Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement

Shame, Addiction, and How To Focus On Who You Are Becoming

Oct 10, 2025
Guest
Sam Webster Harris
Sam Webster-Harris, a serial entrepreneur and host of the Growth Mindset Psychology podcast, discusses the transformative nature of shame as a guide rather than a punishment. He emphasizes the importance of leaning into difficulty to foster growth and recognizes that the hardest patterns to change are often those that keep us comfortably mediocre. Sam shares insights on managing urges, cultivating intrinsic motivation, and acknowledges the subtle dangers of low-level addictions. He encourages listeners to view their journeys with empathy, shifting perceptions of success and self-improvement.
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INSIGHT

The Slow Creep Of Mediocre Addictions

  • Many addictions are low‑level and slowly erode life rather than causing dramatic collapse.
  • These 'mediocre but difficult' habits are harder to spot and motivate change for than outright crises.
ADVICE

Fall In Love With The Hard Part

  • Lean into difficulty: view hard moments as where growth happens and not as failures to avoid.
  • Make the journey itself rewarding instead of constantly escaping to ease or distractions.
ANECDOTE

Tutoring Turned A Student's Life Around

  • Sam tutored a struggling student and taught her confidence and technique, helping her go from failing to straight A's.
  • That success revealed how mindset and teaching can materially change life outcomes.
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