
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

16 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 40min
The 7 types of stupidity: the human flaws more important than brainpower
Explore the intriguing world of human stupidity, where misconceptions and cognitive biases can hinder success more than ignorance. Discover seven distinct patterns of flawed thinking, from individual overconfidence to collective errors in organizations. Learn why brilliant minds sometimes overthink simple solutions and how our identities can entangle us in flawed beliefs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intellectual honesty and decision-making systems to combat common blind spots, encouraging a reimagined approach to thinking.

Mar 11, 2025 • 33min
Unconventional ideas on happiness that change how you feel today (and in 30 years)
What if the path to happiness isn't where all the spotlights are shining? While most seek contentment in the thin slice of "now," true fulfilment lives in a paradox.We're stuck in what I call "now-ish" thinking—that anxiety-producing zone of yesterday's failures and tomorrow's deadlines. We're taught to live in the moment, yet rarely consider where our moments are leading us. True happiness requires an honest look at your 30-year trajectory. Are you building skills you want to master for decades? Hanging with friends who'll still challenge you in 2055? The work that drains you today will absolutely crush your soul twenty years from now. But immediate happiness isn't found in some mystical future achievement either.Small daily habits can make a big difference to the quality of our days from opening up deeper conversations to knocking on the door of our limits.Practical lessons this episode:
Stop obsessing over now-ish problems and pay attention to what really matters
The way to keep potential alive
Choose one focus each day rather than drowning in endless possibilities
Upgrade to Premium:🏖️ Ad-free listening🤘 Support the show🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.comGet in Touch👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,comGrowth 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 MindsetShow: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: Unconventional ideas on happiness that change how you feel today (and in 30 years)Chapters:00:00 Unconventional Ideas on Happiness01:38 Is it all about NOW? 03:47 Now-ish thinking05:15 30-year thinking06:17 Goal based vs energy based work08:26 Questions to ask yourself10:10 Danger of putting off till 'one day'11:05 Doing what you want or don't know how to stop?12:14 Balancing present and future thinking14:36 Reframing Your Thinking to Be More Happy14:47 "I Get To"17:07 "What Was Your Rose"19:27 "Tell Me More"20:56 "Yet"22:38 "Will This Thing Matter A Year From Now"24:56 "I Will Focus on X"27:40 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 42min
Can you talk with your subconscious? - w/ Jeff Bauhner
Join Jeff Bauhner, author of "The Sultan's Seven Secrets," as he shares insights on tapping into the subconscious. He discusses how our minds operate beyond our awareness, often trapping us in self-sabotaging thoughts. Jeff proposes radical ways to communicate with our subconscious, helping to shift limiting beliefs around money and success. He connects personal transformation stories to broader themes of emotional alignment and overcoming fears, encouraging listeners to embrace change for personal growth.

Mar 4, 2025 • 31min
The psychology of control - why your brain overcomplicates everything
We all know smart people make dumb decisions. But why?
Why do gamblers double down when they should walk away?
Why do we check our phones 58 times a day?
Why do people micromanage their partners and get confused when they become distant?
We are all suckers for the illusion of control.We are convinced that our meddling is needed to achieve our desired outcome. Sadly this misses the important fact that we are causing all our problems.The episode covers all sorts of personal problems from addictions to relationships, investing to anger and how control is at the heart of our problems.Whether you are high on neuroticism or curious about how the mind works we have a tonne of good stuff:
Recognize your "control triggers" – situations where your grip tightens and makes things worse
Practice intentional surrendering in low-stakes situations to build your letting-go muscles
Replace control with curiosity by asking "What happens if I don't try to fix this?"
Learn to stop wrestling with life and start dancing with it.Upgrade to Premium:🏖️ Ad-free listening🤘 Support the show🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.comRelated Episodes
5 Science-backed ways to stop disappointing yourself - Spotify - Apple
The Psychology of Mistakes - 7 types of lazy thinking - Spotify - Apple
4 Hidden fears that sabotage your life - and what to do about them - Spotify - Apple
Get in Touch👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,comGrowth 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 MindsetShow: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: The psychology of control - why your brain overcomplicates everythingChapters:00:00 Introduction: Why Smart People Make Dumb Decisions00:30 The Science of Control02:00 Personal Story: The Quad Bike Incident05:51 The Illusion of Control07:02 Addiction and Control09:03 Reactance Theory: Why We Rebel10:14 Attachment Styles and Control in Relationships12:32 Paradoxical Intentions: Embracing the Opposite15:30 Understanding and Managing Anger18:43 Quieting the Default Mode Network20:18 The Joy of Surrender21:09 Show Updates: Embracing Change22:58 The New Show Concept: The Psychology of Everything25:25 The Importance of Growth and Change26:03 Final Thoughts on Control and Surrender Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 28, 2025 • 33min
7 habits of highly miserable people
What if your unhappiness is self-inflicted? Discover the seven toxic habits keeping you stuck in misery, like blaming others and falling into the trap of procrastination. Learn why waiting for the 'perfect moment' halts progress and how the victim mentality saps your power. Dive into the truth about self-care and its misconceptions in a digital age that fosters loneliness. Embrace change and take control of your happiness today!

Feb 25, 2025 • 34min
How to guide your destiny - What to avoid, where to push, when to relax
Ever feel like you’re swimming against the current of life? Explore how social media algorithms subtly influence our choices, pulling us away from authentic paths. Discover the untapped potential in emerging industries like AR, VR, and biotech. Learn to spot the forces shaping your decisions and gain tools to steer your life towards growth. Hear captivating stories of personal journeys and how small choices can lead to significant life changes. It’s time to catch the right waves in your life!

19 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 60min
Systems to unlock your creative genius w/ Jeremy Enns
Jeremy Enns is a prolific content creator with a knack for transforming fleeting thoughts into profitable ideas. He discusses how to break free from mediocre ideas and emphasizes that a perfect routine may actually stifle creativity. Jeremy shares his 'Marathon Project' framework, revealing how to elevate average creators to extraordinary heights. With a focus on structured creativity, he offers practical strategies to maintain productivity and develop a sustainable writing practice, making creativity an inevitable outcome.

29 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 43min
5 tips to stop waiting for opportunities
Discover the five laws of creation that empower you to take action toward your goals. Learn why your calling won’t find you and how to stop waiting for permission. Embrace public content creation to unlock new opportunities and foster connections. Tackle imposter syndrome by focusing on authenticity in your work. Understand the importance of feedback and iteration to achieve genuine product-market fit. Ultimately, cultivate a growth mindset to drive continuous self-improvement in both life and business.

Feb 14, 2025 • 29min
Psychology's guide to 18 oddities of desire
Explore the paradoxes that challenge our perceptions of love and relationships. Discover how vulnerability can be both a strength and a source of intimacy. Learn why annoying habits might actually hold hidden qualities. Embrace the idea that closeness often comes from distance. Understand why being 'needy' isn't always a flaw and how healthy conflict fosters growth. Stop chasing perfection; dive into the complexities of human connection, where contradictions can lead to breakthroughs.

Feb 11, 2025 • 27min
The Loneliness Paradox: How to stop being needy and start being magnetic
Explore the paradox of loneliness and its surprising effects on relationships. Learn how the fear of being alone can push people away, while authenticity can draw them in. Discover practical strategies to build confidence and nurture healthy connections. Understand the crucial difference between solitude and loneliness, and how embracing the former can enhance your relationships. Dive into the nuances of independence and interdependence while mastering communication for deeper emotional intimacy.