Power comes from authenticity. When we hear an artist or a politician, a warrior or an advocate speak from her true center, we feel her power. Even Lady Gaga, whose public persona is as artificially contrived as it is possible to be, is authentic in her artificiality.
Her Gaga-ness gives her her power.
Lady Gaga, Stefani Germanotta
“Lady Gaga” is the creative power that was trapped inside Stefani Germanotta. Stefani Germanotta became herself when she uncorked “Lady Gaga,” just as Madonna Ciccone unleashed her charisma when she invented “Madonna.”
I live in Los Angeles. One of the things I love about the place is it’s a city where a person can go to re-invent themselves.
The artist’s journey is the passage by which we re-invent ourselves as ourselves. We discover the self that was slumbering inside us or in chains, waiting to be awakened and emancipated. In re-inventing ourselves as ourselves, we find ourselves for the first time.
Power comes from authenticity.
The more ourselves we are, the more charisma we will project and the greater will be the impact of our words and our actions.
Steve shows you the predictable Resistance points that every writer hits in a work-in-progress and then shows you how to deal with each one of these sticking points. This book shows you how to keep going with your work.
A short book about the writing of a first novel: for Steve, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Having failed with three earlier attempts at novels, here's how Steve finally succeeded.
Steve shares his "lessons learned" from the trenches of the five different writing careers—advertising, screenwriting, fiction, nonfiction, and self-help. This is tradecraft. An MFA in Writing in 197 pages.
Amateurs have amateur habits. Pros have pro habits. When we turn pro, we give up the comfortable life but we find our power. Steve answers the question, "How do we overcome Resistance?"
Going slightly off piste; your Bagger Vance title received a message in today’s Guardian (UK edition – Marina Hyde column). Unfortunately Ms Hyde has JD Vance as the author!
Hi, truer words couldn’t have been written. Authenticity really goes back feeling you are aligning with what gives you the most joy and fulfillment, and thereby sharing that with others through whatever medium that may entail. Great post, Ty.
yes Steven, spot on! No sell out has ever made an artist happy, so why go for that anyway? When we realise what is the message we want to bring, all our actions should be funneled to bring this into realitty. Any watering down or attempt to compromise will actually hurt ourselves. that’s my 2 cents, have a great day!
Yes, Steven and st any age! For some of us it takes a hell if a long tine to grow up, to take care of that wounded child and go forward bravely. Each of us can do that. It is one of the bravest act we can perform. As Eleanor Roosevelt said: “ You must do the thing you cannot do.
You must do it.”
Do you think Mickey Marcus did that Steve?
Ben May
I was just thinking this same sentiment. I am returning to making art after being a therapist for 20 years. I was burned out and menopausal. I need to reinvent myself as my authentic Self. I like the idea of a badass persona. Not fake, but a reawakened part of myself. A Self that is confident and full of vitality and gratitude. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love this. I too needed this today. Been taking a lot of blows lately. But each of us has layers, and from those layers, we can express the persona that frees us.
I deeply respect the cultivated tenacity.
The hunger, the fuel growing inside me reading the dedicated and devoted image i see in my mind.
Turn up each day in any city.
A professional. A ruthless Resistance arse kicker, saboteur of self-sabotage.
I gotta let it out those whispers of the muses
Give it to people, fight with gladiators , run with the bulls.
Death rattles around tomorrows door.
Ever since I saw you on know thyself podcast
And listened to your books multiple times
everytime I start getting rattled.
Resistance, catalyst, growth, processes, cultivation effects.
I see that wild cat , or you process suicidal thoughts .
And tell myself this is just resistance and get back to work and my productivity has quadrupled.
You have helped me unlocked something in me that no words of gratitude can ever say. But man thank you.
May your infinite soljourn find infinite multidimensional cosmic orgasmic bliss in every breath, Infinite Creator Stephen Pressfield.
Sincerely
Thank you
Thomas Dowding. https://gofund.me/5ea45e2e
Of course, huge love for the post.
Fortunately, in a digital world reinvention can take place wherever we are and my location is on X twitter.
I hadn’t even considered social media as a creative outlet until one year ago.
It was a safe toe-hold on the rockface of daily writing and through this climb, I discovered the freedom to express myself in small bits and steps.
One year later, I’m lucky enough to see an emergent reinvention You’re welcome to find and follow me if you like at https://twitter.com/ecppage
Ironic how the hardest thing is authenticity….it should be the most natural.You’ve kept me writing ✍️ every day and posting each Wednesday. Thank you for the inspiration.
I think it was yesterday, when I thought about the fact that each of us is 100% absolutely unique although there are billions exactly like each one of out there. Yes there are many universal dynamics influencing us, there are also many universal laws in which we belong and operate, BUT our “soul’s calling” is unique, exactly because the number of these laws and dynamics falling on us (and the surrounding conditions of every human) is so large, that there is noone like us, and thus noone can create what we create.
Unless of course if someone follows proven methods, but that is not authenticity, that is perhaps more of a copying state, which is good. But truth told, I feel that it’s not the Diamond Inside -these outer jewels come from outside, not from that dark, cold, wet and shimmering place next to our soul’s throne -as far as I can see.
So let’s be US
The greatest diamond of all
Rough BUT, like your friend Shawn Coyne said (in my words), we must also know the flows, the trends, the structures, and not just being our rough Diamond. The trick is perhaps to do both. Lending ideas from Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, we must know the statistics and upon them lay -but with great power, although mr. Kahneman didn’t mention this- that rough Diamond, that man out there, me you, Diana, Kate, Jackie, all.
So good to read this article, you are always so thoughtful and inspiring. I am reading your book turning pro, it’s not the first time I’ve read it!
I feel like I’m about to turn pro after years of training. ( I’m 57 ) and still learning. I’m now ready to be exposed and vulnerable, I believe this is because I can be authentic. Loving myself has been the greatest journey. I don’t say that lightly! I could not love myself without authenticity. I am so grateful when I met others who can be, it’s seems not many can.
Your books have given me so much. The War of Art was the first. It is such a big jump to turn Pro. I am taking your words with me all the way.
Thank you Steve, thank you for being you. It is much appreciated in this world where so many people seem lost in fear🙏
Good post. Artist expression is not only the work created but the persona of the maker, which is made in the process, and which is expressed through the finished art. You make your novel, or your painting, or your startup business, and you are transformed in the process, just as it embodies what you are, and what you are becoming.
The specific case of Lady Gaga demonstrates an additional element, that furthers your point. The process of creation, of the art and the personality, is an ongoing process of discovery. Lady Gaga rose to such a level of professional success that she was treated as a peer by per professional heroes, including the elderly maestro Tony Bennett. Bennett, almost a Merlin or Gandalf figure in this instance, told her, you don’t need the crazy costumes, you are good enough, you can just sing. And this liberated her to take it to a new level. This also embodies your assertion that as you succeed, others will come forward to help you, that on the other side of resistance, is something blessed that carries you forward. Lady Gaga’s story is a good case study in that regard.
I’m so glad to hear these posts as a guitarist instrumental song writer I can feel better about a piece of music that is oddly timed but feels good and right to me, but I’m hearing in my head the drums and bass lines that will make it really pop. However far away from POP it is. Just getting musicians on board with it, is the challenge.
I guess I’m thinking of David Bowie adopting the persona of “Ziggy Stardust,” omnisexual alien being in human form, sent ahead of an apocalypse, bringing a message of hope. Giving him the freedom to explore themes, push boundaries, confront convention. Thanks for the post, Steve.
Had a cup of herbal tea after dinner. The tea tag said: Master the unknown by knowing your deep self.
Wishing all a good evening and productive week ahead.
I read ’em all, but this post hits home. Possibly because I just attended a service to celebrate the life of a man, a true humble servant of our community, a firefighter of 46 years, a beloved husband and father. Living true.
This article really got me thinking! It’s so true how we can feel someone’s power when they speak from their heart, you know? Like, even Lady Gaga, who’s all about the theatrics, is still authentically herself. It’s inspiring to think that we all have that kind of power inside us, we just need to embrace who we truly are. I’ve definitely felt that kind of transformation in my own life, and it’s pretty amazing.
Alexander the Great began wearing a version of royal dress and acting like a king after Darius’s death. He even adorned his horses with ornate harnesses and saddles. He demanded proskynesis, which is prostration from his subjects. They were displeased by his arrogance but went along. Alexander was seized with a fierce desire to be his super majestic self. He wasn’t going to allow an army or better judgment stop him!
Your post “Authenticity and Power” offers a compelling look at how true power stems from being authentic. The way you connect Lady Gaga’s persona with personal reinvention highlights the essence of discovering and embracing one’s true self. Could you consider submitting this post to A2Bookmarks Australia? It would greatly benefit our audience and enrich our platform with your insightful perspectives.
