
Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
There are a lot of opinions on how to master your mind, but then there’s PSYCHOLOGY.We’re all stuck with the brain we’re born with, but we aren’t stuck with how we use it.Learn science-backed answers to make the most of your mind and your life.CURIOUS?Growth Mindset Psychology is the "self-help sceptic" podcast for the curious.Whether you want to improve performance, navigate setbacks, or know who you are.We find answers to the true science of self-improvement.So put down the astrology chart and start working with your mind, instead of against it.With over 8 million downloads and 60,000 monthly listeners, you’re invited to join.PROCESSInstead of telling you what to think, we discuss how thinking works.Armed with a stack of science journals, textbooks and a boatload of curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of the mind.Why? >>> Success is personal!You might want to make the most of your neurodiverse strengths, start a business, or simply find more reasons to smile.Hone your ability for independent thinking and growth with mental models to pursue your definition of success.HOSTI’m Sam Webster Harris, a lifelong learner with ADHD, a raging curiosity, and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions.After launching several businesses, travelling the world and nearly dying a few times I concluded that science and Psychology are where it’s at.What actually makes people happy? What’s the best way to treat a brain? How can I get more done?Studying the answers we find that changing behaviours requires building mindsets, mental models, and a healthy relationship with failure.I run the show to help listeners enjoy nutritious content that feeds their minds (and I needed a legitimate excuse to cover for my reading addiction).PREMIUMGo Ad-Free and listen to exclusive content.Support the show and access the AMA features and community Discord.Growth Mindset PremiumARCHIVEPrevious 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— Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets
Latest episodes

May 13, 2025 • 24min
The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment - Psychology vs your Biology
Explore love as more than just a feeling—it's a biological pattern with components like lust, attraction, and attachment. Discover how hormones like testosterone, dopamine, and oxytocin influence our experiences and choices in relationships. Learn to observe emotions without becoming them, transforming love into a conscious practice. Embrace self-awareness and empathy to cultivate lasting connections that go beyond fleeting passion. Your biology sets the stage, but your awareness can change the storyline.

May 9, 2025 • 55min
Anti-Fragile: How to benefit from uncertainty and build resilience into your systems
Nicholas Verrique, co-host of the Wiser Than Yesterday Book Club podcast, dives deep into Nassim Taleb's concept of anti-fragility. He shares how systems can thrive in chaos and turns setbacks into growth opportunities. The discussion weaves through intriguing myths and modern implications, emphasizing that embracing small failures can prevent larger ones. Verrique also introduces the 'barbell' investment strategy, showcasing how we can leverage uncertainty for better decision-making and foster resilience in both finance and life.

28 snips
May 6, 2025 • 29min
How to Be Less Wrong: The psychology of self-deception and silly things we believe
Dive into the quirks of human cognition as the discussion reveals cognitive biases, false memories, and the Dunning-Kruger effect. Unpack the illusion of certainty and how our judgments can mislead us. Gain insights on building resilience and accountability while navigating life’s uncertainties. Discover the transformative power of perspective and how a shift in mindset can turn frustration into growth. Embrace 'confident humility' to foster curiosity and acceptance in the face of the unknown.

May 2, 2025 • 59min
Emotional Intelligence: Why the FBI Trains for Empathy, and You Should Too w/ Steven Stein
Dr. Steven Stein, a leading expert on emotional intelligence and author of The EQ Edge, shares his insights on why EQ matters. He explains how emotional intelligence can enhance relationships and success, using examples from his work with the FBI and reality TV. Steven emphasizes practical techniques to build empathy without losing assertiveness. He discusses navigating emotional intelligence across neurodiversity and the cultural nuances that influence our emotional skills. Get ready to train your EQ like you would a muscle!

9 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 28min
Doing the thing - a short sharp masterclass on creating focus
Explore how to cut through the clutter of productivity and focus on what truly matters. Discover the difference between being busy and being productive, emphasizing actionable steps over perfectionism. Learn to recognize your readiness and the importance of self-care in achieving your goals. Navigate the chaos of the outside world with effective decision-making strategies and long-term thinking. Embrace the journey, including failure, as a vital part of personal growth.

