The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg Summary

The Practice of Groundedness offers a science-backed framework for achieving lasting success without burnout. Brad Stulberg combines stoic philosophy, modern psychology, and case studies to teach six principles: acceptance, presence, patience, vulnerability, community, and physical grounding. It emphasizes building inner stability over relentless productivity, helping readers thrive in a chaotic world.

This book is ideal for high achievers, professionals, athletes, or anyone feeling trapped in cycles of burnout or chronic hustle. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking balance between ambition and well-being, or readers interested in mindfulness, resilience, and sustainable performance.

Yes—critics praise its actionable blend of ancient wisdom and modern science. It provides tools to replace unsustainable habits with rooted growth, making it a standout in self-help literature. Reviewers highlight its practicality for managing stress, improving focus, and fostering meaningful relationships.

Stulberg’s core principles are:

• Accept where you are.
• Cultivate presence.
• Practice patience.
• Embrace vulnerability.
• Build deep community.
• Move your body to ground your mind.

Each principle includes exercises like reflective journaling or mindfulness rituals to integrate them into daily life.

While Peak Performance focused on optimizing productivity, Groundedness prioritizes enduring well-being. It addresses critiques of hustle culture by advocating for stability over perpetual growth, blending stoicism and Buddhism with therapies like ACT and DBT.

Key strategies include:

• Morning reflection routines to set intentional goals.
• “Micro-moments” of mindfulness to reclaim focus.
• Strength-training metaphors to reframe challenges.
• Vulnerability exercises to strengthen relationships.

These are designed to be adaptable to individual lifestyles.

Notable lines include:

• “Success that crushes your soul isn’t success at all.”
• “Strength isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s moving forward with struggle.”
• “Ground yourself first; climb second.”

These emphasize self-compassion and holistic growth.

Yes—it references studies on neuroplasticity, social connection’s impact on longevity, and the psychological benefits of physical movement. Stulberg also integrates dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Each chapter ends with a “Putting It Into Practice” section, including reflection prompts, habit trackers, and guided exercises to measure progress in acceptance, patience, and community-building.

Some note its principles overlap with existing mindfulness literature. Others suggest the strategies require significant lifestyle adjustments, which may challenge time-constrained readers. However, most praise its fresh synthesis of ideas.

Unlike Atomic Habits’ focus on incremental change, Groundedness prioritizes internal stability. It shares Lost Connections’ emphasis on community but adds actionable performance strategies. Ideal for readers seeking both personal growth and societal connection.

Amid AI-driven productivity pressures and remote work isolation, its lessons on mental resilience and authentic connection remain critical. The book’s flexible framework helps navigate modern challenges like digital overload and career uncertainty.

Leaders can use its community-building principles to reduce workplace burnout, promote psychological safety, and design roles that align with employees’ core values. The “move your body” concept also supports wellness programs.