Reconsidering: Mastering change with Brad Stulberg

27 snips

Jan 1, 2025

In this conversation, Brad Stulberg, a renowned author and coach on health and well-being, explores the inevitability of change and how we can embrace it. He contrasts Eastern and Western philosophies, emphasizing flexibility in identity to navigate life's transitions. Brad clarifies the difference between pain and suffering, advocating for acceptance. The discussion also touches on personal identity and the importance of community in the face of change, suggesting diversification of interests to manage emotional risks effectively.

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INSIGHT

Resistance to Change

Temperament and upbringing influence our openness to change.
Western culture often rewards control, leading to resistance when change is inevitable.

ADVICE

Dealing With Change

Control what you can, but release what you can't, especially concerning major life changes.
Don't fight against change; instead, learn to adapt and find a middle ground.

INSIGHT

Allostasis and the Nature of Stability

Allostasis, a newer model of change, suggests that stability is dynamic and constantly evolving.
We should strive for stability through change, not by clinging to the past.

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Our podcast network, The Curiosity Department, has a new show called Reconsidering.

Though design and your work are a big part of who you are, you are so much more. Reconsidering is a show hosted by designers that aims to bring fresh eyes to the important things in life. Co-hosts Meredith Black, formerly at Pinterest and Figma, Bob Baxley, formerly at Apple and Thoughtspot, and Aarron Walter explore topics like how to build a fulfilling career, navigate big life changes like illness and death, and we talk with experts about the skills you need to cultivate to become the healthy, well adjusted adult we all want to be.

You can learn more about Reconsidering and subscribe to the show at Reconsidering.org. But to give you a taste, we’re sharing an episode here. Bob, Meredith, and Aarron talked to Brad Stuhlberg, who writes about excellence, resilience, performance, and well-being. His latest book, Mastering Change, is a New York Times best-seller and a great read as we enter the new year with big goals for ourselves. Brad’s in depth research and lucid guidance made an impression on us, and we know it will do the same for you.

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Like it or not, change is inevitable. Your career, relationships, body, health, mood are all in constant motion. We can fight it but it’s unproductive and leads to suffering.

Our pal Brad Stulberg is back on the show to help us look at change differently. His new book Master of Change: How To Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You is full of deeply researched wisdom from science and philosophy that will help you become more resilient and adaptable.

About Brad Stulberg

Brad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on health, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and co-author of Peak Performance. Stulberg regularly contributes to the New York Times, and his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, Outside Magazine, Forbes, and other outlets. He also serves as the co-host of The Growth Equation podcast and is on faculty at the University of Michigan’s Graduate School of Public Health. In his coaching practice, he works with executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, and athletes on their mental skills and overall well-being. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.