I’m pumped to announce my new book, The Price of Becoming: The Compounding Practices of High Performance.
It’s inspired by early moments in my life when I failed… And the past 11 years and 700+ conversations I’ve had with some of the most exceptional people in the world: coaches, CEOs, athletes, Navy SEALs, scientists, and quiet leaders you've probably never heard of.
The book stemmed from a question I like to ask leaders… What do you intentionally do each day to ensure you’re going to bed a little bit better than you were when you woke up? I’ve been super curious about the power of compounding behaviors. So, this is a combo of the things I’ve learned AND what I’ve actually done over the past decade to move from theory to action. It’s kind of pointless to learn all this stuff without actually doing it too…
It comes out July 21, 2026. I know this book can be transformational. Especially for people who want to put a positive dent in the world.
I want you to read it. I want you to tell your friends about it. Buy extra copies. And spread the word.
If you enjoy my work and think you might buy the book when it comes out, it would mean a ton to me if you pre-order it now. Pre-Orders are a really big deal. They help determine the book’s placement online, in bookstores, and they tell my publisher that they need to print a ton so we don’t run out (like we have in the past when people waited til launch week to buy it).
You’ll be hearing more about the book over the coming months. This is a deeply personal project. I am nervous to put it out, but at the same time, I’m proud of it. I think it will change your life for the better.
WHO is it for? We work with 8s and 9s who want to be 10s. 4s and 5s will not enjoy this book. This is for people who are doing well… And want to be even better. The target market is not the majority of humans. My publisher didn’t love that part (smaller # of people to sell books to). But that’s who I’ve been lucky to attract with my work on The Learning Leader Show.
If you really want to make a difference. Want to leave that dent… Then there is a price to pay. There are trade-offs. This book is the story, science, and practical application of that price. It’s not theoretical. It’s stuff you actually do. Each chapter has lots of prompts for you. As well as actions you can take immediately to change your life. If you actually do the work, the outcomes you want will happen. That’s a big if, though…
I’m giving away a lot of pre-order bonuses to make it worth your while to buy it right now. All those are at Learning Leader dot com
And if you want to buy in bulk (50+), DM me or send an email (Ryan at LearningLeader)
Thank you for your support! – Ryan
“People will pay every night to show up and see somebody believe in themselves.” - Kim Gordon
People want to watch someone who is activated.
@austinkleon
An amazingly fun talk with @austinkleon
"Stay light. Stay loose."
“People will pay every night to show up and see somebody believe in themselves.”
"The best teachers are perpetual students."
"To be an amateur is to be a lover."
"Great leaders are great listeners."
@MatthewBerryTMR@Adam_E_Risch “Awkward? No. All QBs want to be the guy. That’s the nature of the position. And every guy on this team is working hard to earn a job. Same with us. Ultimately, we’re doing whatever we can to help the team win.”
This essay from @BenSasse's daughter, Alex, is incredible...
"Social media inundates kids with the idea that true happiness, meaning, and fulfillment are found within. With all due respect: Bullsh*t.
Speaking as a former teenage girl, there is no group of people more inwardly directed... and less happy. Humans define themselves through their relationships and their work.
If your child’s focus is inwardly directed, they will be depressed, anxious, and profoundly disenchanted with life. When you look up and out, everything gets better. Teach your child that they are amazing and loved and of immeasurable value, but they are not God. They should know the difference. "
This week, we got to do the exact same training twice in one day. Back to back. Same talk, 2 different groups of people. Even though it’s one we’ve done a lot of times, we were better the 2nd time thru. We learned quickly what we did well, what we messed up, and we fixed it for the next one.
I heard @tomsegura talking with @david_perell and he said, “there’s no substitute for doing hundreds of sets. Before a live taping, I’ll have 250 runs of that set.”
Reminded me of a graduation speech I saw this weekend. The student (a graduating senior) just destroyed on stage. He went 15 minutes. 100% memorized. Performed in a way that moved hundreds of parents and students to tears, laughter, and legitimately an inspirational talk (very hard to do). All the business owners in the audience wanted to hire the kid immediately after seeing him do what he did. Afterwards, I walked up to him… “Man, that was incredible. Thank you. How many times did you practice that?”
“Way more times than I can count.” Hundreds and hundreds of times.
It showed.
If you want something to be great, that work is the price. Especially today with all the shortcuts available. If you want to stand out and make a dent in the world, it takes tons and tons and tons of reps. And lots of them when nobody is watching.
- @ericries talking about the founder of FedMart, Sol Price... On how to build a mission-driven, incorruptible company. And the eventual founding of @Costco
Some comments I've received from my conversation with Jim Collins:
- "As a long-time listener, it was really cool to hear you have this special experience."
- "I cried at the end while mowing the grass."
- "That was my favorite podcast you've ever done."
- "Jim Collins! That was epic. Especially at the end."
- "Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, you do the ultimate... You meet with Jim Collins IN PERSON."