excellence, actually

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The Way of Excellence: Inside Brad's New Book

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Jan 22, 2026

Guest

Brad Stulberg

Brad Stulberg, a performance coach and author, dives into his new book, The Way of Excellence. He shares how the book’s inspiration stems from a life-changing trip to the Himalayas and explains that excellence isn’t perfection, but deeply caring about what matters. Insightful stories from athletes and creators illustrate the importance of rituals, gumption, and the fear of vulnerability. Brad emphasizes focusing on daily practices and trade-offs that lead to a fulfilling, excellent life, making this conversation a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone striving for greatness.

51:33

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ADVICE

Why Pre-Orders Matter

Pre-order Brad Stulberg's book to support distribution and ensure retailers stock it.\n- Pre-orders help the author, the podcast, and increase launch-week availability at stores.

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INSIGHT

Two-Part Structure: Why Then How

The book splits into two halves: scientific foundation first, then bite-sized practical chapters.\n- This structure argues for why excellence matters and then gives direct practices to live it.

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ANECDOTE

How Steve Kerr Endorsed The Book

Mike Dunleavy Jr. read an early draft and put Brad in touch with Steve Kerr.\n- Steve Kerr responded quickly and offered a glowing blurb after reading half the PDF.

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Why pre-orders and reaching Steve Kerr mattered

00:50 • 2min

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Book structure: science then practice

02:53 • 2min

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How to start integrating excellence

05:16 • 2min

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Why Brad wrote The Way of Excellence now

07:00 • 4min

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Caring earnestly and confronting fear of vulnerability

10:40 • 3min

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Gumption: the fuel for persistence

13:49 • 2min

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Completion rituals and their power

16:05 • 3min

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Maxime Vachier-Lagrave: feeling errors and refocusing

19:28 • 3min

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Craft shapes character: Peter Korn's insight

22:23 • 2min

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Kaillie Humphries on longevity and micro-planning

24:27 • 2min

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Biggest struggles: focus and refueling gumption

26:28 • 4min

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Balancing groundedness with striving

30:41 • 4min

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Why we choose easy distraction over excellence

34:40 • 4min

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When excellence masks fear: judging motives

38:44 • 5min

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Tradeoffs: choosing where to be excellent

43:51 • 2min

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Seeing the world through excellence

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This classic novel by Robert M. Pirsig is a personal and philosophical odyssey that delves into the author's search for meaning. The narrative follows a father and his son on a summer motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California, intertwining a travelogue with deep philosophical discussions. The book explores the concept of 'quality' and how it informs a well-lived life, reconciling science, religion, and humanism. It also touches on the author's own struggles with his past and his philosophical quest, making it a touching and transcendent exploration of human experience and endeavor.

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Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success

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Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

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In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

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The Way of Excellence

Brad Stulberg

#14784

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Constellations

Sinéad Gleeson

Clay interviews Brad about his new book, The Way of Excellence, which releases January 27th and is a culmination of 15 years of research, reporting, and coaching on what it means to live a truly excellent life. Brad shares the remarkable story of how his book landed a blurb from Steve Kerr, how this idea originated on a trip to the Himalayas almost two decades ago, and breaks down the biological, psychological, and philosophical foundations of excellence, as well as the mindsets that will allow you to practice it. Featuring insights from world-class performers—including chess grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Olympic bobsledder Kaillie Humphries, and master furniture maker Peter Korn—this conversation reveals how excellence isn't about perfection, but about pouring your all into what matters while accepting the heartbreak that comes with caring deeply. Whether you're an athlete, artist, parent, or professional, this episode offers a roadmap for reclaiming excellence in your own life—one focused day at a time.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER Brad's new book, "The Way of Excellence," which Steve Kerr, nine-time NBA Champion, is calling "an absolutely beautiful book"

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