Living a Grounded Life - Brad Stulberg - The Practice of Groundedness
May 2, 2025
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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.
Groundedness emphasizes being firmly rooted in present values to navigate life's challenges with resilience and balance.
The pursuit of success often leads to dissatisfaction, while fulfillment arises from embracing the journey and enjoying the process.
Building a supportive community, or brain trust, fosters vulnerability and personal growth, helping individuals share challenges and celebrate successes.
Deep dives
Understanding Groundedness
Groundedness is characterized by being firmly established in the present moment, similar to a strong tree that withstands various weather conditions. The concept emphasizes nurturing one’s roots, which represent the values and practices that provide stability during challenging times. Realizing these foundational elements allows individuals to remain resilient amidst life’s fluctuations and disruptions. By cultivating a sense of groundedness, one can better navigate both personal and professional challenges with confidence and balance.
The Pitfalls of Heroic Individualism
Heroic individualism embodies the mindset where individuals feel that nothing they achieve is ever enough, leading to a constant pursuit of external validation. This relentless drive can create dissatisfaction, as accomplishments often fail to fill the underlying void of self-fulfillment. Highlighting the experiences of athletes like Ray Allen, it becomes clear that true contentment comes from enjoying the process rather than fixating solely on outcomes. Groundedness helps individuals embrace their journey, finding joy in the dedication to their craft rather than merely chasing accolades.
Distinguishing Success from Fulfillment
Success is commonly defined by external achievements, such as reaching specific performance metrics or recognition, while fulfillment is rooted in personal satisfaction and alignment with one’s values. Many elite athletes may attain conventional success yet still feel a lack of purpose or joy in their accomplishments. The distinction lies in the ability to find deep satisfaction in daily actions and efforts, rather than relying solely on external achievements for contentment. This understanding prompts individuals to pursue their passions more meaningfully, prioritizing enjoyment over pressure.
The Importance of Acceptance and Presence
Acceptance involves recognizing one's current reality, including strengths and limitations, as a prerequisite for genuine growth and progress. This principle emphasizes that accurate self-assessment allows individuals to work effectively from where they are rather than where they wish to be. Being present enhances one's focus and capacity to engage fully with their work, leading to better results. Strategies such as self-distancing can further aid in managing distractions and improving mental clarity, facilitating acceptance of one’s current circumstances.
Building a Supportive Community
Establishing a small, trusted network, or brain trust, fosters a supportive environment where individuals can freely share their challenges and celebrate successes. This communal structure provides opportunities for vulnerability, reinforcing interpersonal relationships while promoting personal growth. Historically, communities played a vital role in supporting individuals during tough times, and intentionally creating such support groups can aid in preventing feelings of isolation. The brain trust functions as an ongoing support group for life's ups and downs, allowing for shared experiences and collective wisdom.
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.
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