https://stevenpressfield.com @Steven-pressfield

Takeaways

• The artist's journey is a hero's journey of the human race.
• Resistance is a negative force that tries to stop creative endeavors.
• Feeling resistance is a sign that the project is important and meaningful.
• Serving the muse and surrendering to the work are essential for creative success. The hero's journey and the artist's journey are two distinct but interconnected journeys that individuals go through in their lives.
• The artist's journey requires commitment, discipline, and the willingness to overcome resistance and take action.
• The artist's life can be tedious and challenging, but it is necessary to put in the work and overcome self-doubt and distractions.
• Starting the next project before finishing the current one helps maintain momentum and prevents the creative process from stalling.
• The daemon, or inner genius, plays a role in the creative process and can be a source of inspiration and guidance.
• Accountability and the support of a community are essential for artists to stay on their creative path and unlock their full potential.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Gratitude

01:14Honoring Stephen Pressfield

05:12Defining Resistance

06:09Identifying and Naming Resistance

08:02Resistance as a Diabolical Force

09:26Resistance as a Sign of Importance

10:11Resistance in Podcasting and Writing

11:53The Journey of Writing a Book

14:37The Blue-Collar Aspect of the Artist's Journey

19:16The Superficial Ethic and the Long Road

22:35Surrendering to the Muse

24:29The Muse and the Artist's Journey

28:21Serving the Muse and Surrendering to the Work

31:25Being a Vessel for the More

34:17The Hero's Journey and the Artist's Journey

38:11Commitment and Discipline in the Artist's Journey

39:08The Tedium of the Artist's Life

43:30Overcoming Resistance and Taking Action

45:47Starting the Next Project

47:24The Daemon and the Creative Process

53:58The Daily Pressfield and the Power of Accountability

58:12The Daily Pressfield and Unlocking Creativity

59:24The Origin of Resistance

01:06:47The Macro and Micro Themes in an Artist's Body of Work

Our Partners:

The ultimate longevity supplement Momentum:

http://www.momentumshake.com

Best minerals, Upgraded Formulas:

https://www.upgradedformulas.com/peak use code PEAK for 15% off

Michael Trainer has spent 30 years learning from Nobel laureates, neuroscientists, and wisdom keepers worldwide. He's the author of RESONANCE: The Art and Science of Human Connection (March 31, 2026), co-creator of Global Citizen and the Global Citizen Festival, and host of the RESONANCE podcast.

Featured in Forbes, Inc, Good Morning America.  Follow on YouTube