This blog is super helpful! It breaks down the info so clearly, even complicated stuff feels easy to understand. The tips are practical and can be used right away. I love how it’s written in a friendly way too, makes learning fun! Keep up the awesome work! SASSA Payment Dates
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Porno İzle Karılarını takas etmek isteyen elemanlar hep birlikte evde buluşuyor
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Hi Mr P,
Great piece as ever.
Going slightly off piste; your Bagger Vance title received a message in today’s Guardian (UK edition – Marina Hyde column). Unfortunately Ms Hyde has JD Vance as the author!
I’m sure it won’t be the last thing that JD had nothing to do with, but that he will also be happy to get credit for.
Love it! Just what I needed to read today 😉 Thank you so much!
Hi, truer words couldn’t have been written. Authenticity really goes back feeling you are aligning with what gives you the most joy and fulfillment, and thereby sharing that with others through whatever medium that may entail. Great post, Ty.
🙌🏼
Thank you for you being you. I love listening to you and reading your weekly message
yes Steven, spot on! No sell out has ever made an artist happy, so why go for that anyway? When we realise what is the message we want to bring, all our actions should be funneled to bring this into realitty. Any watering down or attempt to compromise will actually hurt ourselves. that’s my 2 cents, have a great day!
Once again, you perfectly articulated what I‘m half-consciously trying to figure out in my life right now. Thank you!
wow, very solid and rings true, you come up with some deep stuff. Thankyou Jedi Master Steve !
Yes, Steven and st any age! For some of us it takes a hell if a long tine to grow up, to take care of that wounded child and go forward bravely. Each of us can do that. It is one of the bravest act we can perform. As Eleanor Roosevelt said: “ You must do the thing you cannot do.
You must do it.”
Do you think Mickey Marcus did that Steve?
Ben May
To live our truth, even if no one else understands, is to have really lived.
I was just thinking this same sentiment. I am returning to making art after being a therapist for 20 years. I was burned out and menopausal. I need to reinvent myself as my authentic Self. I like the idea of a badass persona. Not fake, but a reawakened part of myself. A Self that is confident and full of vitality and gratitude. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love this. I too needed this today. Been taking a lot of blows lately. But each of us has layers, and from those layers, we can express the persona that frees us.
I deeply respect the cultivated tenacity.
The hunger, the fuel growing inside me reading the dedicated and devoted image i see in my mind.
Turn up each day in any city.
A professional. A ruthless Resistance arse kicker, saboteur of self-sabotage.
I gotta let it out those whispers of the muses
Give it to people, fight with gladiators , run with the bulls.
Death rattles around tomorrows door.
Ever since I saw you on know thyself podcast
And listened to your books multiple times
everytime I start getting rattled.
Resistance, catalyst, growth, processes, cultivation effects.
I see that wild cat , or you process suicidal thoughts .
And tell myself this is just resistance and get back to work and my productivity has quadrupled.
You have helped me unlocked something in me that no words of gratitude can ever say. But man thank you.
May your infinite soljourn find infinite multidimensional cosmic orgasmic bliss in every breath, Infinite Creator Stephen Pressfield.
Sincerely
Thank you
Thomas Dowding.
https://gofund.me/5ea45e2e
Of course, huge love for the post.
Fortunately, in a digital world reinvention can take place wherever we are and my location is on X twitter.
I hadn’t even considered social media as a creative outlet until one year ago.
It was a safe toe-hold on the rockface of daily writing and through this climb, I discovered the freedom to express myself in small bits and steps.
One year later, I’m lucky enough to see an emergent reinvention You’re welcome to find and follow me if you like at https://twitter.com/ecppage
Thank you for this beautiful reminder, Steve! Much love!
Well said, sir!
Ironic how the hardest thing is authenticity….it should be the most natural.You’ve kept me writing ✍️ every day and posting each Wednesday. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you so much dear Steve.
I think it was yesterday, when I thought about the fact that each of us is 100% absolutely unique although there are billions exactly like each one of out there. Yes there are many universal dynamics influencing us, there are also many universal laws in which we belong and operate, BUT our “soul’s calling” is unique, exactly because the number of these laws and dynamics falling on us (and the surrounding conditions of every human) is so large, that there is noone like us, and thus noone can create what we create.
