

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

Jun 20, 2023 • 27min
Limiting Mindsets in Sport and How to Overcome Them: Confessions of "average" Gold Medal Olympian
Ben Hunt-Davis, Gold Medal Olympian, shares his journey of overcoming limitations and the power of continuous learning. Topics discussed include the flaw in the 10,000 hour rule, the value of mistakes in sports, and the importance of purposeful practice. They also touch on the risks of being an Olympian and the lessons learned as a coach. Plus, they mention the importance of practical knowledge and the significance of bouncing back from setbacks.

Jun 12, 2023 • 12min
4 surprising benefits of kindness
Learn how having a designated budget for charity can lead to increased happiness and improved relationships. Discover the benefits of practicing kindness in everyday life, such as feeling more relaxed and attracting positivity and support. Get strategies and tips for effective charitable giving, including budgeting and investing in traditional charity and climate-related causes.

Jun 6, 2023 • 13min
Why morning routines are toxic
This podcast explores the downsides of morning routines and offers tips for creating an effective and energizing routine. Topics include doing the hard things, planning your day, improving sleep, and being adaptable. Learn how to create a fulfilling and joyful morning routine that matches your energy levels.

May 30, 2023 • 32min
How to stop catastrophizing
The podcast explores the concept of catastrophizing and how it affects our perception of reality. It provides insights on overcoming catastrophizing, reframing negative thoughts, and developing strategies for positive thinking. It also discusses the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for managing emotional responses and challenging negative thought patterns.

May 25, 2023 • 19min
5 biggest lessons of Stoicism
Stoicism is the time-tested solution to life's problems and living with a greater peace of mind. In this mini-series of how to stop complaining we couldn't skip over the OG's of not complaining.This episode breaks down the 5 most important concepts from Stoicism and how to apply them in the modern day:
The dichotomy of control
Amor Fait - Love of fate
Negative visualization
Virtue is the soul good
Mindful acceptance
With a few stories from Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius we get a great reminder of what's important in life =)- - -Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Watch the pod - YouTube - Growth Mindset
Twitter - @samjamharris
Instagram - @SamJam.zen
- - -Chapters:00:00 Intro to Stoicism01:59 1st concept - The dichotomy of control04:33 2nd concept - Love of fate08:08 3rd concept - negative visualization09:55 4th concept - Virtue is the soul good13:01 5th concept - Mindful acceptance17:01 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 2023 • 17min
Diagnose and fix your real problems
Learn how complaining can help diagnose and fix your real problems. Explore different types of problems, accepting reality, addressing fundamental aspects of life, prioritizing, and finding joy. Plus, hear advertisements for McDonald's burgers and Botox cosmetic!

May 16, 2023 • 13min
Gratitude lessons (that don't suck)
No one likes people who complain and yet it is so hard to stop complaining about problems in our life. Gratitude is sold as the answer to all our happiness woes. Stop having expectations, be happy and grateful for what you have, and never let another day go to waste.It's so simple and yet it doesn't work because it isn't that easy.This episode covers the most powerful strategy that has helped people find gratitude in many areas they didn't feel possible without meditating, journaling or re-aligning their chakras. Just some simple psychology and reframing the information in their heads to make them see what they already know.- - -Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Watch the pod - YouTube - Growth Mindset
Twitter - @samjamharris
Instagram - @SamJam.zen
- - -Chapters00:00 Introduction to the flaw with gratitude00:35 Standard tips on how to build gratitude00:54 Issues with gratitude - focusing on problems01:38 Example - Lawn being ruined02:18 Example - Arctic trip02:57 Example - Frustrating emails04:16 Recurring theme - great achievements will come with problems06:14 Planning ahead08:00 Example - Social influencer trolls08:53 Example - Romantic partner problems09:37 Recap - Notice to see the positive side of things11:35 Next week's episode - Problems you don't want to have11:42 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2023 • 11min
Feeling behind? How to seize opportunities [before its too late]
Learn to spot luck and seize big chances in life through the concept of the 'Go For It Window'. Embrace change and discomfort for growth mindset. Examples include Airbnb and not getting a degree. Take risks and invest in unconventional ideas as opportunities are fleeting and require perseverance.

May 2, 2023 • 36min
10 painful truths about productivity [you NEED to hear] from Nir Eyal
Nir Eyal, behavioural expert and bestselling author in attention management, discusses the impact of distraction on productivity and achieving goals. Topics include understanding traction and distraction, the importance of follow-through, finding balance, and using pacts to overcome distractions. The episode emphasizes the power of managing attention to live a more focused and fulfilled life.

Apr 25, 2023 • 7min
How to be more decisive - Instant brain hack
A quick strategy to cure confusion and be more decisive. This simple brain hack can radically simplify our situation when we feel confused and help us make hard decisions and take action.We can all become confused with the pile-up of priorities and our different obligations. The worst thing is no decision yet we can sit in confusion unable to move on. In many cases there is a simple way to cure confusion and make stuff happen.- - -Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Watch the pod - YouTube - Growth Mindset
Twitter - @samjamharris
Instagram - @SamJam.zen
- - -Chapters00:00 - You don't have time to be confused01:41 - Identify the truth of the matter02:39 - Buridians Donkey04:08 - My booking dilemmas to NASA launch failures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


