

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

Aug 23, 2022 • 22min
Increase output, learn faster, avoid burnout
Discover how to increase your output and learn faster while avoiding burnout by optimizing your mindset, reframing brain training, and making work enjoyable. Explore the differences between mind and muscle, learn from memory champions, and find joy in gamifying tedious tasks. Uncover the secrets of Alexander the Great, Steve Jobs, and Jason Mraz in shaping hard things into enjoyable experiences.

Aug 16, 2022 • 20min
Master finishing things
Explore the art of finishing tasks and overcoming blockers, focusing on strengths and interests to enhance efficiency. Learn about effective delegation, prioritization, and the importance of task completion and self-reflection. Discover unconventional advice and strategies for improving creativity and productivity.

Aug 9, 2022 • 19min
Own how others affect you
We are often told we are the product of the 5 people we spend the most time with. This episode explores the cases where this isn't true and what we can learn from examining the relationships we have. We learn that actually, the most significant effect is from those that prevent us from being ourselves. Otherwise, we are free to choose the qualities we are inspired by regardless of how much time we spend with people. Questions to reflect on What are my strengths? When do I feel like I am being myself?
I am putting my energy directly into the thing I want to do or is it postponed for some reason?
Is there a faster way to reach the lifestyle I want?
Who are my idols? Why do I look up to them? Could I have better idols?Who are 5 cool but very different friends to me, what would they tell me to do? Connect with Sam: Join the conversation on the social podcast app - PodvineSam's newsletter on creativity and entrepreneurship - Explosive Thinking Sam's podcast on books - Wiser Than Yesterday Support the Show - Patreon If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Timestamps
00:00 - What is a growth mindset
00:20 - You are not the 5 people you spend time with
01:00 - Be yourself
01:23 - The skier parable
04:08 - Don't be blocked from being yourself
04:40 - Best friends
06:30 - Opposite can work
08:50 - Choose your inspiration
09:36 - Small encounters can have butterfly effects
10:53 - Prioritise healthy relationships
11:30 - Avoid being generic groups/cliques
12:08 - Sahil Lavingia and GumRoad
13:53 - Variety is the spice of life
14:53 - Questions to journal on (see above)
16:05 - Life tips
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Aug 2, 2022 • 18min
3 secrets to change your thinking
Your thinking reflects your environment.We have all heard the best practices for improving your focus. These three ideas are just as influential and no one knows about them.Connect with Sam: Join the conversation on the social podcast app - PodvineSam's newsletter on creativity and entrepreneurship - Explosive Thinking Sam's podcast on books - Wiser Than Yesterday Support the Show - Patreon If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Timestamps
00:00 - Our thinking reflects our environment
01:32 - ADHD medication compared to environment
02:27 - The Cathedral Effect
04:59 - The Movement Effect
08:49 - Intentional Laptoping
12:58 - Bonus laptop tips
15:16 - Summary
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Jul 26, 2022 • 13min
Remove personal limits
Often the thing holding us back more than anything is ourselves.The episode helps uncover the limiting beliefs we have and how they are made. We then come up with ways to question these beliefs and form empowering mindsets.Connect with Sam:Join the conversation on the social podcast app - PodvineSam's newsletter on creativity and entrepreneurship - Explosive Thinking Sam's podcast on books - Wiser Than Yesterday If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends!Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - e.g. 1 - singing
02:55 - Time horizons
03:35 - Breaking records and setting goals
04:40 - Culture
06:20 - the intelligence trap
07:32 - Evolutionary psychology of limits
08:40 - Questioning beliefs
09:10 - If things were easy
10:15 - Tony Robbins advice
11:10 - Summary
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Jul 19, 2022 • 15min
Stop dreaming, start doing
The podcast delves into the differences between amateurs and professionals in achieving goals, emphasizing the importance of consistent action. It discusses the mindset of pursuing growth over fixed goals, avoiding the trap of 'finding your calling'. The episode also covers the significance of dedication in writing and podcasting, and offers insights on transitioning from dreaming to doing.

Jun 14, 2022 • 18min
Expand your comfort zone
Success lies outside of our comfort zone. Learning to regularly leave our comfort zone behind is the key to growing and achievement.This podcast is a masterclass in strategies and lessons that help you face fears and expand your comfort zone.Learn more about deliberate practice and strategies to enjoy your moments of failure as opportunities.---Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Sam's podcast on books - Wiser Than Yesterday
Support the Show - Patreon
Listen and connect with the show - Podvine
If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it . And of course, share with your friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 10, 2022 • 1min
Growth Mindset - An introduction
Sam was supposed to record an advert but got a little lost with making rhymes about mindset. He is fully aware he is an idiot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 7, 2022 • 26min
Fail Your Way to Success
Don't be scared of failure. Eccie Newton tells us about the relentless setbacks whilst building her catering idea into a company that's raised over £350 million."For one thing to go right, a hundred things had to go wrong."Eccie's is a brilliant story of resilience and strength and this is a must-listen for any growth mindset or business enthusiasts.Timestamps00:01:34 Working through the "Trough of sadness"00:03:22 No no, everything went wrong, Literally Everything00:04:26 Epic Pie day failure00:05:58 First ever VC meeting00:08:23 Raw is More Cookbook00:11:16 Scaling up mistakes00:14:08 Why even start a business00:17:07 Work with the right people00:18:14 Earliest vivid memory - Infinity00:19:56 Kindest thing - Forgiveness00:21:41 Round Up and Reflection---Connect with Eccie:Karma Kitchen Karma Can LinkedIn Connect with Sam:Join the conversation on the social podcast app - PodvineSam's newsletter on creativity and entrepreneurship - Explosive Thinking Sam's podcast on books - Wiser Than Yesterday Support the Show - Patreon If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24, 2022 • 17min
Increase your opportunities
Wish you didn't have to chase for opportunities? Start making them come to you instead.Learn how to put your best foot forwards for everyone to see. Follow the tactics of the successful people who got themselves out there.---Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity and entrepreneurship - Explosive Thinking Sam's podcast on books - Wiser Than Yesterday Support the Show - Patreon Listen and connect with the show - Podvine
If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it . And of course, share with your friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


