

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

Nov 19, 2024 • 21min
2 Lessons To Build Real Gratitude That Don't Suck [Even for Skeptics]
Forget the usual gratitude tips; this discussion dives into unconventional ways to foster real appreciation. Explore how embracing challenges can redefine your perspective on life’s obstacles. Discover the idea of polymathic curiosity as a key to raising daily gratitude. The hosts challenge the typical focus on flaws, highlighting the beauty in imperfections. Learn to see gratitude not just as a practice but as a transformative lens through which to view relationships and modern conveniences.

Nov 15, 2024 • 37min
How To Increase Your Intelligence and Become A Deep Thinker
Explore five key practices to boost mental clarity and decision-making. Learn to evade shallow thinking and understand the roots of your opinions. Discover techniques for interval training to enhance concentration and how to embrace slower, purposeful progress. Delve into mindful tech use to cultivate independent thought and avoid cognitive pitfalls, using examples from historical figures. Engage with diverse viewpoints to deepen understanding and foster intellectual curiosity— paving the way for wisdom and clarity in a fast-paced world.

Nov 12, 2024 • 31min
Intellectual Discipline: How to Train Your Mind & Let Go of Your Ego
Discover how self-deception can sabotage your growth. Explore the connection between intelligence and our tendency to lie to ourselves. Hear personal stories revealing the biggest mistakes driven by ego. Uncover warning signs that you aren't speaking the truth and learn methods to catch your own ego in action. This engaging discussion provides transformative takeaways to enhance self-awareness and improve decision-making in your life.

Nov 8, 2024 • 39min
AI & Personal Growth: How to Spark Creativity and Deeper Thought Using ChatGPT (with Tim O'Shea)
Tim O'Shea, a successful entrepreneur and AI enthusiast, shares his journey of leveraging AI for personal growth and creativity. He discusses the art of thinking deeper and faster by utilizing tools like ChatGPT. O'Shea explores how AI can help improve storytelling and uncover lost memories. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining independent thought while embracing generative AI for idea generation and problem-solving. With playful insights, he reveals how anyone can harness this technology to elevate creativity and enhance their life.

59 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 38min
34 Unconventional Life Lessons You Don't Learn In School
Explore unconventional life lessons that challenge common beliefs. Discover the importance of self-reflection to identify true passions, enjoying the journey rather than the destination. Embrace innovation by questioning societal norms and assumptions. Learn from others' mistakes and appreciate life's unpredictability. Rethink perspectives on misunderstood places like North Korea, and emphasize the power of independent thought. This discussion offers insights on emotional management, personal fulfillment, and the significance of building your own beliefs.

Nov 1, 2024 • 40min
The Psychology of Last Minute Voters - The hidden mind games controlling the election
Sam Webster-Harris, host of the Growth Mindset Psychology podcast, dives into the fascinating psychology of last-minute voters. He explores how mental shortcuts influence decision-making, revealing the impact of heuristics and confirmation bias on political choices. Sam discusses how vibes and impressions can sway undecided voters, and the role of recent scandals in shaping opinions. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the irrationality of seemingly sensible people and highlights the importance of intimacy in persuasion through podcasts.

Oct 29, 2024 • 33min
The Psychology of Mistakes - 7 Ways To Fix Lazy Thinking
Discover how hard thoughts can lead to better decision-making while navigating complexity. Learn to embrace uncertainty and recognize the multiple factors that influence outcomes. Explore the pitfalls of hasty judgments and the importance of personal involvement in decision-making. Understand the biases that cloud our perspective and the value of diverse viewpoints. This insightful discussion encourages taking ownership of our thoughts and decisions to reveal hidden truths and achieve personal growth.

10 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 30min
7 Painful Paradoxes of Self-Improvement that Create More Problems Than They Solve
The podcast dives into the unexpected pitfalls of self-improvement, highlighting key paradoxes that can actually hinder our growth. It discusses how striving too hard can lead to frustration, and how the pursuit of happiness may ironically push it further away. The dangers of seeking external validation and suppressing emotions are also explored, revealing how these strategies can leave us feeling more broken. A more gentle approach to self-acceptance and personal growth is advocated, focusing on actionable steps and embracing life's uncertainties.

Oct 22, 2024 • 26min
Psychology of Mental Strength: 3 Habits to Build Resilience, Inner Toughness & a Growth Mindset
Dive into the world of mental strength and emotional honesty. Discover how to distinguish between fleeting wants and enduring values. Learn practical techniques to combat anxiety, such as mindfulness and grounding exercises. Explore essential habits like gratitude and self-compassion that enhance resilience. The discussion emphasizes embracing a growth mindset as a path to tackle life's challenges effectively. This insightful journey encourages self-reflection and the development of mental toughness in everyday life.

7 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 35min
Master Finishing Things - Unblock Creative Constipation, Avoid Side-projects & Find Focus
Explore unconventional strategies to tackle unfinished projects and boost creativity. Learn to let go of burdens that slow you down and embrace your natural energy. Identify and address productivity blockers while prioritizing what truly matters. Discover the value of time in overcoming the pressure of perfectionism. Shift your mindset towards achievable goals, and transform creative constipation into actionable steps for a fulfilling experience. This approach offers a gentler path to accomplishing your aspirations.


