How To Cultivate Excellence in a Chaotic World with Brad Stulberg

Falling off a goal is normal. Knowing how to get back on track—without shame or drama—is the real skill. I’m hosting a free 60-minute live workshop on Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm ET to teach a simple framework for getting unstuck. Register now for ⁠⁠Falling Off is Part of It: The Framework for Getting Back on Track (Without the Drama)⁠⁠!

In this episode, Brad Stulberg explores how to cultivate excellence in a chaotic world. He explains how excellence is a lifelong practice rooted in daily effort, presence, and values, not a final achievement. Brad also discusses the importance of process over outcome, balancing ambition with self-kindness, and finding meaning through consistent, value-driven actions. The conversation also covers overcoming burnout, the illusion of perfect balance, and how to live intentionally in a chaotic world, offering practical advice for cultivating fulfillment and true greatness in everyday life.

Exciting News!!! Coming in March, 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

The concept of excellence as a continuous practice rather than a fixed destination.

The transformative nature of pursuing goals and its impact on character and personal growth.

The importance of a process mindset, focusing on daily efforts and consistency.

The metaphor of "feeding the good wolf" to emphasize nurturing positive qualities.

The balance between striving for outcomes and being present in the process.

The significance of measuring effort over outcomes for sustained progress.

The idea of "raising the floor" to improve performance on average days.

The role of care and commitment in achieving excellence.

The distinction between meaningful engagement and the pitfalls of comfort and convenience.

The necessity of intentional living and effort in a chaotic, technology-driven world.

For full show notes: ⁠click here⁠!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Brad Stulberg, check out these other episodes:

The Practice of Groundedness with Brad Stulberg

Mindfulness and Understanding Identity with Cory Allen

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Check out ⁠Mountains to Cross ⁠by Dr. Abraham George. It’s the story of how a life built on success was redirected toward compassion, and how that choice led to the founding of Shanti Bhavan, a school helping children break free from generational poverty. Find it wherever books are sold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices