The Ready State Podcast Excellence Without Burnout: Brad Stulberg on Escaping Hustle Culture
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Jan 22, 2026 
In this engaging conversation, author and coach Brad Stulberg challenges the hustle culture that many pursue. He introduces the concept of 'zombie burnout,' a mental fatigue from unfulfilling tasks, and emphasizes the importance of meaningful engagement. Stulberg discusses how excellence aligns with one's values, pointing out that true fulfillment comes from process over mere outcomes. He offers practical strategies for phone management to reduce distractions and highlights how essential rest is for sustained achievement.
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Unpredictable PR: 530 Pulled Mid-Week
- Brad pulled a 530-pound deadlift PR mid-training and his coach predicted 550 before year-end.
- He then missed 540 after a taper, illustrating sport's unpredictability and the finicky nature of performance.
Excellence Defined As Deep Engagement
- Excellence is involved engagement: caring deeply in something worthwhile that aligns with your values and goals.
- Excellence requires focus, commitment, and alignment, not performative routines or perfectionism.
Satisfaction Beats Constant Happiness
- Happiness is fleeting and often a byproduct of deep engagement, while satisfaction from purposeful effort endures.
- Aim for sustained fulfillment from meaningful process, not constant happiness.
