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The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul Hardcover – September 7, 2021
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"A thoughtful, actionable book for pursuing more excellence with less angst." --Adam Grant, author of Think Again
"Ambitious, far-reaching, and impactful" -- David Epstein, author of Range
Playing into the always-on, never enough hustle culture ultimately takes a serious toll. While the high of occasional wins can keep you going for a while, angst, restlessness, frayed relationships, exhaustion, and even substance abuse can be the unwanted side effects of an obsession with outward performance.
In The Practice of Groundedness, bestselling author Brad Stulberg offers a path from which peak performance and well-being and fulfillment can emerge and prevail for a lifetime. At the heart of this model is groundedness—a practice that values presence over rote productivity, accepts that progress is nonlinear, and prioritizes long-term values and fulfillment over short-term gain. To be grounded is to possess a firm and unwavering foundation, an internal strength and self-confidence that sustains you through ups and downs and from which deep and enduring success can be found. Groundedness does not eliminate ambition and striving; rather, it situates these qualities and channels them in more meaningful ways.
Interweaving case studies, modern science, and time-honored lessons from ancient wisdom traditions such as Buddhism, Stoicism, and Taoism, Stulberg teaches readers how to cultivate the habits and practices of a more grounded life. Readers will learn:
* Why patience is the key to getting where you want to go faster--in work and life--and how to develop it, pushing back against the culture's misguided obsession with speed and "hacks."
* How to utilize the lens of the wise observer in order to overcome delusion and resistance to clearly see and accept where you are—which is the key to more effectively getting where you want to go
* Why embracing vulnerability is the key to genuine strength and confidence
* The critical importance of "deep community," or cultivating a sense of belonging and connection to people, places, and causes.
Provocative and practical, The Practice of Groundedness is the necessary corrective to the frenetic pace and endemic burnout resulting from contemporary definitions of success. It offers a new—and better—way.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPortfolio
- Publication dateSeptember 7, 2021
- Dimensions6.23 x 1 x 9.25 inches
- ISBN-100593329899
- ISBN-13978-0593329894
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“This book gets to the heart of the matter.”
--Ryan Holiday, New York Times bestselling author of Stillness Is the Key and Ego Is the Enemy
"If you ever feel like your own life and the wider world are swirling out of control, you need this book.”
--Daniel H. Pink, author of When, Drive, and To Sell Is Human
“Ambitious, far-reaching, and impactful. Stulberg is the writer I turn to for examinations of success in all of its personal and professional complexities.”
--David Epstein, New York Times bestselling author of Range and The Sports Gene
“This book taps into something that so many of us feel but can’t articulate.”
--Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO, Thrive Global
“A thoughtful, actionable book for pursuing more excellence with less angst."
--Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife
“A valuable guide on going from heroic individualism to a more sustainable, long-term vision of success."
--Scott Galloway, New York Times bestselling author of The Four and Post Corona
“A crucial alternative for those of us exhausted by soulless exhortations to crush it, and looking for a deeper approach to building a successful life.”
--Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work
“Exactly what we need at this moment. Stulberg is a master at translating research into strategies to live by.”
--Kelly McGonigal, bestselling author of The Willpower Instinct and The Joy of Movement
“Happiness requires a life rooted in values and strengths. But this doesn’t happen by itself. Stulberg offers six concrete steps that we can follow that will guide our path.”
--Arthur C. Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of The Conservative Heart and Love Your Enemies
" A series of down-to-earth prescriptions that teach you to stop fixating on productivity at the expense of well-being. Highly recommend."
--Adam Alter, New York Times bestselling author of Irresistible and Drunk Tank Pink
"A wise and beautifully written book. In masterful fashion, Stulberg shows how the bold humility of groundedness is relevant to all aspects of your life. Read it and you'll see."
--Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and author of A Liberated Mind
" An engaging read with pragmatic tips that can be put into practice right now. This book couldn’t come at a better time."
--Judson Brewer, MD, Ph.D, bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety and The Craving Mind
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Portfolio (September 7, 2021)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0593329899
- ISBN-13 : 978-0593329894
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.23 x 1 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #57,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,215 in Success Self-Help
- #4,844 in Business & Money (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Brad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on mental health, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and Master of Change. He regularly contributes to the New York Times and his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the Atlantic, among other outlets. In his coaching practice, he works with executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, and athletes on their mental skills and overall well-being. He is on faculty at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health. His past books include Peak Performance and The Passion Paradox.
