The Way of Excellence

Performance coach Brad Stulberg separates genuine excellence from what he calls pseudo-excellence, the hustle culture and hacks of modern self-improvement. Drawing on modern science, old philosophy and daily practice, he argues that people are wired to strive for excellence but that convenience, distraction and their surroundings push against it. His path covers living by one's values, building focus, putting consistency ahead of intensity, developing durable confidence, the link between mastery and mattering, and designing supportive environments. Stulberg also addresses traps such as chasing dopamine and dependence on outside approval, and applies the ideas to organizations and communities. It became a New York Times and USA Today best seller.

Cal Newport highly recommended it as a guide to mastery, competence and a sense of mattering.