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Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be
Are you being defeated by a tendency to procrastination, self-doubt, fear, distraction, and perfectionism? Are you self-sabotaging your loftiest artistic entrepreneurial dreams?
The antidote is in nine words: PUT YOUR ASS WHERE YOUR HEART WANTS TO BE.
Can you shift your artistic identity—your "ass"—from the shallow, fearful, superficial Ego to the wise, loving fearless Self? Can you commit to your dream for the long haul and for keeps? In this book, bestselling author Steven Pressfield delivers the tough-love inspiration to help you make this life-altering transformation.
The antidote is in nine words: PUT YOUR ASS WHERE YOUR HEART WANTS TO BE.
Can you shift your artistic identity—your "ass"—from the shallow, fearful, superficial Ego to the wise, loving fearless Self? Can you commit to your dream for the long haul and for keeps? In this book, bestselling author Steven Pressfield delivers the tough-love inspiration to help you make this life-altering transformation.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2022
About the author
Steven Pressfield
74 books5,310 followersI was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1943 to a Navy father and mother.
I graduated from Duke University in 1965.
In January of 1966, when I was on the bus leaving Parris Island as a freshly-minted Marine, I looked back and thought there was at least one good thing about this departure. "No matter what happens to me for the rest of my life, no one can ever send me back to this freakin' place again."
Forty years later, to my surprise and gratification, I am far more closely bound to the young men of the Marine Corps and to all other dirt-eating, ground-pounding outfits than I could ever have imagined.
GATES OF FIRE is one reason. Dog-eared paperbacks of this tale of the ancient Spartans have circulated throughout platoons of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since the first days of the invasions. E-mails come in by hundreds. GATES OF FIRE is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Reading list. It is taught at West Point and Annapolis and at the Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico. TIDES OF WAR is on the curriculum of the Naval War College.
From 2nd Battalion/6th Marines, which calls itself "the Spartans," to ODA 316 of the Special Forces, whose forearms are tattooed with the lambda of Lakedaemon, today's young warriors find a bond to their ancient precursors in the historical narratives of these novels.
My struggles to earn a living as a writer (it took seventeen years to get the first paycheck) are detailed in my 2002 book, THE WAR OF ART.
I have worked as an advertising copywriter, schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, bartender, oilfield roustabout and attendant in a mental hospital. I have picked fruit in Washington state and written screenplays in Tinseltown.
With the publication of THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE in 1995, I became a writer of books once and for all.
My writing philosophy is, not surprisingly, a kind of warrior code — internal rather than external — in which the enemy is identified as those forms of self-sabotage that I have labeled "Resistance" with a capital R (in THE WAR OF ART) and the technique for combatting these foes can be described as "turning pro."
I believe in previous lives.
I believe in the Muse.
I believe that books and music exist before they are written and that they are propelled into material being by their own imperative to be born, via the offices of those willing servants of discipline, imagination and inspiration, whom we call artists. My conception of the artist's role is a combination of reverence for the unknowable nature of "where it all comes from" and a no-nonsense, blue-collar demystification of the process by which this mystery is approached. In other words, a paradox.
There's a recurring character in my books named Telamon, a mercenary of ancient days. Telamon doesn't say much. He rarely gets hurt or wounded. And he never seems to age. His view of the profession of arms is a lot like my conception of art and the artist:
"It is one thing to study war, and another to live the warrior's life."
I graduated from Duke University in 1965.
In January of 1966, when I was on the bus leaving Parris Island as a freshly-minted Marine, I looked back and thought there was at least one good thing about this departure. "No matter what happens to me for the rest of my life, no one can ever send me back to this freakin' place again."
Forty years later, to my surprise and gratification, I am far more closely bound to the young men of the Marine Corps and to all other dirt-eating, ground-pounding outfits than I could ever have imagined.
GATES OF FIRE is one reason. Dog-eared paperbacks of this tale of the ancient Spartans have circulated throughout platoons of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan since the first days of the invasions. E-mails come in by hundreds. GATES OF FIRE is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Reading list. It is taught at West Point and Annapolis and at the Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico. TIDES OF WAR is on the curriculum of the Naval War College.
