excellence, actually The Way of Excellence: Inside Brad's New Book
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Jan 22, 2026 
Brad Stulberg, a performance coach and author, dives into his new book, The Way of Excellence. He shares how the book’s inspiration stems from a life-changing trip to the Himalayas and explains that excellence isn’t perfection, but deeply caring about what matters. Insightful stories from athletes and creators illustrate the importance of rituals, gumption, and the fear of vulnerability. Brad emphasizes focusing on daily practices and trade-offs that lead to a fulfilling, excellent life, making this conversation a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone striving for greatness.
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Ritualize Completion To Hold Meaning
- Build completion rituals and milestones to give meaning and allow reflection.\n- Celebrate effort and create ritualized pauses to prevent the season from feeling like a soulless grind.
Top Chess Players Feel Dread Too
- Chess grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave still feels dread after errors but uses it to refocus on the board.\n- Brad learned that elite performers feel the pain too and then reorient to the immediate task.
Craft Shapes The Craftsman
- Furniture maker Peter Korn realized his work's true purpose was to shape his character.\n- Work should both express values and cultivate those qualities within yourself.
