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
60 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 39min
How Hard Should You Be Working?
Cal Newport, an author and professor at Georgetown, dives into the delicate balance between hard work and work-life harmony. He differentiates between meaningful tasks and mere busyness, advocating for quality over quantity. Newport critiques the glorified grind culture seen in sports and business, sharing insights on how ambition should align with personal well-being. He also challenges the notion of needing passion at work, suggesting fulfillment can stem from various life choices. It's a thought-provoking conversation on sustainable achievement.
134 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 43min
How "Narrative Values" Can Change Your Psychology & Biology
Discover how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our lives and influence decisions. Learn about 'narrative values' and their profound impact on resilience and identity. Delve into the neuroscience behind stress and mental well-being, and explore practical methods to align actions with core values. The journey of becoming a 'runner' highlights the importance of consistent action and purpose. Plus, uncover exercises that help prioritize personal values in today's chaotic world.
118 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 41min
From Success to Mastery: The Art of Sustained Excellence
Explore the journey of sustaining excellence after achieving initial success. Insights include balancing intrinsic joy with external recognition to maintain motivation. The discussion highlights psychological challenges for young achievers and encourages redefining success through consistent growth. Delve into the importance of deliberate practice alongside playful exploration to foster creativity. A spotlight on rekindling passion emphasizes finding joy in your craft amidst pressures, promoting a mindset focused on continuous improvement.
166 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.
103 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.
134 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.
