The Way of Excellence - by Brad Stulberg (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
USA TODAY BESTSELLER
NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB MUST READ

The definitive book on excellence: a practical guide to creating, contributing, and actualizing your potential amid the craziness of modern life, from bestselling author Brad Stulberg

"An absolutely beautiful book."--Steve Kerr, nine-time NBA Champion; Coach of the Golden State Warriors and Team USA

Whether you are practicing guitar, pushing your limits at the gym, leading a team, honing a craft, studying medicine, or giving yourself the time and space to finally write that book, the pursuit of excellence is a big part of what makes life worth living--and it is for all of us. Unlike "pseudo-excellence," which is about hustle culture and hacks, genuine excellence is about challenging yourself in worthwhile endeavors, focusing on what matters most, and expressing the unique qualities that make you who you are. Too often, we get caught up in convenience and distraction to the detriment of our true potential. The good news is that we can set ourselves on a better path, one that includes more aliveness and resonance, more connection to self and others.

Here, Stulberg finds convergence between modern science, age-old philosophy, and daily practice to explain that we are wired to strive for excellence--it is what we are here to do, core to our humanity. Yet our environment often works against us. The path he shares to reclaim excellence means learning about:

• Defining, living, and working in alignment with your values
• Cultivating focus and concentration
• The power of prioritizing consistency over intensity
• Building durable confidence
• The connection between mastery and mattering
• Developing the courage to care deeply
• Designing environments that support excellence
• Selecting goals based not just on what you want to achieve, but on who you want to become
• Overcoming the traps, pitfalls, and barriers to excellence including alienation, chasing a never-ending supply of dopamine, and addiction to external validation and the opinions of others
• Applying the principles and insights of excellence to one's organizations and communities

At its core, excellence is a deeply-fulfilling process of becoming--the best performer, and person, you can be.

Review Quotes

"An absolutely beautiful book that captures a lot of what I believe as a coach. The gratification that comes from truly losing one's self in that process is an amazing gift. It brings joy, peace of mind, and a sense of pride. These are things we frequently talk about with the Warriors, and I believe are part of our success." - Steve Kerr, 9 time NBA Champion, Coach of the Golden State Warriors and Team USA

Readers are invited to rethink what it truly means to be at their best--not through perfectionism or shallow success, but through purposeful growth and meaningful engagement. Stulberg reveals how excellence is a deeply human process." - Charles Duhigg, author of the bestsellers The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators

"Stulberg's examination of excellence as both a concept and practice is food for thought for every profession and discipline -- and for life itself. A riveting narrative that shows us that everyone is capable of growth. The Way of Excellence is full of tools, but it's about more than achieving and succeeding. I loved reading it." - Hilary Hahn, international violin soloist and 3-time GRAMMY winner

"In a chaotic world filled with shallow distraction and performative busyness, The Way of Excellence is a must-read book that offers a path toward something deeper: the disciplined pursuit of mastery, competence, and mattering. I highly recommend it!" - Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Slow Productivity and Deep Work

"A transformative read for aspiring high performers of all disciplines and all levels. This book is the best reminder that the way we do what we do matters." - Chelsea Sodaro, Ironman World Champion

"The Way of Excellence is Brad Stulberg at his very best: relentlessly pragmatic, truly wise, and genuinely helpful. This book teaches us that in an era of shallow hacks and quick fixes, mastery requires depth and patience. Excellence is: consistency over intensity, fundamentals over fads, and progress over perfection. It is hard for me to think of anyone in my life to whom I wouldn't recommend this book." - Derek Thompson, author of Abundance and Hit Makers

A book particularly welcome during a time of growing isolation and what Brad calls "zombie burnout." - Arianna Huffington