Follow him on Instagram @Bradstulberg and on Twitter @Bstulberg and learn more at www.bradstulberg.com
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book's insights meaningful and helpful. They describe it as an enjoyable, worthwhile read with a clear writing style. The concepts are easy to follow and apply, with straightforward advice that is practical and doable. Readers appreciate the author's storytelling abilities and his candid approach to daily struggles. They also appreciate the author's vulnerability and the importance of physical movement.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book's information meaningful and helpful. They appreciate the author's skill in bringing complex science and philosophy down into practices. The principles resonate with readers right away, and the book encourages reflection on the ideas presented. Readers enjoy the emphasis on going from principles to action and having clear objectives for moving forward. Overall, it provides a good look into modern self-help.
"...of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul is an excellent book with tons of solid suggestions to improve..." Read more
"...and Stoicism to the Abrahamic religions, this book helps connect similar struggles from CEOs, songwriters, and athletes, to how you may feel in the..." Read more
"...us a gift – one that at once encourages self-reflection and invites incremental change (with suggestions for practical application) in our quest for..." Read more
"...It eventually picked up and became more interesting, especially when the author touched on the topics of mindfulness, happiness, vulnerability, and..." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They say it's a worthwhile read for anyone looking to maintain a positive outlook on life. The book leads readers through simple practices that are motivating. It is a must-read for busy executives and professionals stuck in the "always-on" trap.
"...Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul is an excellent book with tons of solid suggestions to improve your quality of life." Read more
"...This book deals with how top performers in all industries can help manage anxiety, stress, and imposter syndrome...." Read more
"...If you're new to personal growth and development, this is a fantastic book...." Read more
"...~Bob Dylan (Forever Young). Definitely the best book I've read in 2022." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's writing style. They find it clear, simple to read, and engaging. The author writes with humility and simplicity that makes them feel like friends. The book provides science-based advice in a straightforward manner with well-written stories and quotes. Readers appreciate the smooth reading experience and the author's authentic voice. The book includes an annotated bibliography and concise examples grounded in real-world situations.
"...explains the steps and obstacles to achieving the state in an easy to read and understandable manner...." Read more
"...This book is so clearly written (he writes like I think) and does a magnificent job of getting right to the heart of so many relevant aspects of my..." Read more
"...He also provides anecdotes and implementation suggestions. He writes with a humility and a simplicity that makes him feel like a friend as opposed..." Read more
"...The reading is smooth and interesting and oh so worthwhile!..." Read more
Customers find the concepts in the book straightforward and easy to follow. They appreciate the practical advice and actionable steps included. The book provides relatable examples and insights for daily practice.
"...This book has solid and easy to implement steps for not letting the world around you overrun your life...." Read more
"...of trigger, behavior, reward is a great framing that is also easy to remember...." Read more
"...He writes with a humility and a simplicity that makes him feel like a friend as opposed to someone hovering above it all and giving you their..." Read more
"...Brad has a way of breaking things down that are simple to understand and simple to apply...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's storytelling and anecdotes. They find it honest and thought-provoking, providing science and practical advice. Readers commend the author for being courageous in speaking his truth. The book is described as a sermon without being preachy or pedantic.
"...He gives thought provoking examples and shares stories masterfully throughout the book to illustrate the problems of humanity and our common..." Read more
"...He also provides anecdotes and implementation suggestions...." Read more
"...great -- I love the combination of science, religion, psychology, storytelling and actionable practices at the end of each chapter to put the..." Read more
"...powerful and deeply personal book about how to live that is neither preachy nor pedantic while being grounded in solid research...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's vulnerability in revealing difficulties. They find the book helpful for improving skills without using tricks or gadgets.
"...six principles of groundedness: acceptance, presence, patience, vulnerability, community, and movement/physical exertion...." Read more
"...when the author touched on the topics of mindfulness, happiness, vulnerability, and the importance of physical movement and how it impacts all areas..." Read more
"...This book has solid and easy to implement steps for not letting the world around you overrun your life...." Read more
"...What I most appreciated was the author’s vulnerability in revealing the difficulties he personally faced along his own journey of groundedness...." Read more
Customers find the book's movement relatable and actionable. They mention the importance of physical movement and how it impacts all areas of life.
"...presence, patience, vulnerability, community, and movement/physical exertion...." Read more
"...topics of mindfulness, happiness, vulnerability, and the importance of physical movement and how it impacts all areas of life...." Read more
"...Mindfulness, movement, habits, community, and acceptance are all addressed in detail. I've always been leary of the self-help genre...." Read more
"I love this book! Inspiring and actionable. I’ve been a fan of Brad‘s work for years on high performance...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's focus on acceptance, presence, patience, vulnerability, and community.