From 2nd Battalion/6th Marines, which calls itself "the Spartans," to ODA 316 of the Special Forces, whose forearms are tattooed with the lambda of Lakedaemon, today's young warriors find a bond to their ancient precursors in the historical narratives of these novels.
My struggles to earn a living as a writer (it took seventeen years to get the first paycheck) are detailed in my 2002 book, THE WAR OF ART.
I have worked as an advertising copywriter, schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, bartender, oilfield roustabout and attendant in a mental hospital. I have picked fruit in Washington state and written screenplays in Tinseltown.
With the publication of THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE in 1995, I became a writer of books once and for all.
My writing philosophy is, not surprisingly, a kind of warrior code — internal rather than external — in which the enemy is identified as those forms of self-sabotage that I have labeled "Resistance" with a capital R (in THE WAR OF ART) and the technique for combatting these foes can be described as "turning pro."
I believe in previous lives.
I believe in the Muse.
I believe that books and music exist before they are written and that they are propelled into material being by their own imperative to be born, via the offices of those willing servants of discipline, imagination and inspiration, whom we call artists. My conception of the artist's role is a combination of reverence for the unknowable nature of "where it all comes from" and a no-nonsense, blue-collar demystification of the process by which this mystery is approached. In other words, a paradox.
There's a recurring character in my books named Telamon, a mercenary of ancient days. Telamon doesn't say much. He rarely gets hurt or wounded. And he never seems to age. His view of the profession of arms is a lot like my conception of art and the artist:
"It is one thing to study war, and another to live the warrior's life."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 26, 2022
It is a book
As with all books of this ilk, it isn't concrete as it is fluid. And as in fluid, I mean solid, as in being concrete.
There, I saved you the read. If you like the Pressfield churn, then you will appreciate this book.
If you've read any other Pressfield book, this is the same book, just with a spicy word in the title.
As with all books of this ilk, it isn't concrete as it is fluid. And as in fluid, I mean solid, as in being concrete.
There, I saved you the read. If you like the Pressfield churn, then you will appreciate this book.
If you've read any other Pressfield book, this is the same book, just with a spicy word in the title.
July 23, 2022
Another great book from Steven Pressfield to revisit whenever I need an ally in my dance with Resistance.
I like how he addresses this issue from many different levels and can speak to both the earthiest part of me and my most aspirational self.
Most of all, it’s clear that the author has walked the talk. You know he finds himself with you in the trenches. He knows exactly what it’s like.
I like how he addresses this issue from many different levels and can speak to both the earthiest part of me and my most aspirational self.
Most of all, it’s clear that the author has walked the talk. You know he finds himself with you in the trenches. He knows exactly what it’s like.
January 11, 2023
I don't know why I keep buying these instead of reading THE WAR OF ART again. For one thing, that book is sacred to me. For another, Pressfield's other books in that vein mostly repeat things he wrote in that one. Finally, they're just not very good, compared to ANYTHING.
Ye gods, etc.
Ye gods, etc.
September 12, 2022
This book could be summed up with one sentence of three words; “Go do shit!”
Other than that it’s just a bunch of rambling for people that need inspiration without much substance. There is no personalization to the message, and it really offers nothing more than you should already know if you’re serious about creating or writing.
Other than that it’s just a bunch of rambling for people that need inspiration without much substance. There is no personalization to the message, and it really offers nothing more than you should already know if you’re serious about creating or writing.
September 5, 2022
I loved the War of Art, but this one felt kind of unfocused. Some very inspiring chapters, some very blah chapters as well. Still glad I read it for the good ones.
August 9, 2022
This is a book about hope, no… scratch that… this is a book about action, strategy, and tactics for overcoming (mostly internally created) resistance.
Mr. Pressfield impresses as always with his to-the-point, no bullshit, stop-bullshitting-yourself, hard truths about life.
His understanding of my own (and your) struggles with creating something someone will care about (Who’d ever want to read my stuff?!?) somehow bring me comfort on a cool morning while walking and listening to his words of wisdom.
Mr. Pressfield impresses as always with his to-the-point, no bullshit, stop-bullshitting-yourself, hard truths about life.
His understanding of my own (and your) struggles with creating something someone will care about (Who’d ever want to read my stuff?!?) somehow bring me comfort on a cool morning while walking and listening to his words of wisdom.
