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 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.
Oct 15, 2024 • 25min
How to Be Remembered in a Forgetful World - 3 Rules to Build Lasting Impressions
Discover how to stand out by embracing your authentic self! Learn the importance of emotional connections in creating memorable impressions. The power of storytelling is explored, showing how everyday experiences can shape your personal narrative. Dive into the art of demonstrating qualities through actions, not just words. Plus, find out how small acts of kindness can strengthen connections and enhance your personal brand. It's all about uncovering your unique traits and sharing them effectively!
26 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 39min
How to Build Worldly Wisdom - The Greatest Mental Models of Charlie Munger
Discover the mental models that shape Charlie Munger's remarkable decision-making process. Delve into interdisciplinary thinking and the significance of independent thought in overcoming cognitive biases. Explore mindful investing strategies that prioritize avoiding mistakes, as well as the importance of understanding opportunity costs. Learn how cultivating worldly wisdom through reading and community engagement can enhance your judgment and practical psychology skills. It's a treasure trove of practical insights for personal and financial growth!
Oct 8, 2024 • 26min
The Truth About Potential: How the Inversion Principle Applies to Success
The discussion pivots around redefining success through historical figures like Confucius and Socrates. It delves into how their teachings respond to societal needs. Listeners explore the power of creativity, illustrated by the evolving essence of a famous Radiohead song. Additionally, the inversion principle suggests uncovering existing truths for success. The narrative emphasizes personal choices in embodying potential and highlights the interconnectedness of ideas, fostering a rich understanding of self-improvement.
Oct 4, 2024 • 34min
AMA #2: Procrastination Blockers - Understanding Enthusiasm - Auditory Processing Myths - Writing & Research Strategies - Scary People
Explore the impact of auditory processing difficulties on learning and enthusiasm. Discover how a negativity bias manifests and practical tips to rekindle motivation. Delve into strategies for overcoming procrastination and managing big projects without panic. Uncover the nuances of how our environments shape our experiences, along with effective writing and research techniques. Personal narratives enrich the discussion, offering insights into navigating learning challenges with a growth mindset.
Oct 1, 2024 • 20min
7 Time Management Tips for Busy Mortals
Oliver Burkman, an author known for his insights on living meaningfully despite life's chaos, shares wisdom from his book, '4,000 Weeks.' He critiques the hustle culture that prioritizes constant productivity, revealing how this mindset often leads to burnout. Burkman emphasizes the importance of embracing unstructured time and prioritizing happiness over rigid efficiency. He encourages listeners to view life’s challenges as growth opportunities and to focus on a few essential goals for a satisfying life filled with joy and creativity.