"...of adopting the six principles of groundedness: acceptance, presence, patience, vulnerability, community, and movement/physical exertion...." Read more
"I am slightly over a quarter through, but I loved your point about patience. And how being patient and playing the long game yields the most results...." Read more
"...My favorite section was the chapter about Patience. (Don't just do something, stand there.)..." Read more
"...It promotes a grounded life that is fully in the present, self aware, patient, and compassionate for self...." Read more
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Highly recommended for navigating a life/career transition!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023I bought The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul by Brad Stulberg because I loved a book he wrote with Steve Magness, Peak Performance. I gave that book a top review and named it one of the top five books I read in 2018.
I expected a lot from The Practice of Groundedness. I think Brad Stulberg delivered.
In some ways, the new book is an attempt to compensate for problems in the beliefs behind Peak Performance. Stulberg puts it this way early in the book.
"I thought the recipe for success and happiness was to cultivate a fruitful passion and then use the principles of Peak Performance to channel it, to climb toward mastery."
Living out those ideas had mixed results. Some people thrived. Others succumbed to a common condition in modern life. Stulberg names the problem “heroic individualism” which he describes as “an ongoing game of one-upmanship, against both yourself and others, paired with the limiting belief that measurable achievement is the only arbiter of success.”
Do you know some people who practice heroic individualism? How about you? I know that I have and that when I did, I wasn’t very happy, and I was only successful in one area of life. Everything else suffered.
Stulberg describes how he fell into the trap. He gives you a checklist (if you need one) to gauge whether you practice heroic individualism. Here’s why and how Stulberg says he wrote this book.
"Might there be a way to be more at ease and content, more solid and whole, and still perform to the utmost of your potential? To answer these questions, I looked to scientific research, ancient wisdom, and modern practice."
I think he did a good job. Here’s a quick overview of the book.
The book is divided into two parts. Part One is “The Principles of Grounded Success.” There are seven chapters.
The first chapter is an introduction to the book. It describes Stulberg’s experience and his thinking leading up to the writing.
The next six chapters are each about a single principle of groundedness. Each chapter has a description of the principle, followed by a “practice” section that suggests ways you can live out the principle in your life. Here’s a list of the chapters.
Chapter 2: Accept Where You Are to Get Where You Want to Go
Chapter3: Be Present So You Can Own Your Attention and Energy
Chapter 4: Be Patient and You’ll Get There Faster
Chapter 5: Embrace Vulnerability to Develop Genuine Strength and Confidence
Chapter 6: Build Deep Community
Chapter 7: Move Your Body to Ground Your Mind
Part 2 is about living a grounded life. There are two chapters. Chapter i8 is From Principles to Action and Chapter 9 is Focus on the Process, Let the Outcomes Take Care of Themselves. A conclusion follows.
Here’s where I have a quibble with the author. After advising us to choose simplicity over complexity in chapter 8, he says this.
"For each principle of groundedness, come up with one to three concrete actions that you can take to water it. Also come up with one to three concrete actions that it would be wise to stop. Think of each principle as a state of your inner being. Your job is to take an inventory of your everyday actions—your doing—and try to align them with your being. Be as simple and specific as possible."
I disagree with that. I think if you try that you try to take on an enormous amount of change all at once. That rarely ends well. Here’s a better way.
Read chapters two through seven. Either skip the practice sections altogether or skim them if they help you understand the principle. After you’ve read the whole book and reflected on what you’ve learned, pick one area to work on. Read the practice section for that area. Then pick one area of practice to try. As you work on that one, you will probably discover ways to integrate other areas into your life.
In a Nutshell
The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul is an excellent book with tons of solid suggestions to improve your quality of life.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023The Practice of Groundedness, by Brad Stulberg, was recommended to me by a coworker. I preordered it back in May and was delighted to see it pop up on my Kindle on its release date, September 7, 2021. This book deals with how top performers in all industries can help manage anxiety, stress, and imposter syndrome. Drawing from ancient philosophies, from Buddhism and Stoicism to the Abrahamic religions, this book helps connect similar struggles from CEOs, songwriters, and athletes, to how you may feel in the day-to-day of your job. This book isn’t particularly thick or dense, which is nice if you want to practice more groundedness and mindfulness without reading esoteric texts.
