Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Sam Webster Harris | Growth Mindset Psychology
Most self-help advice is guesswork dressed up as wisdom. We dig into psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to find what actually changes lives.
WHY LISTEN?
Over 8 million downloads because we answer the questions that matter: How do I build mental strength? What creates lasting motivation? How can I understand my own mind well enough to work with it, not against it?
This podcast is for curious skeptics who want frameworks backed by psychology studies, not Instagram quotes. Whether you're navigating procrastination, building self-discipline, or designing your own philosophy for a life well lived—we explore the hidden psychology behind real change.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
Mental models and simple techniques from cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism.
Being a human can be confusing, learning about it doesn’t have to be.
We cover everything from emotional intelligence and habit formation to brain health and the nervous system.
WHAT YOU DON’T GET
No pseudoscience. No oversimplified "hacks." No hustle porn.
Just practical insights on mindset improvement, self-development, and human psychology that respect your intelligence and mental health.
THE APPROACH
Instead of telling you what to think, we explore how thinking works. Armed with psychology studies, social science research, and relentless curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of belief change, attitude change, and personal development.
Success is personal. You might want to leverage your neurodiverse strengths, build a business, or simply discover how to be happier. We provide the mental frameworks to pursue your definition of success with mental strength and self-care that fits your life.
YOUR HOST
I'm Sam Webster Harris—a lifelong learner with ADHD and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions. After launching businesses, traveling the world, and nearly dying a few times, I concluded that psychology and science are where real wisdom lives.
This show is my excuse to dive deep into health and fitness research, behavioral psychology, and cool science while helping you build genuine self-discipline and motivation.
PREMIUM
Go ad-free and access exclusive content, AMAs, and our community Discord.
Growth Mindset Premium
PAST SERIES
Previous guests include Olympians, Scientists, Billionaires, and Sam's Mum.
Past series:
— Psychology vs Stoicism
— Time Management for Busy Mortals
— Independence and Knowing Yourself
— Cognitive Biases and Rational Thinking
— Psychology of Connection and Relationships
— Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets
— Addiction and Behaviour Change
— Nervous System Mastery and Polyvagal Theory
— Mental Strength and Self-Discipline
WHY LISTEN?
Over 8 million downloads because we answer the questions that matter: How do I build mental strength? What creates lasting motivation? How can I understand my own mind well enough to work with it, not against it?
This podcast is for curious skeptics who want frameworks backed by psychology studies, not Instagram quotes. Whether you're navigating procrastination, building self-discipline, or designing your own philosophy for a life well lived—we explore the hidden psychology behind real change.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
Mental models and simple techniques from cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism.
Being a human can be confusing, learning about it doesn’t have to be.
We cover everything from emotional intelligence and habit formation to brain health and the nervous system.
WHAT YOU DON’T GET
No pseudoscience. No oversimplified "hacks." No hustle porn.
Just practical insights on mindset improvement, self-development, and human psychology that respect your intelligence and mental health.
THE APPROACH
Instead of telling you what to think, we explore how thinking works. Armed with psychology studies, social science research, and relentless curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of belief change, attitude change, and personal development.
Success is personal. You might want to leverage your neurodiverse strengths, build a business, or simply discover how to be happier. We provide the mental frameworks to pursue your definition of success with mental strength and self-care that fits your life.
YOUR HOST
I'm Sam Webster Harris—a lifelong learner with ADHD and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions. After launching businesses, traveling the world, and nearly dying a few times, I concluded that psychology and science are where real wisdom lives.
This show is my excuse to dive deep into health and fitness research, behavioral psychology, and cool science while helping you build genuine self-discipline and motivation.
PREMIUM
Go ad-free and access exclusive content, AMAs, and our community Discord.
Growth Mindset Premium
PAST SERIES
Previous guests include Olympians, Scientists, Billionaires, and Sam's Mum.
Past series:
— Psychology vs Stoicism
— Time Management for Busy Mortals
— Independence and Knowing Yourself
— Cognitive Biases and Rational Thinking
— Psychology of Connection and Relationships
— Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets
— Addiction and Behaviour Change
— Nervous System Mastery and Polyvagal Theory
— Mental Strength and Self-Discipline
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 31, 2025 • 25min
Tips on Getting Better Today Than Yesterday - w/ Olympic Coach Frank Dick OBE
In this engaging discussion, Frank Dick OBE, a renowned Olympic coach and author, shares his expertise in coaching and mindset. He introduces his Four Rs framework—Reason, Reality, Reflection, and Response—emphasizing personal growth over competition with others. Frank challenges the negativity bias that makes us focus on flaws, advocating for a strength-first philosophy in self-development. He also explores mental strategies athletes use to maintain focus amid distractions, encouraging listeners to celebrate daily progress and continuously improve.
