Master of Change

How to Excel When Everything Is Changing – Including You

By: Brad Stulberg

Narrated by: Will Damron

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A revelatory book on rethinking change and creating a rugged and flexible mindset amidst life's intensifying flux, from expert on sustainable excellence, coach, and bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness.

From social disruptions like economic recessions, pandemics, and new technologies to individual disruptions like getting married, career transitions, and becoming a parent, we undergo change and transformation—both good and bad—regularly. Change is not the exception, it’s the rule. Yet we endlessly fight it, often viewing it as a threat to our stability and sense of self.

Master of Change flips this script on its head and offers a path for embracing and even growing from life’s constant instability.

Brad Stulberg, sustainable excellence expert, coach, and bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness, offers a new model that describes change as an ongoing cycle of order, disorder, and reorder—yes, we return to stability, but that stability is somewhere new. Drawing on modern science, ancient wisdom, and daily practice, Stulberg offers concrete principles for developing a mindset called rugged flexibility, along with habits and practices to implement it. Along the way, Stulberg reveals:

• How to be in conversation with change instead of it happening to you.
• The importance of expectations
• Why cultivating a rugged yet flexible sense of self is key to a strong identity.
• How to take productive action during a challenge.
• The paradox of both making meaning and moving forward.

In the end, Stulberg reshapes our entire perception of change and shows us how to grow in its midst—ultimately helping us move forward better, stronger, and wiser than we were before.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Brad Stulberg (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"In his latest audiobook, bestselling author and mental health coach Brad Stulberg shares the attitudes and actions that lead people to success in making changes. Narrator Will Damron is efficient and straightforward as he delivers Stulberg's advice on how to handle societal and personal transitions. Damron keeps his tone clear and consistent while explaining the author's mindset of 'rugged flexibility'.... In a persuasive tone, Damron argues the author's case for embracing change and effectively introduces the skills, foresight, and daily principles necessary to take productive action." (AudioFile)

Engaging, insightful, very easy to listen to

This came recommended through the Arnold Schwarzenegger Pump Club email and app, and it did not disappoint.
Insightful use of philosophy, science, and strong personal (ie. relatable) writing makes this a compelling and easy to listen to book.
So much to come away with here too -from simple & actionable steps, to big picture philosophies.
I feel like I got a lot out of this book and will definitely relisten because I am sure there is more to gain from it.

Life changing

This book has helped guide me through tremendous change in my own life. I’ve been recommending this book to everyone who wants to better understand making their way through life’s many obstacles with what Stulberg calls “rugged flexibility”.

Stay Rugged and Flexible

Brad’s at it again. Another great book for all of us seeking to live our best lives and make all of every day. Change is hard and the support that Master of Change provides is hugely valuable. A+ work.

science based, pragmatic guidance to change

I like the no-nonsense, pragmatic approach to delivering information that is science-based and backed by evidence to help you understand, change and catalyze your own changes with your own guidance and direction.

A good book

overall I enjoyed this book, however it appears to a little overpriced. luckily I had credits to purchase

Nicely put together for listening. Great pace.

Just the right pace of background and ideas. Lots to take away use in every chapter.

A great listen. Has depth, perspective, storytelling, and practical advice.

A cool takeaway to highlight, which is one of many, from the book is not every moment, and situation has to be about personal growth. The point is that sometimes things suck, and it's how you identify with the suck, knowing that you can work through it in time, resonated deeply.

Good Listen

Like many people I struggle with change. The last 11 years have forced me to embrace change. This book would have been really helpful as I dealt with changes and challenges at work, changes with my family, COVID, milestones, etc. Change is inevitable, and can be cathartic. This book makes it interesting to consider all the changes I've overcome and grown from, and not fear anticipated and unknown change coming up.

Brad's Best Book Yet!

Being in a change heavy part of my life right now - both personally and professionally - I've been reading a lot about how to navigate uncertainty and flux. When Master of Change came out I ordered it on Audible right away and finished it in 3 days. (I would have finished it faster but for stopping to take so many notes from this insightful work). This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to up-level their ability to deal with life's inevitable twists and turns.

In reading some of the prior reviews posted, I noticed a few that mention politics - a reference to a mere 2 pages of the entire book. In those pages Brad points out (factually) that throughout the history of mankind, there have been leaders and influencers who propose returning to the "glory days of the past" as the solution for dealing with current and future change. As written, the passage is merely one of many examples throughout the book about our very understandable human fears around change, feelings that have existed in hearts and minds for centuries. It is not about pointing fingers or making political statements.

The ability to harness the power of change is a skill every human can benefit from. And THIS is what Brad's thoughtful, well-researched book is about. It's a delightful read. Highly recommend.

A timely read during transition.

A few months ago, I came across this book when I changed jobs, house, church and overall sense of identity. The content and concepts guided my thinking encouraging positivity and adaptability. A couple of my friends are going through transitions of their own and I recommended they too read or listen to this book. As I anticipate the new year, I plan to revisit master of change for tools and encouragement.