logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2023
24m 42s

136. The War of Art

OptimalWork
About this episode

#136: In this episode Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif discuss Steven Pressfield’s book “The War of Art.” Pressfield has developed a kind of mythology to describe the psychology of following one’s true calling. You know you’re on the right path if you encounter Resistance. But if you persevere and work through the Resistance your Muse will inspire you to do great things. In this episode, we compare Pressfield’s practical conclusions to the advice we give at OptimalWork.

Find more at https://www.OptimalWork.com

Up next
Jul 6
[Rebroadcast] How Breath Shapes Mind and Body
#307: Sharif and Dr. Kevin Majeres delve into the significance of breath in regulation attention and managing anxiety. One of the most interesting advances in the understanding of breath is the discovery of the oxygen paradox: breathing too much can actually reduce the amount of ... Show More
26m 54s
Jun 29
[Rebroadcast] How to Let Go of Your Worries
#306: In this episode, Sharif and Dr. Kevin Majeres discuss the importance of learning how to self-regulate your attention. We often try to address distraction and worrying — two common obstacles relating to attention — by re-arranging our external circumstances, changing aspects ... Show More
29m 2s
Jun 22
[Rebroadcast] Mastering Your Attention to Work Optimally
#305: In this episode, Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif discuss the importance of attention for working at your best. Understanding how your attention works — especially the dynamic between task attention and default attention — can help you improve how you both rest and work. Some m ... Show More
30m 7s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
E83 - Steven Pressfield: Win The WAR of ART & Unlock Your Creative Potential
<p>Steven Pressfield, author of “The War of Art” shares how to tap into your creativity and unlock your full potential as an artist. He discusses the source of inspiration, sharing how he views ‘the Muse’ and how we can fine tune ourselves to tap into it more. He unpacks how to f ... Show More
1h 36m
Mar 2021
The War of Art: Steven Pressfield
We all experience it. That invisible, self-sabotaging force that lives between you and your most expressed self. Today’s guest calls it ‘Resistance’. He’s cracked how to overcome it—and the process required to birth your best work. Meet author Steven Pressfield—a man who has prof ... Show More
2h 13m
May 2024
GO AFTER IT - Powerful Motivational Speech
<p>“If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends), "Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?" chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative B ... Show More
1 h
Jan 2023
Steven Pressfield: Battle Resistance, Master Your Craft, & Pursue Your Calling
Here to wax poetic on all things creativity, battling resistance, and answering your calling is wise master of the creative process Steven Pressfield, returning for his second appearance on the show (his first being episode #584). Steven is a prolific writer and thinker known for ... Show More
2 h
Dec 2022
Super Soul Special: Steven Pressfield: Unlock Your Creative Genius
Original Airdate: January 9, 2019New York Times best-selling author Steven Pressfield discusses his book "The War of Art." Steven offers practical steps on how to "unlock the creative genius" he believes lives inside all of us. He reveals four questions that can help you identify ... Show More
34m 11s
Jan 2019
Steven Pressfield: Unlock Your Creative Genius
New York Times best-selling author Steven Pressfield discusses his book "The War of Art." Steven offers practical steps on how to "unlock the creative genius" he believes lives inside all of us. He reveals four questions that can help you identify your true calling in life. Wheth ... Show More
34m 11s
Jun 2023
Determination with Steven Pressfield
Creative success is notoriously elusive, but those who have made the journey insist it comes down to three factors: hard work, luck, and talent. Steven Pressfield wants to add one more thing to that list: a muse. And he should know. His muse guided him to incredible success as an ... Show More
32m 20s
Jun 2020
#102 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art
Steven Pressfield is a historian and author of War of Art, a book that had a big impact on my life and the life of millions of whose passion is to create in art, science, business, sport, and everywhere else. I highly recommend it and others of his books on this topic, including ... Show More
1h 27m
Aug 2022
ATG 88: Overcome Resistance and Embrace Restraint: The secret formula to achieving your dreams with THE Steven Pressfield
<p>Why is following a dream so hard sometimes? You know what you want, and you know what you need to do to achieve it, so why hasn’t it happened yet?<br/><br/>I’m thrilled to have my long-time mentor, Steven Pressfield, join me for an episode all about doing the thing we all want ... Show More
1h 4m
Jun 2024
Turning Ideas Into Reality [255]
This week, we're talking about the long journey from initial idea to fully fledged reality. So often people give up at the very first hurdle, but we have both learned the value of persistence in our art and our businesses. In this episode, we share what we've learned, including " ... Show More
48m 19s