The Growth Project

In Part 2 of this series on the habits that set high performers apart, Drs. Katie Nichols and Cory Shaffer dive into the science of habit formation. They break down the key stages of building new habits and explore common reasons why those habits often fail to stick. With practical strategies and real-world examples, they offer guidance on how to create lasting change and build habits that truly make a difference.

In the first part of a two-part series, Drs. Drew Brannon and Cory Shaffer explore the critical role habits play in achieving and sustaining peak performance. They discuss how small, consistent actions, often overlooked, can lead to marginal gains that separate high performers from the rest, especially when raw talent alone is no longer enough. The conversation also includes practical, actionable strategies for building better habits and integrating them into your daily life.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Cory Shaffer and Major League pitcher Michael Roth dive deeper into the concept of mastery—exploring how Michael defined it during his baseball career and how that definition has evolved since stepping away from the game. This episode offers a rare look inside the mindset of a professional athlete, with powerful insights on what it takes to pursue excellence both on and off the field.

In part one of this two-part series, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with former University of South Carolina baseball legend and Major League pitcher Michael Roth. Together, they explore the early roots of Michael’s baseball journey, the deeper purpose that fueled his drive, and how he navigated the challenges and transitions on his path to the big leagues. Roth’s story offers a compelling look into the mindset and motivation behind a standout career.

In this episode, Drs. Cory Shaffer and Katie Nichols take a deep dive into the concept of mastery—what it is, how to pursue it, and why it matters. They begin by exploring the importance of discovering a sense of calling or purpose, and the risks of pursuing success without deeper meaning. From there, they unpack the critical role of mentorship and the three key phases along the path to mastery: deep observation, skill acquisition, and experimentation. Drawing on powerful quotes and relatable examples, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone striving to grow in their craft, career, or calling.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Rick Franzblau, Director of Olympic Sports Strength & Conditioning at Clemson University, for a powerful conversation on mindset and performance. Rick shares the “light bulb moment” that changed how he viewed mental performance training, why collaboration is essential in a high-performance model, and how he works to instill a mastery mindset in his athletes, staff, and himself. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for coaches, leaders, and anyone striving for growth.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Shaffer sits down with Rudy Cox, former Clemson Baseball player and current assistant coach at Furman, to explore his transition from player to coach. Rudy shares how lessons from his playing days inform his approach to coaching, leadership, and developing others. He also offers his personal definition of a growth mindset and how he brings it to life in his work with athletes.

In this episode, Drs. Katie Nichols and Cory Shaffer explore the theme of adversity and failure through the lens of Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way. Drawing on the timeless principles of Stoic philosophy, they break down three essential elements for navigating challenges: perspective, action, and will. With practical insights and real-world examples, this conversation offers a framework for developing resilience and maintaining clarity in the face of difficulty.

In this episode, Dr. Drew Brannon sits down with Dr. Nicholas Beck to take a fresh look at the concept of mental toughness. Drawing from Dr. Beck’s extensive research, they explore why mental toughness is not a fixed trait but a dynamic, context-driven capacity that can be developed in all of us. Their conversation challenges outdated assumptions and highlights practical ways to grow stronger through adversity.

In this episode, Dr. Katie Nichols sits down with Clemson Women’s Basketball Head Coach Amanda Butler for a candid and inspiring conversation about adversity, resilience, and leadership. Coach Butler reflects on her coaching journey, including the painful moment of being fired by her alma mater on her birthday, and how that setback ultimately shaped the leader she is today. Now the 2024 ACC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, she shares the lessons she’s learned about self-awareness, authentic leadership, and the powerful connection between life off the court and performance on it.