The Rich Roll Podcast

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Brad Stulberg: Ditch The Hedonic Treadmill For Sustainable Success

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May 2, 2022

Guest

Brad Stulberg

Brad Stulberg, a writer and coach specializing in human performance, shares insights from his latest book, emphasizing groundedness over hustle culture. He discusses the pitfalls of relentless ambition and the importance of personal well-being and community support. Brad candidly explores mental health, recounting his journey with OCD and suicidal ideation. The conversation delves into aligning values with actions, the 'arrival fallacy,' and the power of vulnerability, ultimately encouraging a balanced approach to success and fulfillment.

02:19:13

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

OCD Diagnosis

Brad was diagnosed with OCD, which explained his intrusive thoughts.
Intrusive thoughts often target what people value most, which for Brad was life itself.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Exposure Therapy

Brad's therapist recommended an intense exposure therapy exercise involving a knife.
This desensitized him to the intrusive thoughts and marked a turning point in his recovery.

insights

INSIGHT

Heroic Individualism

Heroic individualism is a constant game of one-upmanship, with measurable achievement as the primary marker of success.
It creates a cycle where lasting fulfillment is always just out of reach.

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Rethinking Success: Beyond Hustle Culture

02:50 • 7min

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Reconnecting Through Authenticity

09:27 • 5min

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Navigating OCD: A Journey to Understanding and Recovery

14:30 • 23min

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Navigating the Arrival Fallacy

37:03 • 9min

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Aligning Values with Action for Personal Fulfillment

45:52 • 4min

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Balancing Ambitions and Relationships

50:06 • 4min

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Groundedness: The Redwoods' Lesson on Community and Support

53:52 • 3min

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The Power of Acceptance

56:24 • 7min

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Growth through Pain and Presence

01:03:16 • 15min

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The Dynamics of Success Across Life Stages

01:18:44 • 12min

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Embracing Vulnerability for Growth

01:31:09 • 25min

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Movement, Mindfulness, and Personal Growth

01:56:02 • 21min

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Gratitude and Community Engagement in the Podcast

02:17:31 • 3min

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• Mentioned in 1,343 episodes

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

#955

• Mentioned in 38 episodes

The Practice of Groundedness

A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul

Brad Stulberg

In this book, Brad Stulberg presents a healthier model for success that counters the 'always-on' hustle culture. Groundedness, the central concept, values presence over productivity, accepts nonlinear progress, and prioritizes long-term fulfillment. The book interweaves case studies, modern science, and ancient wisdom from Buddhism, Stoicism, and Taoism to teach readers how to cultivate a more grounded life. Key practices include accepting where you are, being present, developing patience, embracing vulnerability, building deep community, and focusing on the process rather than outcomes.

#60

• Mentioned in 234 episodes

Range

Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

David Epstein

In this book, David Epstein examines the success of generalists in various fields, including sports, arts, music, invention, forecasting, and science. He argues that generalists, who often find their path late and juggle multiple interests, are more creative, agile, and able to make connections that specialists cannot. Epstein uses stories and research studies to show that wide sampling and late specialization can be more valuable than early specialization, especially in complex and unpredictable environments. He also discusses the distinction between 'kind' and 'wicked' learning environments and the importance of balancing specialization with range for long-term success.

#815

• Mentioned in 43 episodes

Peak Performance

Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success

Brad Stulberg

Steve Magness

Peak Performance uncovers the common principles that drive success in different domains, from athletics to intellectual and artistic pursuits. The book combines stories of top performers with scientific insights into cognitive and neurochemical factors that enhance performance. It teaches readers how to optimize their performance by alternating between intense work and rest, priming the body and mind for productivity, and developing a self-transcending purpose. The authors provide practical advice on managing stress, prioritizing rest and sleep, and setting meaningful goals to avoid burnout and achieve peak performance.

#2482

• Mentioned in 18 episodes

• Mentioned in 316 episodes

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Steven Pressfield

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

Ambition is laudable. But hustle culture extracts a cost. True, sustainable success demands groundedness.

Here today to elaborate is Brad Stulberg—a writer and coach specializing in human performance and well-being. Returning for his third appearance (you can check out episodes #293 & #429).

Brad is the author of three books: Peak Performance, The Passion Paradox, and his latest, the subject of today’s exchange, The Practice of Groundedness. His work has appeared in the NYT, WSJ, Sports Illustrated, Wired, Forbes, GQ, TIME, & Outside. He is the co-founder of The Growth Equation newsletter & podcast alongside elite track & field coach Steve Magness.

This is a conversation about striving–not out of compulsion–but from a place of wholeness and love. It’s a state of mind and action Brad calls groundedness. In addition, we discuss in great detail the principles upon which to build sustainable success and a life grounded in meaning and fulfillment.

Trigger Warning: We discuss a few intense mental health topics including suicidal ideation—in fairly graphic detail. So sensitive viewers please be advised.

This conversation is overflowing with evidence-and-experience-based, practical, and actionable life counsel.

You can also watch the magic transpire on YouTube. As always, the podcast streams free on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Pick up Rich’s lates book VOICING CHANGE Vol. II HERE.

For full show notes and to read more about Terry, go HERE.

Enjoy the show!

Peace + Plants,

Rich

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