We talk a lot on this podcast about the principles that underlie true excellence, so we’re especially excited when we see those core ideas exemplified in the real world. On today’s podcast, Steve, Brad, and Clay each pick one sports moment from this past weekend that illustrated a lesson (or three) about healthy competition, unpacking what you can learn from the Tigers and Mariners going 15 innings, A’ja Wilson’s third WNBA title, and the Chicago Marathon. All in all, we ended up with seven lessons about how to compete the right way.

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Pre-Order Our New Book, "The Way of Excellence," Today—And Get Great Bonuses!

To get a limited first edition copy plus great exclusive bonuses, pre-order The Way of Excellence from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop,org, and then fill out this form with your order number to receive your bonuses today.

Whether you are pushing your limits at the gym or on the track, practicing guitar, coaching or leading a team, honing a craft, practicing medicine, or finally taking on that big creative project, this book will help you create, contribute, maximize your potential, and be the best and most authentic version of yourself.

Steve Kerr, nine-time NBA champion and coach of Team USA, read an early copy and called it "an absolutely beautiful book...it captures a lot of what I believe as a coach."

Pre-orders are a huge help to us and the best way to support our work. They are also a great deal for you. As an "excellence, actually" listener, if you pre-order today, you'll get access to incredible exclusive bonus materials—including a professionally produced 90-minute masterclass, a workbook with interactive exercises for each chapter, a comprehensive reading list, and more. It's an absurdly good value.

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Click here for an AI-generated, unedited transcript

If you have a question for us, send an email to clay.growtheq@gmail.com or call our voicemail at ‪(646) 893-9503‬.

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Today, we're exploring the transformative power of curiosity, which is one of the most effective tools elite performers use in high-pressure situations. We'll explain how shifting from a mindset of fear or rigid confidence to one of open curiosity can change your biology and psychology, unlocking new levels of performance—whether you’re stepping up to a heavy barbell or presenting to a boardroom. It orients the brain way from a threat-based "avoidance" mindset, and towards a challenge-embracing "approach" mentality. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and real-world stories from elite athletes and performers, we're giving you practical tools to keep you curious in high-stakes moments.

Unedited transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z5-KGTToE5cGVHJQtfE2d5gF0aLYjKin-Ww8ADEzztw/edit?usp=sharing

If you have a question for us, send an email to clay.growtheq@gmail.com or call our voicemail at ‪(646) 893-9503‬.

Subscribe to The Growth Equation newsletter: https://thegrowtheq.com/newsletters/geq/

If you are enjoying "excellence, actually," do us a huge favor: text your favorite episode to three people so they can enjoy it, too. Thanks!

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Is personal development and self-improvement making us better—or just more self-absorbed? In today's episode, we wade into the debate sparked by a recent New York Times article (link below) about whether the world of betterment is actually helping with personal growth, or just creating inward navel-gazing? We discuss how to think about the role of individual agency in a world of structural challenge, the pitfalls of hyper-optimization, and why nuance (and community) matter more than ever. We explore how to use self-help as a tool—without letting it take over your life. Whether you’re a self-improvement skeptic or a die-hard devotee, this conversation will give you new ways to think about growth, agency, and what it really means to be excellent, on both an individual and collective level.

"Is Today's Self-Help Teaching Everyone to Be a Jerk?" by Emma Goldberg: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/25/style/self-help-books-columns-readers.html

Unedited transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mzKxdG-NcdRbzUsKH6IEMLGt3z5Z7Fln00AN1T4hN3U/edit?usp=sharing

If you have a questions for us, send an email to clay.growtheq@gmail.com or call our voicemail at ‪(646) 893-9503‬.

Subscribe to The Growth Equation newsletter: https://thegrowtheq.com/newsletters/geq/

If you are enjoying "excellence, actually," do us a huge favor: text your favorite episode to three people so they can enjoy it, too. Thanks!

• iTunes and Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Android
• PocketCasts
• YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.