February 7, 2023
Look, I love The War of Art, and clearly I was in a "I need some motivation" mood buying this, but this is not it. The most offensive "chapters" - if you can even call them that when some are maybe two paragraphs long - were the ones that just listed albums released by famous musicians to say, "look at how these people kept on going and made all this art!" Okay, thanks, Wikipedia. Reread The War of Art, instead.
July 28, 2022
This is perfect for a short, light and inspiring read with sprinkles of philosophy and wisdom sprinkled throughout.
I read this book in one day and took 7 pages of notes to look back on, Pressfield did a great job of sharing engaging stories and lessons of himself and prominent historic figures.
One of my favorite visualizations in the book includes the self-ordering of the universe, seemingly random and yet comfortably fitting all at once, well-written, relatable.
The story of the concert pianist's extreme highs and lows are a glimpse of reality for the creative, sharing inspiring ways to lighten the mental burden of perspective in that life when things feel heavy or resistant creeps in.
The story about author James Patterson was incredible, realizing the power contained in 1-2 hours of focused time per day over the long-term.
Pressfield does great job of framing the world of an artist in a realistic and inspiring way, giving us all tools to start from where we are and where we want to go, with the right focus and action.
I read this book in one day and took 7 pages of notes to look back on, Pressfield did a great job of sharing engaging stories and lessons of himself and prominent historic figures.
One of my favorite visualizations in the book includes the self-ordering of the universe, seemingly random and yet comfortably fitting all at once, well-written, relatable.
The story of the concert pianist's extreme highs and lows are a glimpse of reality for the creative, sharing inspiring ways to lighten the mental burden of perspective in that life when things feel heavy or resistant creeps in.
The story about author James Patterson was incredible, realizing the power contained in 1-2 hours of focused time per day over the long-term.
Pressfield does great job of framing the world of an artist in a realistic and inspiring way, giving us all tools to start from where we are and where we want to go, with the right focus and action.
November 12, 2022
I'm a huge Steven Pressfield fan. "War of Art" is one of my fave books!! "Put Your Ass..." is not it though. He spends a bunch of time telling people chasing their dreams that they need to physically move to the location of their dreams (ie, musicians move to LA or Nashville). It's 2022. People succeed in creative ventures all over the world! The internet and social media has eliminated a lot of the geographical barriers to entry. He also spends a bit too much time on fluffy spiritual ideas.
Good news is it's a short book and there's still a few great takeaways in there! Worth the time to read if you love Pressfield. Otherwise, skip this one and re-read "War of Art."
🍆 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS:
1. I strongly disagree with his idea that you still need to move to the specific location of where your dream has historically taken place. Music in LA or Nashville. Acting in LA. While it might help some people; the internet, the pandemic, and social media have proven you can succeed from anywhere and don’t need to follow the worn path to success. But also, be careful about celebrating that too much because people who have moved to those areas may resent you for succeeding in a different location.
2. Find your team. Your hand-picked homies. And work with them, over and over. Because you know the great work that they do. You know they will have your back.
3. When your ass is where your heart wants to be, exclude everything that is not about your work or your heart.
Good news is it's a short book and there's still a few great takeaways in there! Worth the time to read if you love Pressfield. Otherwise, skip this one and re-read "War of Art."
🍆 3 BIG TAKEAWAYS:
1. I strongly disagree with his idea that you still need to move to the specific location of where your dream has historically taken place. Music in LA or Nashville. Acting in LA. While it might help some people; the internet, the pandemic, and social media have proven you can succeed from anywhere and don’t need to follow the worn path to success. But also, be careful about celebrating that too much because people who have moved to those areas may resent you for succeeding in a different location.
2. Find your team. Your hand-picked homies. And work with them, over and over. Because you know the great work that they do. You know they will have your back.
3. When your ass is where your heart wants to be, exclude everything that is not about your work or your heart.
August 29, 2022
In order to be a successful “ “ you have to move to where “ “ is popular and make friends with people who will hire you to do “ “. According to Pressfield, that’s the only way you can do it.
October 14, 2022
Excellent Book with Insights and Reminders
I‘ve read pressfield and love his work. It’s a message I need to hear again and again.
