How to Overcome Inner Resistance | Steven Pressfield

Early skateboarder mentioned in the context of the Bones Brigade era of skateboarding.

Steven Pressfield's memoir, with chapters named after his various mentors, many of whom were outside the writing world, illustrating the diverse sources of his guidance.

The biography of Steve Jobs, described as spectacular and particularly interesting for its insights into his drive and understanding of mortality.

Steven Pressfield's business partner who came up with the title 'The War of Art' and co-published the book.

A character from The Godfather Part II, mentioned in Hyman Roth's speech about 'the life we've chosen.'

A previous historical fiction book by Steven Pressfield, featuring the recurring character Telamon of Arcadia, 'the one-man killing machine of the ancient world,' set around the time of the crucifixion.

A small follow-up book by Steven Pressfield to 'The War of Art,' discussing lessons learned from advertising about making content compelling to overcome audience resistance.

Ran the National Skateboard Association, mentioned in the historical context of skateboarding.

Another non-fiction book by Steven Pressfield that, similar to The War of Art, addresses barriers to creative and productive selves and how to overcome them.

A former Marine from Seattle and fruit picking colleague who deeply influenced Pressfield not to 'pull the pin' (quit too soon) on his first book.

Professor at Northeastern University, discussed for his research on the relationship between science and religion, specifically how 'acts of faith' have positive health benefits.

A movie starring Tom Hanks about a 'one-hit wonder' band, used as an example of how fleeting fame and success can be.

The musician from The Clash, quoted for saying it’s important to write down important thoughts and ideas when they come because they are fleeting.

Filmmaker known for movies like 'The Fighter,' 'Silver Linings Playbook,' and 'Joy,' whose films often feature themes of sabotage by those closest to the protagonist.

A movie Steven Pressfield co-wrote that was commercially unsuccessful and received terrible reviews, yet was a significant learning experience for him.

A supplement recommended by Function for supporting glutathione production and detoxification, specifically to help reduce mercury levels.

Ancient Greek epic poem with an 'Invocation of the Muse' that Steven Pressfield recites daily before writing.

Steven Pressfield's boss at a trucking company who served as a mentor, emphasizing professionalism and responsibility after Pressfield made a mistake.

Mentioned for a scene with Hyman Roth talking about 'the life we've chosen,' reflecting the dedication and acceptance of the consequences in pursuing a chosen path.

A movie about a mathematical genius ('Matt Damon character') and his friends who had an unspoken compact to stay 'mediocre', with the best friend eventually urging him to use his gift.

Author mentioned for his advice that 'pressing forward at the end of a long day to get just a little bit more is the falsest kind of economy because you pay for it the next day.'

Thriller writer of 'The Terminal List', admired for his ability to write productively while traveling and working in various locations like airplanes and Starbucks.

Water filters that remove harmful contaminants like PFAS chemicals and endocrine disruptors while preserving beneficial minerals, designed for countertop use.

Cited as an example of a book with a great title, emphasizing the importance of impactful titles.

First to climb Mount Everest, used as an example of someone who pursued a high peak, illustrating that such pursuits often come at the expense of a 'balanced' life.

Actor who played the mathematical genius in 'Good Will Hunting', a character who struggles with social pressure to remain mediocre despite his talent.

A recurring character in Steven Pressfield's historical fiction, described as 'the one-man killing machine of the ancient world,' destined to live life after life as a soldier.

Steven Pressfield's former boss in advertising, who shared the perspective that 'life is long,' providing an alternative view to the urgency often associated with mortality.

Steven Pressfield's upcoming book, to be released next June, which is about the final life of his recurring character Telamon of Arcadia, exploring different levels of reality and themes of justice and payback.

A figure in resistance training, known for his high-intensity approach of one or two sets to absolute failure.

Steven Pressfield's former boss in advertising who wrote 'Chocolate Days, Popsicle Weeks' and became a novelist, inspiring Pressfield to pursue writing.

Steven Pressfield's gym trainer, who trained many professional hockey players and noted that many had a 'chip on their shoulder' as a driver for success.

Steven Pressfield's writing partner for 'King Kong Lives,' famous for his work on the 'Alien' franchise.

A documentary about four aspiring actors, where one achieves immense success but struggles to handle it, serving as a cautionary tale about the challenges of success.

Former Tier One operator and podcast guest quoted for the advice: 'You never want to be the big fish in the small pond,' advocating for surrounding oneself with high achievers.

Steven Pressfield's early mentor, an established writer who knew John Steinbeck and Henry Miller, introduced Pressfield to the concept of the muses and gave him the 'Invocation of the Muse' from Homer's Odyssey.

A friend who supported Steven Pressfield after the failure of King Kong Lives, reminding him he was 'in the arena' and taking the blows, fostering gratitude for the experience.