Unless of course if someone follows proven methods, but that is not authenticity, that is perhaps more of a copying state, which is good. But truth told, I feel that it’s not the Diamond Inside -these outer jewels come from outside, not from that dark, cold, wet and shimmering place next to our soul’s throne -as far as I can see.
So let’s be US
The greatest diamond of all
Rough BUT, like your friend Shawn Coyne said (in my words), we must also know the flows, the trends, the structures, and not just being our rough Diamond. The trick is perhaps to do both. Lending ideas from Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, we must know the statistics and upon them lay -but with great power, although mr. Kahneman didn’t mention this- that rough Diamond, that man out there, me you, Diana, Kate, Jackie, all.
So good to read this article, you are always so thoughtful and inspiring. I am reading your book turning pro, it’s not the first time I’ve read it!
I feel like I’m about to turn pro after years of training. ( I’m 57 ) and still learning. I’m now ready to be exposed and vulnerable, I believe this is because I can be authentic. Loving myself has been the greatest journey. I don’t say that lightly! I could not love myself without authenticity. I am so grateful when I met others who can be, it’s seems not many can.
Your books have given me so much. The War of Art was the first. It is such a big jump to turn Pro. I am taking your words with me all the way.
Thank you Steve, thank you for being you. It is much appreciated in this world where so many people seem lost in fear🙏
Thank you Steve for these great insights about authenticity. Your wisdom is always appreciated.
Good post. Artist expression is not only the work created but the persona of the maker, which is made in the process, and which is expressed through the finished art. You make your novel, or your painting, or your startup business, and you are transformed in the process, just as it embodies what you are, and what you are becoming.
The specific case of Lady Gaga demonstrates an additional element, that furthers your point. The process of creation, of the art and the personality, is an ongoing process of discovery. Lady Gaga rose to such a level of professional success that she was treated as a peer by per professional heroes, including the elderly maestro Tony Bennett. Bennett, almost a Merlin or Gandalf figure in this instance, told her, you don’t need the crazy costumes, you are good enough, you can just sing. And this liberated her to take it to a new level. This also embodies your assertion that as you succeed, others will come forward to help you, that on the other side of resistance, is something blessed that carries you forward. Lady Gaga’s story is a good case study in that regard.
I’m so glad to hear these posts as a guitarist instrumental song writer I can feel better about a piece of music that is oddly timed but feels good and right to me, but I’m hearing in my head the drums and bass lines that will make it really pop. However far away from POP it is. Just getting musicians on board with it, is the challenge.
I guess I’m thinking of David Bowie adopting the persona of “Ziggy Stardust,” omnisexual alien being in human form, sent ahead of an apocalypse, bringing a message of hope. Giving him the freedom to explore themes, push boundaries, confront convention. Thanks for the post, Steve.
I take you very seriously. You are fantastic.
Amazing!!!
Had a cup of herbal tea after dinner. The tea tag said: Master the unknown by knowing your deep self.
Wishing all a good evening and productive week ahead.
Suas palavras de sabedoria tem sido a musa inspiradora dos meus dias!
I read ’em all, but this post hits home. Possibly because I just attended a service to celebrate the life of a man, a true humble servant of our community, a firefighter of 46 years, a beloved husband and father. Living true.
This article really got me thinking! It’s so true how we can feel someone’s power when they speak from their heart, you know? Like, even Lady Gaga, who’s all about the theatrics, is still authentically herself. It’s inspiring to think that we all have that kind of power inside us, we just need to embrace who we truly are. I’ve definitely felt that kind of transformation in my own life, and it’s pretty amazing.
Alexander the Great began wearing a version of royal dress and acting like a king after Darius’s death. He even adorned his horses with ornate harnesses and saddles. He demanded proskynesis, which is prostration from his subjects. They were displeased by his arrogance but went along. Alexander was seized with a fierce desire to be his super majestic self. He wasn’t going to allow an army or better judgment stop him!
Your post “Authenticity and Power” offers a compelling look at how true power stems from being authentic. The way you connect Lady Gaga’s persona with personal reinvention highlights the essence of discovering and embracing one’s true self. Could you consider submitting this post to A2Bookmarks Australia? It would greatly benefit our audience and enrich our platform with your insightful perspectives.
This blog is super helpful! It breaks down the info so clearly, even complicated stuff feels easy to understand. The tips are practical and can be used right away. I love how it’s written in a friendly way too, makes learning fun! Keep up the awesome work! SASSA Payment Dates