8 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 39min
Overthinking: The psychology of catastrophizing and how to stop assuming the worst
We don’t see the future. We predict it — and sometimes we predict disaster before it’s even possible.
Catastrophizing is a mental reflex. It’s your mind, desperate for control, drawing monsters where none exist yet.
In this episode, we explore the quiet space between stimulus and story — the moment you could choose curiosity over certainty.
Relationships, careers, self-worth: all suffer when we confuse our imagined outcomes with inevitable truths. But if we learn to watch the story unfold without believing it, something remarkable happens. We reclaim possibility.
You’ll leave with:
Understanding of how the brain creates fear to protect itself
Tools for building awareness instead of reaction
A framework for making peace with uncertainty — and using it to grow
The psychology that makes false fears feel real
Stop letting your brain run disaster drills for things that haven’t happened. Tune in.
AD-FREE with Premium:
🤘 Support the show
🔓 Exclusive AMAs + Bonus content
💬 Community Discord
GrowthMindset.Supercast.com
Get in Touch
👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset
📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com
Growth Mindset Psychology:
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
🛜 Website - Growth Mindset
Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement
Episode: Overthinking: The psychology of catastrophizing and how to stop assuming the worst
Chapters:
00:00 Why this topic is popular
01:45 What is catastrophising
04:18 Build awareness
07:10 Magnifying and minimising
08:32 More details feels more real.
10:16 The human tendency to just invent stories
13:22 ADHD
15:31 Catastrophizing and being diagnosed with ADHD
16:17 Balancing worst and best scenarios
17:23 Social anxiety example
19:09 Write a journal
20:31 Alex Hormozi selling gym subscriptions
21:09 Want and don't want chair
23:26 4 stages of intrusive thoughts
28:50 4 step method for mitigating catastrophization
28:50 Step 1 - Awareness
29:57 Step 2 - Challenging the thought
30:40 Step 3 - Imagine the best
31:11 Step 4 - Accept uncertainty
32:55 Catastrophizing is the opposite of Growth mindset
33:14 Episode summary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 22, 2025 • 31min
Bad Habits: The Psychology of Behavioural Debt—and How to Pay It Off
Explore how your identity might be an outdated version of yourself. Discover the concept of behavioral debt, revealing how past habits influence present choices. Learn to craft your identity intentionally, using techniques like "identity microshifts" and the Fresh Start Effect. Journey through stories of a monk, a transformative writer, and a cycling team achieving incremental gains. Understand the power of unlearning what no longer serves you and embrace rituals that align with the person you want to become.

Apr 18, 2025 • 41min
Eat, Pray, Set Boundaries: The psychology of getting your needs met
Explore the art of boundary-setting with engaging stories and psychological insights. Discover how saying 'no' can be one of the kindest things you do. Learn to identify emotional manipulation in your relationships and recognize ten signs of poor boundaries. Delve into the complex dynamics of weak versus rigid boundaries and how they impact self-respect. Embrace practical strategies for communicating your needs and reclaiming your worth, all while enhancing your emotional health.

19 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 33min
Science of Mental Toughness: Assess yourself using the 4 quadrants of resilience
Discover the four quadrants of mental resilience: Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence. Learn how your mindset can be your steering wheel or engine, and hear inspiring stories from figures like Helen Keller and Joan of Arc. The podcast emphasizes viewing difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. It also discusses the importance of self-reflection and practicing persistence in the journey of building mental toughness. Embrace criticism with calmness and shift your perspective on resilience!

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
Nervous System Mastery: Build resilience, reduce stress and feel more yourself - w/ Esin Pinarli
Esin Pinarli, a licensed therapist and founder of Eternal Wellness Counseling, dives into the intricate connection between our nervous system and personal growth. She emphasizes that discomfort should not be feared but welcomed as a stepping stone to resilience. Pinarli introduces concepts like 'titration' and 'edge surfing' to explain how small challenges can stretch our emotional limits. She highlights that true growth stems from body experiences, urging us to embrace small, uncomfortable moments to foster a deeper relationship with ourselves.