7 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 23min
Moments Where Character Forms: Stop being a Victim and build a Victor Mindset - w/ Olympic Coach Frank Dick OBE
Frank Dick OBE, a legendary British Olympic coach, shares insights from a five-decade career shaping champions like Daley Thompson and Sebastian Coe. He discusses the 'risk of winning' and argues that making mistakes is essential for growth. Frank introduces his 'Four Rs' framework for learning from both victories and failures, emphasizing reflection and humility. He highlights the importance of vulnerability and personal responsibility, asserting that true character is forged through experience and thoughtful choices.
12 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 31min
What is a MINDSET Exactly? (and how do you spot a bad one)
Ever wonder what mindset actually means? This conversation dives deep, revealing how a growth mindset sees failure as a learning opportunity, while a fixed mindset believes abilities are unchangeable. Discover the nuances between abundance versus scarcity thinking and the importance of true open-mindedness, which requires critical thinking. With intriguing examples and psychological insights, the discussion emphasizes the need for specificity in using the term 'mindset' to make it genuinely useful. Get ready to rethink how you approach challenges!
Oct 21, 2025 • 13min
Make Time Your Friend: Build a positive mindset with a little existential psychology (and stoicism)
Discover how to reshape your relationship with time and embrace its paradoxes. Learn why productivity can backfire and how reflecting on your priorities can reveal deeper insights. Explore the calming effects of meditation on time anxiety and how to make time your ally rather than your enemy. Unearth the idea that happiness is a choice, influenced by how you manage your time. Ultimately, you can be the pilot of your experiences, steering through the shortness of life with purpose and peace.
Oct 17, 2025 • 21min
Questions to Build a Life of Substance & Let Go of What is Holding You Back - w/ Jodi Wellman
In this engaging discussion, Jodi Wellman, author and applied positive psychology practitioner, dives into existential psychology and how it can transform our lives. She challenges listeners to reflect on whether they'd recommend their lived experiences and explores the difference between societal expectations and true fulfillment. Jodi shares insights on letting go of unhelpful habits, the impact of near-death experiences on priorities, and effective strategies to simulate mortality awareness. Get ready to redefine your aspirations and embrace life more intentionally!
Oct 14, 2025 • 17min
The Real Problem with Work Life Balance and the Mental Model to Fix It
Explore how our perceptions of work-life balance may be misguided. The notion of balance suggests conflict, but what if integration is the key? Words shape our realities, and rethinking language can redefine our experiences. Learn how to merge various life areas—work, creativity, and community—into a harmonious existence. Discover practical ways to combine activities for greater satisfaction and prevent burnout. Ultimately, work should enhance our lives, not detract from them.
Oct 10, 2025 • 57min
Shame, Addiction, and How To Focus On Who You Are Becoming
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.
Oct 7, 2025 • 25min
Be Crystal Clear: 3 Truths and 2 Tips to Communicate with Impact [Archive]
Explore the hidden challenges of communication in relationships and business. Discover why we often overlook the obvious and how cognitive biases cloud our thinking. Learn to clarify your message by using one-sentence summaries to cut through assumptions. Delve into the concepts of bundling and unbundling to enhance problem-solving and create clarity. Gain practical tips to structure your communication for more effective feedback and discussions. Make the obvious truly obvious for impactful interactions!
Oct 3, 2025 • 46min
From Escaping the Holocaust to Building a Billion Dollar Empire - The Life and Mindsets of Dame Stephanie Shirley
Dame Stephanie Shirley, a pioneer in tech and philanthropy, shares her incredible journey from a Holocaust survivor to building a billion-dollar software empire. She discusses how trauma can serve as motivation and reframes survivor guilt into a force for good. Stephanie reveals how remote work started in the 1960s and the importance of diversity in driving innovation. Her insights on philanthropy and shifting perspectives on autism demonstrate her commitment to making the world a fairer place. A true testament to resilience and creativity!
Sep 30, 2025 • 40min
Lessons, Paradoxes and Hard Questions For Building an Authentic Life
As Sam turns 35, he reflects on authenticity and the challenge of finding alignment with one's true self amidst societal pressures. He navigates the paradox of self-expression versus external validation in the digital age. The conversation touches on the need for gratitude alongside relentless personal growth. Sam critiques the attention economy's impact on focus and shares insights on political polarization and resilience. He encourages embracing serendipity, creating lasting memories, and staying committed to ongoing growth through life’s experiments.
