Below is a lesson from Andrew Huberman's conversation with Steven Presfield on mastery, discipline, and creativity, as well as our key learnings.

The Blue Courage team is dedicated to continual learning and growth.  We have adopted a concept from Simon Sinek’s Start With Why team called “Learn, Share, Grow”.  We are constantly finding great articles, videos, and readings that have so much learning.  As we learn new and great things, this new knowledge should be shared for everyone to then grow from.

How to Overcome Inner Resistance | Steven Pressfield

Huberman Lab

https://youtu.be/cpKsogGdem4?si=ko6sxlyIUEW7pEpg

Key Learnings: 

• Think like a professional, not an amateur. Professionals show up consistently, do the work regardless of mood, and don’t take success or failure personally.

• Resistance reveals what matters most. The stronger the fear or resistance you feel toward a goal or creative project, the more vital it is to your soul’s growth—do that thing.

• Adversity is part of the professional mindset. Like athletes who “play hurt,” professionals persist despite discomfort, setbacks, or self-doubt.

• The “tree and shadow” metaphor. The bigger your dream (tree), the bigger the shadow (resistance). Large resistance signals a meaningful pursuit.

• Military discipline translates to creative endurance. Habits of courage, patience, and selflessness help overcome inner battles in creative work.

• Physical training builds mental resilience. Early morning workouts act as rehearsal for facing daily resistance—small wins create momentum.

• Capture ideas immediately. Insights often surface when the mind is relaxed (e.g., shower, workout, driving). Record them before they vanish.

• Invoke inspiration consciously. Presfield views creativity as a collaboration with the muse—an act of humility and openness to forces beyond the ego.

• Separate creation from critique. Don’t edit or judge your work while creating. Write freely, then refine through multiple drafts later.

• Success equals showing up. Measure progress by effort and consistency, not by daily output or external judgment.

• Consistency builds mastery. Create at the same time each day to strengthen focus and discipline.

• Silence fuels flow. Minimize distractions — your best ideas emerge in quiet attention.

• Resistance signals importance. The stronger the fear, the more vital the work is to your growth.

• Your calling is already known. Most people sense their purpose but suppress it through fear or comfort.

• Unlived creativity becomes destructive. Ignoring your calling drains energy and joy.

• Relationships can mirror resistance. Some discourage your growth because it reminds them of their own unfulfilled callings.

• Modern life profits from distraction. Attention is currency — reclaim it for what truly matters.

• Mentorship guides, not molds. True mentors inspire your authentic path, not imitation.

• Perfectionism is resistance in disguise. It often masks fear of failure or judgment. At some point, you must “ship it” and let go.

• Mortality fuels purpose. Awareness of death can sharpen focus and drive creativity — life feels long enough to keep evolving, but short enough to waste no time.

• Competition can ignite progress — or poison it. A desire to prove oneself can be powerful, but sustained competitiveness depletes energy. True mastery comes from love of the craft, not rivalry.

• Failure is part of the creative path. Presfield’s flop King Kong Lives taught him humility and resilience. Being “in the arena” matters more than the outcome.

• Feedback — good or bad — mustn’t define you. External validation and criticism both distract from the real work. Professionals move on, start the next project, and stay devoted to their practice.

• Sustained success requires humility. Artists like Jack Johnson maintain perspective by staying grounded and avoiding ego traps after acclaim.

• Titles and meaning endure. A powerful title (like The War of Art or The Body Keeps the Score) can encapsulate the essence of work — simple, resonant, and timeless.

• Personal Sacrifice & High Achievement. Achieving mastery often requires unbalanced commitment; pursuing one’s craft can come at the expense of relationships or other life areas. High achievers accept personal trade-offs as part of the pursuit of excellence.

• Turning Pro: Mindset Shift. Thinking like a professional versus an amateur is a mental switch—professionals show up consistently, persist through adversity, and don’t let feelings dictate action. Taking oneself seriously and committing fully to one’s craft is a tool to overcome resistance and self-sabotage. Viewing oneself as both “CEO and worker” reinforces professionalism and accountability.

• Cost of Mastery. Turning pro can alienate friends or social circles; some people resist those raising their standards. The journey may require leaving behind mediocrity and seeking communities of high standards.

• Creativity & the Muse. Creativity involves both disciplined work and openness to inspiration from a higher or external source. Channeling ideas requires preparation and receptivity; acts of faith or surrender support creative flow. The creative process is both practical (daily habits, discipline) and spiritual (receiving ideas beyond oneself).

• Durability & Physical/Practical Habits. Physical training, discomfort tolerance, and disciplined routines enhance mental resilience and focus. Avoid over-optimization; creativity often thrives under real-world, imperfect conditions.

• Longevity of Work & Dopamine. Success is best sustained over time rather than in “one-hit wonders”; consistent output compounds satisfaction and motivation. Pursuing what one loves provides self-replenishing motivation and a sense of fulfillment.

• Learning & Mentorship. Vital life skills, including handling criticism and staying committed, are rarely taught in school but can be learned from mentors. Surrounding oneself with driven, high-standard peers elevates one’s own performance.

• Practical Creativity Advice. Minimalism in tools/comfort can enhance focus; overthinking comfort or optimization can hinder creative output. Discipline, routine, and structured habits support both productivity and creative breakthroughs.