The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul
"This book taps into something that so many of us feel but can't articulate." --Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO, Thrive Global
From the bestselling author of Peak Performance comes a powerful antidote to heroic individualism and the ensuing epidemic of burnout.
Achievement often comes at a cost. Angst, restlessness, frayed relationships, exhaustion, and even substance abuse can be the unwanted side effects of an obsession with outward performance. While the high of occasional wins can keep you going for a while, playing into the always-on, never enough hustle culture ultimately takes a serious toll.
In The Practice of Groundedness, bestselling author Brad Stulberg shares a healthier, more sustainable model for success. 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, a resolute sense of self from which deep and enduring, not shallow and superficial, 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.
In "The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul", Brad Stulberg presents a refreshing perspective on achieving success in life. He challenges the prevailing notion that constant striving and relentless pursuit of goals are the only ways to achieve greatness. Instead, he advocates for a more balanced approach that prioritizes personal well-being and fulfillment alongside professional aspirations.
Stulberg's concept of groundedness is central to his philosophy. He defines groundedness as "the ability to stay connected to the present moment, to be aware of your thoughts and feelings, and to respond to the world around you with intention and purpose." This state of mind allows us to navigate the challenges and opportunities of life with greater clarity, resilience, and effectiveness.
The book is divided into three parts. In Part One, Stulberg explores the science behind groundedness and its impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health. He also delves into the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to our sense of disconnection and the ways in which we can cultivate groundedness in our daily lives.
Part Two of the book provides practical tools and techniques for developing and maintaining groundedness. Stulberg introduces readers to mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and other exercises that can help us connect more deeply with ourselves and the present moment. He also discusses the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and setting boundaries in order to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In Part Three, Stulberg shifts his focus to the application of groundedness in various aspects of life. He explores how groundedness can enhance our relationships, improve our performance at work, and lead to greater creativity and innovation. He also addresses the challenges of maintaining groundedness in a world that often values speed, productivity, and external validation over well-being and authenticity.
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