#438 Brad Stulberg - The Way of Excellence

Brad Stulberg returns to the show to share lessons from his newest book, The Way of Excellence.In this episode, Brad joins Andrew Coates to explore what excellence actually means for everyday people — not elite performers chasing perfection, but normal humans trying to live well, work with purpose, and avoid burning out in a noisy, overstimulating world.This conversation unpacks the difference between happiness and fulfillment, the dangers of optimizing life around comfort and dopamine, and why choosing meaningful stress is often the path to a better life.THIS EPISODE COVERS:What “excellence” looks like for everyday peopleHow to set up your environment to support excellenceThe critical difference between happiness and fulfillmentProblems with the Happiness Industrial ComplexWhy bypassing the pursuit of instant happiness mattersWhy stress with purpose is better than stress avoidanceWhat “Internet Brain” is and why it is harmfulWhat Zombie Burnout is and how it sneaks up on peopleWhy progress often feels mystical rather than linearThe role of community in sustained excellenceAnd much moreBrad’s new book The Way of Excellence is available now, everywhere books are sold.Instagram: @bradstulbergCHAPTERS00:40 Defining Excellence02:16 Fulfillment vs. Happiness04:55 The Happiness Tube Hypothetical10:12 Choosing Meaningful Stress11:43 The Role of Stress in Growth21:33 Personal Reflections on Deadlifting25:17 The Mystical Journey of Progress27:08 The Addictive Nature of Feedback27:18 The Mystery of Mastery27:35 Golf and the Flow State27:55 Variable Reinforcement and Gambling28:41 Periodization for Life29:40 The Value of Novel Ideas in Books33:46 Setting Up an Environment for Excellence35:28 The Impact of Community on Success39:39 Zombie Burnout Explained40:56 Finding Purpose in Work and Life44:25 The Dangers of Internet Brain46:36 Reflections on the Pandemic47:38 Conclusion and Book RecommendationsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink success, fulfillment, or how you relate to stress, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)Sending it to someone who feels successful but unfulfilledFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirstDuring setup, answer: How did you hear about us?Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15 percent off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you