
- Relying on specific rituals like laundry to build momentum might not be universally effective, as some individuals may find such tasks distracting or irrelevant to their creative process.
- Complete avoidance of the internet and social media during creative work could mean missing out on potential sources of inspiration or opportunities for collaboration and networking.
- While mentors can be invaluable, there is also a risk of becoming overly dependent on their guidance, potentially stifling one's own creative independence and critical thinking.
- The concept of mentorship traditionally involves a hierarchical relationship, which may not be conducive to all learning styles or creative processes that thrive on equal collaboration and exchange of ideas.
- Seeking mentors exclusively outside one's field might limit exposure to specific skills, techniques, and industry knowledge that are crucial for success within one's own discipline.
- The invocation of muses or other rituals may not resonate with everyone and could be seen as superstitious or unscien ...
Actionables
- You can create a "distraction ledger" to identify and manage potential interruptions during your creative hours. Start by jotting down every distraction that comes to mind or occurs during your creative work for a week. Then, devise personalized strategies to eliminate or reduce these distractions, such as turning off notifications, setting specific check-in times for social media, or creating a physical barrier between you and your distractions.
- Develop a "cross-disciplinary mentorship circle" by connecting with individuals from diverse fields who are open to mutual mentorship. This could be as simple as a monthly coffee meetup where you exchange ideas, challenges, and insights with the aim to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives, thereby enriching your creative process with diverse thinking.
- Integrate a "pre-creativi ...
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Navigating External Feedback and Lack of Immediate Success
The discussion between Huberman and Pressfield focuses on maintaining a commitment to creative work despite a lack of immediate success and managing external feedback constructively.
Limit Investment in External Validation or Criticism
Huberman and Pressfield emphasize the need to concentrate on the work itself rather than on external validation or criticism.
Prioritize Doing Your Best, Not how It's Received
Huberman points out that an intense focus on the work helps complete it effectively, suggesting that intrinsic quality matters more than external reception. Pressfield adopts a rigorous, focused work period, consistently placing the quality of his work over how it's received by others. He refrains from reading what he writes immediately after he finishes to avoid immediate self-judgment.
Pressfield emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the seductive pull of external validation, opting to judge your work independently. He even suggests that there may be a point when an individual needs to finish their work and release it, moving past perfectionism or fear of external criticism.
Creative Success Builds Gradually, Managing Expectations
Success, Pressfield points out, doesn't come all at once and may not be immediate in the forms of income or fame. He believes in doing your best and leaving it all out there, with the understanding that creative success often builds gradually. Pressfield is content with his level of success, suggesting that managing expectations and committing long-term to one's craft is crucial.
Importance of Long-Term Commitment Regardless of Initial Outcomes
The guests discuss the significance of continuing the creative journey despite failures and the crucial nature of resilience and persistence.
Failures and Setbacks: Opportunities For Growth and Learning, Not Reasons to Quit
Paul Rink advised Pressfield to immediately start the next project regardless of the previous one's success or failure, highlighting the importance of ongoing commitment and resilience despite external opinions. Pressfield himself acknowledges this as he talks about the slow build of success for his books "The War of Art" and "Gates of Fire."
Resilience and Persistence in Adversity: Hallmarks of a Creative Mindset
Pressfield discusses his lo ...
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Navigating External Feedback and Lack of Immediate Success
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Clarifications
- Intrinsic quality over external reception emphasizes focusing on the inherent value and excellence of one's work rather than seeking validation or approval from others. It underscores the importance of personal satisfaction and fulfillment in the creative process, prioritizing the artist's standards and vision above external opinions or praise. This approach encourages creators to stay true to their artistic integrity and standards, fostering a deeper connection to their work and a sense of authenticity. By valuing intrinsic quality, artists can maintain creative autonomy and pursue their artistic vision without being overly influenced by external feedback or criticism.
- Pressfield's practice of not reading his work immediately after finishing is a technique to avoid immediate self-judgment. By distancing himself from the freshly written material, he can maintain objectivity and focus on the quality of the work rather than getting caught up in self-criticism. This approach allows him to prioritize the creative process itself over concerns about how the work will be received externally. It helps him stay true to his vision and standards without being swayed by initial doubts or insecurities.
- Moving past perfectionism or fear of external criticism involves letting go of the need for everything to be flawless and accepting that criticism is a natural part of the creative process. It means focusing on personal growth and improvement rather than seeking constant approval from others. By overcoming these barriers, individuals can free themselves to create more authentically and without the constraints of unrealistic standards or the fear of judgment. This mindset shift allows for greater creative freedom and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Paul Rink advised Pressfield to immediately start the next project regardless of the outcome of his current work. This advice emphasizes the importance of continuous creative output and not letting the fear of failure or the pursuit of perfection hinder progress in one's creative endeavors. It encourag ...
Counterarguments
- External validation can sometimes provide valuable insights that can improve one's work, and completely disregarding it may lead to missed opportunities for growth.
- Immediate reception can be an important metric for certain types of creative work, especially in industries that are driven by consumer demand and trends.
- While focusing on intrinsic quality is important, understanding and considering audience reception can be crucial for commercial success and relevance.
- Creative success does not always build gradually; some individuals or projects may experience sudden success or viral popularity.
- Managing expectations is important, but setting ambitious goals and having high expectations can also be a powerful motivator for some individuals.
- Resilience and persistence are valuable, but there can be a point where it is more practical or necessary to pivot or change direction rather than persisting with an approach that is not yielding results.
- Viewing failures as opportunities for growth is a positive mindset, but ...
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