

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

Sep 10, 2024 • 51min
The Neuroscience of Fear - Understanding anxiety, trauma & tools to overcome fears (Lessons from NPD, BPD and ADHD)
Delve into how trauma shapes our fear responses and impacts anxiety disorders. The podcast uncovers the neuroscience behind fear, highlighting key brain structures like the amygdala and hypothalamus. It discusses how trauma amplifies emotional reactions, particularly in conditions like BPD and ADHD. Listeners will discover strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to manage and overcome their fears. Learn how recognizing and understanding fear can empower personal growth and improve emotional well-being.

Sep 6, 2024 • 40min
How to Spend Money to Buy Happiness
Discover the unexpected link between money and happiness, revealing that how we spend truly matters. Learn why experiences, rather than possessions, tend to bring greater joy and satisfaction. Delve into the benefits of small, regular luxuries over rare splurges. Explore the power of intentional spending aligned with your values, which can enhance your well-being. The episode also emphasizes the joy of pro-social spending, highlighting how contributing to others can elevate your sense of fulfillment.

Sep 3, 2024 • 26min
AMA #1 - Best Decision Frameworks, Overcoming Resistance to Learning, Understanding Blockers & Building a Network
From deciding what to work on to overcoming blockers - All the questions from August were answered in the Ask Me Anything of the month.Free listeners will only have access to the first 20 minutes. Premium subscribers can listen to the whole episode and be able to submit their own questions for future episodes.Questions answered in this episode:
What causes resistance to learning?
How do you differentiate an indie podcast? (especially when many podcasts have backing by network / business)
What criteria do you use to determine if a project is worth pursuing?
How do you handle uncertainties, fears, blockers when committing to a big project?
Is it a good idea to pursue VC funding in the content creation industry?
Tips to grow a network of people with similar interests who can provide support, feedback, and exposure?
Upgrade to Premium:🏖️ Ad-free listening🤘 Support the show🔓 Exclusive AMA's and bonus content💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.comSponsors:🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off - code GROWTHMINDSET50 - FactorMeals.com/GrowthMindset50🔗 🐷 PorkBun: .PRO domain for $1 - code BeAPro24 - PorkBun.com/GrowthMindset24Recommended Episodes
3 Rules to Build Remarkable Opportunities: And uncover your purpose - 29th Aug 2024
Neuroscience of Growth Mindset: How the brain learns - 30th July 2024
7 Wierd Life-Changing Skills: That will make you happier - 19th July 2024
How to Think Like a Professional: Building Better Strategies - 12th June 2024
Meet Sam
Free Call - Schedule Link
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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com
Chapters:00:00 Today's AMA Questions Overview02:23 #1 What makes someone resistant to learning?03:22 Energy and Learning04:33 Ego and Social Pressure06:52 Fear of Failure and Asking for Help11:11 #2 Differentiating Your Podcast14:00 Don't be the best, be the only18:37 #3 What criteria do you use to tell if an idea is worth pursuing?20:30 Wrap up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 44min
3 Rules to Build Remarkable Opportunities - (And uncover your purpose)
In this engaging discussion, Sam Webster Harris, an expert in psychology and self-improvement, reveals key strategies to transform opportunities from scarce to abundant. He emphasizes embracing imperfections to enjoy the journey, rather than fixating on instant success. Listeners learn the power of exploring diverse interests over singular passions and the importance of small daily actions in redefining success. Sam also draws intriguing parallels between entrepreneurial pursuits and personal growth, encouraging a mindset that cherishes failure as a stepping stone to achievement.

12 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 21min
How To Slow Down Time: Hidden psychology to improve productivity & reduce overwhelm
Explore how altering your perception of time can enrich your daily life and increase your sense of fulfillment. Discover techniques to create lasting memories through novel experiences. Learn to embrace uncertainty to enhance productivity, transforming anxiety into a source of creativity. Gain insights on reframing emotions like fear and anger for personal growth. Finally, delve into the art of savoring moments to slow down time, leading to a more meaningful existence.

Aug 23, 2024 • 23min
Environment Design: 3 Ways to Improve Your Thinking (without thinking)
Discover how your environment shapes your mindset and actions for better productivity and creativity. Learn about the Cathedral Effect and Movement Effect, which can supercharge your work habits. Explore 'Intentional Laptoping' to declutter your focus and reduce distractions. Find out how exercise and outdoor activities boost mental health while reflecting on the impact of your social circle. Tune in for actionable tips that transform your surroundings into a haven for growth and clarity.

Aug 20, 2024 • 35min
How to Decide What To Focus On - When you want to do everything
In a world bursting with distractions, the discussion navigates the art of prioritization. Three key strategies are shared to help listeners hone in on what truly matters. The link between personal identity and clothing choices is explored, showing how our attire reflects our inner selves. The hosts highlight the struggle of balancing curiosity with focus, underscoring the importance of dedicating time to meaningful pursuits. Personal stories illustrate the delicate dance between embracing multiple passions and staying committed to one goal.

Aug 16, 2024 • 58min
The Secrets Behind Curiosity Without Worry - Building Inner-Peace w/ Stephen Porges PhD [Father of Polyvagal Theory]
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Stephen Porges, a leading researcher and the father of polyvagal theory, dives into the impact of curiosity on personal growth and safety. He reveals how our nervous system shapes psychological experiences and emphasizes the importance of authentic self-expression amidst societal pressures. Dr. Porges also explores the paradox of seeking safety while recognizing that challenges can foster growth. Through personal anecdotes, he challenges conventional notions of success, urging listeners to pursue passions over external validation.

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Psychology of Fear, Security & Emotional Intelligence (Neuroscience lessons from Polyvagal Theory)
Explore the intriguing world of Polyvagal Theory, which unveils how our nervous system shapes our responses to stress and safety. Discover actionable strategies for managing stress through breathing and environmental adjustments. Delve into the impact of childhood attachment on emotional resilience and the significance of supportive relationships. Learn how creating safe spaces enhances communication and fosters growth, ultimately paving the way for improved emotional intelligence. This journey is all about understanding fear and building a more secure foundation for personal development.

Aug 9, 2024 • 23min
The Lost Art of Listening to Yourself
Explore the art of listening to yourself amidst the noise of constant information. Discover how 'solitude deprivation' from social media affects self-reflection. Learn to balance external learning with internal dialogue for richer insights. Uncover practical tools for cultivating awareness of your needs and feelings. Embrace the transformative power of self-reflection to boost creativity and personal growth. Shift your focus away from distractions to master the skill of thinking independently.


