Brad Stulberg, a prominent author on peak performance and groundedness, joins the discussion to reveal the six principles for living a more meaningful life. He critiques heroic individualism and emphasizes finding joy in the journey, not just the outcome. Personal anecdotes illustrate how groundedness fosters mental health and success in elite sports. Stulberg also offers strategies for overcoming rumination and the importance of community support, highlighting how vulnerability enhances personal growth and relationships.
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insights INSIGHT
Meaning of Being Grounded
Being grounded means being firmly planted in the present moment amidst any circumstance.
Like a tree with strong roots, it allows you to stand firm through both good and bad weather.
insights INSIGHT
Heroic Individualism vs Fulfillment
Heroic individualism drives relentless striving but never satisfies the empty longing inside.
Fulfillment comes from loving the process and journey, not just external achievements.
insights INSIGHT
Success vs Fulfillment
Success is measured by external metrics whereas fulfillment is deep satisfaction with your life purpose.
Performing from freedom and love leads to sustainable satisfaction, not fear or external validation.
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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.
Every Shot Counts
Every Shot Counts
Mark Brody
The Practice of Groundedness
A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul
Brad Stulberg
In this book, Brad Stulberg presents a healthier model for success that counters the 'always-on' hustle culture. Groundedness, the central concept, values presence over productivity, accepts nonlinear progress, and prioritizes long-term fulfillment. The book interweaves case studies, modern science, and ancient wisdom from Buddhism, Stoicism, and Taoism to teach readers how to cultivate a more grounded life. Key practices include accepting where you are, being present, developing patience, embracing vulnerability, building deep community, and focusing on the process rather than outcomes.
Master of Change
Brad Stulberg
Master of Change offers practical principles for cultivating a resilient mindset called 'rugged flexibility,' empowering readers to adapt, strengthen, and gain wisdom amidst life's constant fluctuations. The book describes change as an ongoing cycle of order, disorder, and reorder, and provides concrete habits and practices to implement this mindset. It emphasizes the importance of reflection, embracing feelings of sadness and loss, and taking productive action during challenges. Stulberg introduces the 4P framework: pause, process, plan, and proceed, to help readers respond effectively to change[3][5].
Peak Performance
Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success
Brad Stulberg
Steve Magness
Peak Performance uncovers the common principles that drive success in different domains, from athletics to intellectual and artistic pursuits. The book combines stories of top performers with scientific insights into cognitive and neurochemical factors that enhance performance. It teaches readers how to optimize their performance by alternating between intense work and rest, priming the body and mind for productivity, and developing a self-transcending purpose. The authors provide practical advice on managing stress, prioritizing rest and sleep, and setting meaningful goals to avoid burnout and achieve peak performance.
In this episode of The Mental Performance Mastery Podcast, Brian is joined by Brad Stulberg, author of The Practice of Groundedness. In this groundbreaking book, Brad discusses the 6 principles and the accompanying practices that you can use to live a more grounded life.
The Practice of Groundedness is one of the top 3 most impactful books in Brian’s life and a book that he recently gifted to over 100 of his professional athlete and executive clients.
Brad Stulberg is the author of Peak Performance, The Practice of Groundedness and Masters of Change. You can engage with Brad Stulberg on instagram at and at his website.
In this podcast, Brian and Brad discuss:
What it means to live a grounded life
Combating heroic individualism and the constant quest for more
Finding satisfaction in the process and journey
The difference between success and fulfillment
The groundedness principles and practices you can use
Acceptance, presence, patience, vulnerability and community
Brian Cain, MPM, the World’s leader in Mental Performance Coaching brings you practical tips, techniques, stories strategies, meditations and motivations every day that you can use to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be with The Mental Performance Daily Podcast.
Be sure to subscribe wherever you are listening to this podcast, leave us a review and engage with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak
The Brian Cain Mental Performance Mastery Podcast 