I didn’t find anything dramatic or groundbreaking because I tend to read so much in this genre, but I appreciate all the parallels to longstanding philosophies. The Practice of Groundedness devotes a chapter to each of the principles of groundedness. These deep dives show you what it looks like when you are out of alignment with the specific principle and gives you anecdotes from those who have gone through the process of practicing groundedness. I truly appreciated how this book didn’t reference and rehash every self-help book published in the past five years but drew from relevant, present-day people and scenarios to illustrate the points.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023I discovered author Brad Stulberg via a July 2021 NYT article entitled “The Zen of Weightlifting.” As an elite powerlifter, I am accustomed to seeing either nothing on the topic of resistance training in mainstream media or encountering trite, uninteresting, salacious, or inaccurate content (as an aside, America seems to appreciate aerobic sports much more than their anaerobic cousins, but I digress). Stulberg’s article was a breath of fresh air in a bog of eternal stench: he highlighted autonomy, mastery, and community as a sampling of the physical and mental benefits associated with weight training. As these principles resonate with me as foundational to my own WHYs for training, this article led me to purchase first Peak Performance and later Groundedness.
In Groundedness, Stulberg denounces what he calls “heroic individulaism,” a sort of hybrid between toxic perfectionism and the oft-embraced lie that “measurable achievement is the only arbiter of success” (p. 5). There is a better way, Stulberg posits, to find joy in the journey and pursue sustainable excellence; this enlightened path consists of adopting the six principles of groundedness: acceptance, presence, patience, vulnerability, community, and movement/physical exertion. Once again, Stulberg’s research and subsequent writing struck a chord with my own lived experience as a former marathoner, missionary, soccer player, amateur bodybuilder, and now world class powerlifter (for my weight and age). Could I continue to pursue excellence in my athletic and professional pursuits, yet do so in a more sustainable, joy-inducing way? This was the question I had while reading Stulberg’s book.
It’s no secret that “conventional measures of success–promotion, awards, money–consistently fail to bring us long-term happiness.” But what constitutes a “healthier, more sustainable model for success”? Stulberg pinpoints this as stemming from groundedness, or possessing “a resolute sense of self” and espousing the aforementioned six principles as core to our daily functioning as humans. Instead of striving for striving’s sake, or striving in order to obtain the glory and honor of the world, “we should spend more time and energy focusing on the deep, internal foundation [...] from which any and all striving emerges” (pp. 239-240).
With Groundedness, Stulberg has given us a gift – one that at once encourages self-reflection and invites incremental change (with suggestions for practical application) in our quest for becoming something more than we are today. To paraphrase Stulberg (p. 240), as we add substance to our foundation and learn to define success differently, our satisfaction with the variety of life’s experiences and our value-added to others both increase. We reach higher heights because of our investment in what lasts, what is foundational, what matters most: our groundedness.
Top reviews from other countries
- Sandra AvilaReviewed in Mexico on May 31, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars Good action points
I liked it, it touched on a very popular topic with practical actions to apply.
- Amit BhartiReviewed in India on October 28, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars One should definitely read this book..
Do you know why the progress is non linear? Why patience, not time hacking is the key to getting where you want faster and how to develop it.
This book will help you to understand the groundedness and how it builds an unwavering foundation, a resolute sense of self that fosters a deep and enduring success.
The book offers a lucidly great understanding of stoic lessons for the transformative success and navigating the problems without affecting our conscience.
Amit BhartiOne should definitely read this book..
Reviewed in India on October 28, 2024
This book will help you to understand the groundedness and how it builds an unwavering foundation, a resolute sense of self that fosters a deep and enduring success.
The book offers a lucidly great understanding of stoic lessons for the transformative success and navigating the problems without affecting our conscience.
Images in this review
- emilyrudowReviewed in Canada on September 7, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A really important and impactful read
As someone who has and continues to struggle with Brad’s definition of heroic individualism, this was an important read and reminder to return to those simple everyday practices. While these practices are simple in theory, the implementation and self-discipline needed to actually do the inner work is hard. This book provides the tools to make these practices accessible and realistic to implement while allowing the flexibility to tailor each principle to our own unique situations and social locations.
I'm a big fan of Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness' work (with the Growth Equation and past books) so had high expectations going into this one. Let me just say this: I was far from disappointed. This is the kind of book to keep on your nightstand and to pick-up often until the principles really sink in. While the elements of the book are relatable to someone like me: type A, high stimulus, workaholic, etc., I believe everyone can take several important lessons away.
This book is an easy 5/5 and one of my favourite reads in 2021. Highly recommended!
- JenReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars lovely
I picked this up after reading Stulberg’s wonderful piece about excellence in The New York Times. This was just such an incredible book - and practical too. Inspiring for all the right reasons - really recommend highly!
- sasiratReviewed in Australia on August 8, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars We can all benefit from this practice
Superb book filled with actionable advice