Podcast Summary: "Reconsidering: Mastering Change with Brad Stulberg"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Design Better
- Host/Author: The Curiosity Department, LLC
- Episode: Reconsidering: Mastering Change with Brad Stulberg
- Release Date: January 1, 2025
Introduction
In the inaugural episode of their new show Reconsidering, co-hosts Aaron Walter, Bob Baxley, and Meredith Black engage in a profound conversation with Brad Stulberg, author of the New York Times bestseller Mastering Change. The episode delves into understanding and navigating the inevitable changes life presents, drawing from Brad's extensive research and personal experiences.
Guest Introduction and Background
Brad Stulberg introduces himself as an author focused on excellence, resilience, performance, and well-being. Known for his contributions to esteemed publications like The New York Times and Time Magazine, Brad's latest work, Mastering Change, explores the art of adapting to life's constant flux.
Lightning Round: Getting to Know Brad
To kick off the interview, the hosts engage Brad in a lightning round of personal preference questions, revealing his inclination towards the country over the city ([02:28] Brad Stulberg: "Country") and persistence over inspiration ([03:00] Brad Stulberg: "Persistence"). These insights set the tone for his perspectives on change and resilience.
Understanding Change as a Constant
Brad emphasizes that change is an inherent aspect of life, asserting, "Change is just the water that we swim in" ([07:03] Brad Stulberg). Drawing from Bruce Fieler's research, he notes that the average adult experiences 36 major transitions, highlighting the perpetual motion of personal and professional lives ([05:02] Brad Stulberg).
He contrasts Western and Eastern philosophies, explaining that the West's dualistic and independent mindset often leads to resistance against change, whereas Eastern cultures embrace a non-dualistic and interdependent approach, fostering resilience ([07:37] Brad Stulberg).
Coping with Change: Pain vs. Suffering
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around differentiating pain from suffering. Brad defines pain as a physical or psychological sensation causing discomfort, while suffering arises from resisting that pain ([18:17] Brad Stulberg: "Suffering equals pain times resistance"). He provides examples, such as managing back pain skillfully versus obsessively seeking solutions, to illustrate how resistance exacerbates suffering.
He further explores the concept of acceptance, advocating for a balanced approach: accepting change while actively engaging with it. This dual strategy helps individuals navigate both minor disruptions and significant traumas without being overwhelmed ([12:16] Brad Stulberg).
Core Values and Fluid Identity
Brad introduces the idea of defining oneself by core values rather than fixed identities. By identifying with values like creativity or intellect, individuals maintain flexibility in how they express these traits, even as circumstances evolve ([46:34] Brad Stulberg). This approach prevents the existential crises that often accompany major life changes, such as job loss or retirement.
He recommends a practical process:
- Identify 3-5 core values.
- Define each value concretely.
- Develop ways to practice these values consistently.
This framework acts as an internal dashboard, ensuring stability amid external changes ([46:34] Brad Stulberg).
Societal Applications: Routines and Stability
Transitioning to a broader perspective, Brad discusses the importance of routine and simplicity in personal lives as a means to handle societal changes. He argues that structured routines provide predictability and control, enabling individuals to better cope with external chaos ([35:28] Brad Stulberg).
Using examples from Apple's rigorous routines and elite athletes' disciplined practices, he illustrates how internal stability fosters creativity and innovation. Brad emphasizes that balancing routine with flexibility is crucial, advocating for a non-dualistic mindset where both stability and change coexist harmoniously ([38:16] Brad Stulberg).
Personal Reflections and Advice
Throughout the conversation, Brad shares personal anecdotes, including his struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression during his 30s. He underscores the importance of allowing oneself to simply endure significant traumas without forcing immediate growth, highlighting that meaning and growth naturally emerge over time ([26:35] Brad Stulberg).
He also touches on the concept of being kind to oneself during difficult times, citing his therapist's advice: "Why can't this just fucking suck?" ([30:52] Brad Stulberg). This acceptance proved pivotal in his healing process, reinforcing his book's message that enduring change is sometimes enough.
Managing Change in Organizations
Brad extends the conversation to organizational dynamics, emphasizing that companies benefit from internal routines that provide stability while allowing for adaptability. He praises companies like Apple for maintaining relentless cadence and structured routines, which paradoxically support their reputation for innovation ([39:10] Brad Stulberg).
He advises leaders to focus on extreme simplicity and control within their teams to alleviate unnecessary complexity, thereby empowering employees to handle external changes effectively ([37:21] Brad Stulberg).
Closing Remarks
As the episode concludes, Brad interacts with the hosts in a reflective exercise, encouraging self-awareness and continuous alignment with core values. The hosts express their appreciation for Brad's insights, highlighting his ability to present complex ideas through relatable stories and practical advice.
Notable Quotes:
- Brad Stulberg ([05:02]): "Change is just the water that we swim in."
- Brad Stulberg ([18:17]): "Suffering equals pain times resistance."
- Brad Stulberg ([46:34]): "It's okay to put all your eggs in one basket so long as you keep other baskets open and available."
Conclusion
This episode of Reconsidering offers a deep dive into the nature of change, providing listeners with actionable strategies to embrace life's uncertainties. Brad Stulberg's blend of scientific research, philosophical insights, and personal experiences equips both design professionals and enthusiasts with the tools to navigate and thrive amidst constant change.
Additional Resources:
- Brad Stulberg's Website: www.bradstulberg.com
- Book: Mastering Change by Brad Stulberg
- Podcast: Revisit the full episode for an in-depth exploration of these topics.