This book was a quick read, with each chapter being a short essay- kind of blog post flavored. Yet they all hang together within a trajectory of what he is communicating.
It’s just so damn encouraging to hear someone say out loud so much of what goes on inside me. - in terms of resistance to doing what has to be done.
Rather than a “rah rah” success coach, he lets you know that he’s felt these things yet pulled through.
I like the style of his longer books better, but hey who am I to say what he should write. It was excellent nonetheless, highly recommended.
I‘ve read pressfield and love his work. It’s a message I need to hear again and again.
This book was a quick read, with each chapter being a short essay- kind of blog post flavored. Yet they all hang together within a trajectory of what he is communicating.
It’s just so damn encouraging to hear someone say out loud so much of what goes on inside me. - in terms of resistance to doing what has to be done.
Rather than a “rah rah” success coach, he lets you know that he’s felt these things yet pulled through.
I like the style of his longer books better, but hey who am I to say what he should write. It was excellent nonetheless, highly recommended.
August 23, 2023
I really like Steven Pressfield. I dig his approach to tough love for creatives. I like the message of this book. But this message has about 10 great pages of writing within it, not 100 micro chapters worth. It got really repetitive, really fast. And it’s sort of just an accessory to The War of Art, which is where your bread really gets buttered.
January 10, 2023
As with all of his advice books, this is a quick, short read.
I didn't find it as impactful as his The War of Art, but it contains some useful reminders and some interesting takes for those in the arts.
I didn't find it as impactful as his The War of Art, but it contains some useful reminders and some interesting takes for those in the arts.
July 25, 2022
Another Home Run
I’ve read every book Steven Pressfield has ever published, and I wholeheartedly believe that Gates of Fire is the greatest book ever written. When Mr. Pressfield ventures into books that enhance and explain the creative process, he’s every bit as compelling and effective as he is with fiction. Please read this book. You can read it in a day, but it will change the rest of your life.
I’ve read every book Steven Pressfield has ever published, and I wholeheartedly believe that Gates of Fire is the greatest book ever written. When Mr. Pressfield ventures into books that enhance and explain the creative process, he’s every bit as compelling and effective as he is with fiction. Please read this book. You can read it in a day, but it will change the rest of your life.
September 5, 2022
Pressfield always hits you right in the way you need to be hit. His work is essential
January 21, 2023
Loved the book, except for twisting up Beatle history on p.19 to make his point. (Would've otherwise been a five-star rating.)
July 25, 2022
Another terrific book from one of my favourite writers; Steven Pressfield. It’s a run read but short. However quite thought provoking. After reading this, you simply need to put you’re a** on a chair and start writing.
August 30, 2022
Yes, “Put Your Ass” is another inspirational, smack-upside-the-head book by Steven Pressfield. And, yes, most (if not all) of the insights offered are similar to those provided in previous Pressfield books. However, the presentation… the writing style… the in-your-face tone of this book penetrated my Ego’s defenses, spoke directly to my Self’s empowerment, and ignited my creative heart. Thanks, Steven!
December 27, 2022
As short read, but worthwhile nevertheless. Steven Pressfield presents a way of thinking about shifting your life to be a creative force by making space on your life, and being realistic about the job. A good companion to The War of Art.
October 13, 2022
Good advice if you as a reader can provide context. One of those books that has to strike you at the right time.
February 10, 2023
I mean... the book was just the title in A LOT more words. It was okay to listen to as an audiobook while doing other stuff, but sitting down to read this as a book probably would have been too repetitive. It motivated me I guess, but tomorrow is a new day.
August 26, 2022
I finished this book in one sitting. I also listened to Steven Pressfield himself read it as the audiobook's narrator. I find this to be the most straightforward "self-help" book he has written for creators. Whether you're an artist, singer, musician, entrepreneur, writer, student, or marathon runner this will force you to take inventory in your life. It will force you to question where your HEART and your physical ASS is. It gives practical baby steps toward your dreams. It also helps one think of ways their spiritual, emotional, or intellectual self can get there if their physical self cannot. If you're a musician like me, put your ASS on the piano bench and sing. Shut up and DO THE WORK. I loved this swift kick in the ass. Procrastination is the enemy.
