excellence, actually
Steve Magness, Brad Stulberg, & Clay Skipper
"excellence, actually" is a podcast from The Growth Equation, hosted by Steve Magness, Brad Stulberg, and Clay Skipper. Drawing on their years of working and corresponding with Olympians, coaches, executives, world-class physicians, and other elite-level achievers in their coaching practice and professional careers, they give you the mental and physical tools, practices, habits, and frameworks used by the best in the world in the pursuit of excellence. Each episode will give you concrete ideas and tips to use in your life immediately to help you become more meaningfully engaged in the pursuits that support your goals and your values. This is not the performative nonsense that is peddled online by grifters and influencers, but the evidence-based systems that work for the best in the world. This is excellence, actually. (This podcast used to appear under the name FAREWELL.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
102 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 37min
Build Better Work Habits, Manage Anxiety, & Quit Leaking Energy
Discover the fine line between productive preparation and anxiety-driven over-prepping. Learn effective strategies to transition between tasks without losing focus. Uncover ways to dial down an overactive mind and manage stress in the digital age. Explore the critical balance between embracing artificial intelligence for improved efficiency and maintaining personal mastery. Tackle healthier news consumption habits while ensuring your mental well-being. This journey is all about enhancing productivity and managing anxiety effectively.
81 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 38min
Restless Exhaustion: What to Do When You Just Can't Turn Off
Learn about the phenomenon of restless exhaustion, where fatigue meets an inability to relax. Discover the two types of this condition and how modern life exacerbates it. Explore mindful tech habits to reduce anxiety and enhance well-being. Uncover practical strategies for better sleep, like journaling before bed. Find out how to channel excess energy through physical activities, and address the pressures high performers face. Gain insights into overcoming feelings of inadequacy while prioritizing rest for optimal productivity.
116 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Tools for Navigating Discomfort and Difficulty
Facing discomfort is a universal challenge, and learning to navigate it is key to high performance. The discussion includes practical techniques like shifting focus and using self-talk to gain psychological distance. Embracing discomfort can catalyze personal growth, while accurately labeling emotions enhances emotional awareness. Listeners are encouraged to view emotions as informative signals, breaking tasks into manageable parts and practicing acceptance when nothing else works. This approach promises resilience in even the toughest situations.
157 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 38min
How to Avoid the Achievement Trap and Find Lasting Fulfillment
Discover the trap of chasing achievements for fulfillment and why it often leads to disappointment. Hear insights from golf's #1 Scottie Scheffler on redefining success and finding joy in the journey. The conversation shifts focus from traditional accolades to the importance of personal identity and relationships. Explore the contrast between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations through inspiring stories, highlighting how real satisfaction lies in the process rather than the end goal. Embrace a new perspective on what true fulfillment means.
128 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 33min
The Art of Doing Hard Things: Meaningful Challenge vs. Useless Suffering
Dive into the fascinating distinction between genuine hardship and the superficial challenges often glamorized on social media. Discover the concept of 'Zombie burnout' and its effects on resilience. Explore how embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth, and learn about the 'moat of low status' that holds many back. The discussion also highlights the dual nature of challenges in parenting and self-care. With insights from pioneering stress research, find out how purpose can transform difficulties into meaningful pursuits.
166 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 44min
Balance is a Myth: How to Build Healthy Obsession
The conversation challenges the notion that balance is achievable or even desirable in health and wellness. It explores how healthy obsession can drive excellence in pursuits like sports and art. Listeners learn about the importance of daily non-negotiables and establishing support systems to avoid burnout. The idea of dynamic balance is introduced, emphasizing flexibility and regular adjustments in pursuit of goals. Tips and actionable strategies for nurturing constructive obsession while staying motivated and fulfilled are also shared.
146 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 41min
How to Build a Meaningful Identity in a Status-Driven World
Explore the battle between comparison and joy in a status-driven world. Discover the difference between being known and being recognized, which can reshape your identity. Learn how to forge meaningful connections that nurture your true self rather than chasing superficial validation. Delve into the complexities of social media's impact on self-worth, and uncover the importance of aligning your values with your achievements. Finally, embrace personal growth over competition for a more fulfilling journey.
216 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 48min
How to Be Excellent, Actually
Hosts explore the true essence of excellence, emphasizing mental and physical balance. They critique unrealistic self-improvement trends and offer three key mindset shifts for genuine growth. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging with meaningful pursuits and staying aligned with personal values. They discuss the balance between control and flexibility in performance preparation, showcasing how resilience trumps rigidity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace psychological flexibility and accept mediocrity as a stepping stone on their journey to excellence.
130 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 48min
How to Take Better Breaks: Mastering Rest & Recovery
The hosts explore the transformative power of breaks for personal growth and creativity. They discuss how rest, both micro and macro, plays a crucial role in sustainable productivity. By addressing the guilt and anxiety around taking breaks, they encourage a mindset shift towards prioritizing recovery. Listeners learn about ultradian rhythms and the importance of integrating rest into daily life for enhanced performance. Additionally, they introduce an exciting new community platform aimed at boosting excellence.
107 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 49min
How to Know When to Grit vs. When to Quit
Discover the art of knowing when to push through and when to let go. The discussion reveals how endurance sports can illuminate life choices, emphasizing self-awareness and risk assessment. Gain insight into the nuanced difference between quitting and failing, and learn strategies for resilience, including maintaining a 'next play mentality.' Explore the importance of recognizing burnout and utilizing 'strategic laziness' to focus your energy. Personal anecdotes and mountain climbing metaphors further enrich this exploration of grit and decision-making.