August 27, 2022
Every high school and college kid should read this. It’s about commitment at the highest level.
- Putting your ass where your heart is = committing to the highest levels
- Commit physically -> relocate to be present where others share your dream (I’ve done this 3x)
- Commit to a space, time, and concentration
- Commit when there is no plan B
- Practice of a vocation becomes a way of life, not a habit
- Sometimes it takes another person to believe in us and our ass back where our heart is
- Putting your ass where your heart is = committing to the highest levels
- Commit physically -> relocate to be present where others share your dream (I’ve done this 3x)
- Commit to a space, time, and concentration
- Commit when there is no plan B
- Practice of a vocation becomes a way of life, not a habit
- Sometimes it takes another person to believe in us and our ass back where our heart is
October 10, 2022
Motivational, simple, and direct. A great reminder of the power we all hold to affect and make out own future.
January 4, 2023
Типичная доя Прессфильда книга - возьми себя в руки и победи «сопротивление» мешающее тебе реализовать свой потенциал. Как ни странно - все таки мотивирует. Да и пишет автор коротко, что приятно
October 28, 2022
For writers and artists, the ability to self reinforce is more important than talent.
One hour a day is seven hours a week, 30 hours a month, 365 hours a year. 360 hours is nine 40 hour weeks.
You can be a full-time artist/writer, one hour a day.
One hour a day is seven hours a week, 30 hours a month, 365 hours a year. 360 hours is nine 40 hour weeks.
You can be a full-time artist/writer, one hour a day.
August 26, 2022
A short book that motivates you to start writing that draft or finish that painting and continue investing in your craft everyday not only when it seems easy.
August 22, 2023
Motivating
Like his other books this one is good for lighting a fire under you and getting your @$$ in gear
Like his other books this one is good for lighting a fire under you and getting your @$$ in gear
August 4, 2023
I think I enjoyed this more than The War of Art.
I started this book about a month ago during a time of toxic productivity where I was having unrealistic and unhealthy expectations of my own outputs – and was burning out as a result.
Today I cracked it back open again (and since it's Steven Pressfield, I could read it pretty quick). Yes – there were other things on my to-do list today that I had the urge to buck and go do, but I decided to read through these last 80-90 pages or so (it's Steven Pressfield, so it's not that long). I must say, I do envy readers who can read a book in one sitting. It's hard for me, I can't read that fast or retain that concentration. What may have taken others 45 minutes took me two hours, but I digress.
I marked up the margins of this book with notes and a collection of my interpretations, thoughts, perspectives, and caveats on Pressfield's points. I love that you can do that w/ the amount of space he leaves on some of those pages. I like the philosophy the book engages in. It presents paradoxes (even if done subtly) that warrant pause and thought.
I personally enjoyed Book One, Four, Seven, and the very end of Book Eight the most. Those last three pages might as well be gospel about what some serious growth can feel/look like and how it manifests itself.
This book can mean a whole lot more if you don't take its title in a literal toxic/uber-productive manner.
I started this book about a month ago during a time of toxic productivity where I was having unrealistic and unhealthy expectations of my own outputs – and was burning out as a result.
Today I cracked it back open again (and since it's Steven Pressfield, I could read it pretty quick). Yes – there were other things on my to-do list today that I had the urge to buck and go do, but I decided to read through these last 80-90 pages or so (it's Steven Pressfield, so it's not that long). I must say, I do envy readers who can read a book in one sitting. It's hard for me, I can't read that fast or retain that concentration. What may have taken others 45 minutes took me two hours, but I digress.
I marked up the margins of this book with notes and a collection of my interpretations, thoughts, perspectives, and caveats on Pressfield's points. I love that you can do that w/ the amount of space he leaves on some of those pages. I like the philosophy the book engages in. It presents paradoxes (even if done subtly) that warrant pause and thought.
I personally enjoyed Book One, Four, Seven, and the very end of Book Eight the most. Those last three pages might as well be gospel about what some serious growth can feel/look like and how it manifests itself.
This book can mean a whole lot more if you don't take its title in a literal toxic/uber-productive manner.
August 3, 2023
I needed the motivation...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews