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
16 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 12min
How to Create Perspective and Get Out of Your Own Way
Ever felt overwhelmed by life's challenges? Discover how surfing taught valuable lessons about perspective and focus. Learn why panic can be a signal to reassess rather than a reason to double down. Dive into simple hacks for shifting your mindset, like scheduling 'look up' moments for reflection. Explore the significance of mentorship and the importance of broadening your focus in life and business. Get ready to navigate through your problems with newfound clarity!
18 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 35min
The Creative Act: Rick Rubin's 12 Rules for Creativity and Being Yourself
Discover Rick Rubin's 12 rules for embracing creativity as a universal experience. He emphasizes that true artistry stems from authenticity, not technical skill. Find inspiration in the ordinary and learn to notice the world around you. Rubin advocates for making a creative mess and allows ideas to breathe before judgement. Changing your environment can shift your mindset, while embracing uncertainty leads to genuine artistic expression. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these insights can help you create with honesty and intention.
Jul 4, 2025 • 26min
Lessons Across Time: How to teach yourself, remember more and grow wiser
Dive into the art of self-reflection and the power of dialogue with your past and future selves. Explore how journaling and sending emails to your future self can transform your mindset. Capture cherished memories by recording conversations with loved ones, turning nostalgia into a treasure trove of wisdom. Discover lighthearted anecdotes that reveal valuable life lessons. Plus, engage in the 12-week year framework to enhance personal growth and resilience. It's all about turning insights into actionable strategies for a richer life!
9 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 34min
Attachment Theory and How to Avoid the Mistakes Everyone Makes When They Learn About It
Dive into the complexities of attachment theory and discover how your early experiences shape your relationships. Learn about the four primary attachment styles: Secure, Anxious, Avoidant, and Disorganized. Unpack the Anxious-Avoidant trap and why it leads to frustrating cycles. Find out how to spot red flags in partners and why being direct with your needs can enhance your dating life. Plus, tackle the dangers of idolizing past relationships for a chance at real happiness.
Jun 27, 2025 • 43min
Do You Think Like a Caveman? Surprising Mindset Lessons From History
Explore the psychological influences of our ancestors on modern behaviors and thinking. Discover how survival strategies like the scarcity mindset and tribal conformity can hinder personal growth and innovation today. Delve into the significance of food in shaping societies and relationships, while contrasting hunter-gatherer challenges with contemporary life. Uncover the fragility of oral traditions and the importance of storytelling in knowledge retention. Learn how to overcome cognitive biases and embrace progress, all wrapped in humor and practical advice.
Jun 24, 2025 • 24min
5 Self-Limiting Beliefs that Hold You Back from Who You Want To Be
Explore how your inner critic may be holding you back from progress. Discover five self-limiting beliefs, like the myth of perfectionism and the illusion of insufficient willpower. Learn to view distractions through the lens of your thoughts, and understand the implications of imposter syndrome, especially as success grows. Gain actionable strategies to flip the script, build momentum, and treat willpower as an emotion. Shift your mindset and unlock your potential!
Jun 20, 2025 • 47min
Concepts: How the Brain Constructs Reality, Emotional Experience and Who You Are - w/ Nicholas Shea
Nicholas Shea, a researcher from Oxford and King's College, dives into the fascinating mechanics of how our brains construct reality. He explains how concepts act as mental shortcuts, allowing for quick recognition and understanding. Shea highlights the interplay between emotion and decision-making, countering the belief that emotions compromise logic. He also tackles the evolution from simple ideas to complex concepts, influenced by social interaction and media consumption, revealing the depths of cognitive processing that shape our daily lives.
7 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 26min
When Your Brain Won’t Shut Up: A guide to internal peace and lasting focus
This discussion dives deep into the mental loops that hijack our attention, likening them to poorly designed software. It addresses the interplay between addiction and creativity, revealing how untrained minds can sabotage productivity. The idea of using 'internal repulsion' to break these thought patterns is introduced, transforming how we perceive self-sabotage. Listeners are urged to confront their fears and recognize addiction as a self-imposed barrier, ultimately empowering them to take control of their thoughts and forge a path toward personal growth.
4 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 25min
How to transcend your normal habits and routines to have original ideas
Explore how mental constraints can limit creativity and keep us trapped in routines. Discover the power of randomness to shake up your week and unlock new ideas. Learn how boredom can actually spark creativity, instead of being seen as a nuisance. Delve into the interplay between routine and spontaneity for personal growth. Finally, reflect on the importance of forgiveness as a way to release emotional anchors and live more freely. It's all about stepping out of the ordinary and into a world of possibilities!
Jun 10, 2025 • 36min
How to Tell if Someone Will Be a Good Long-Term Partner (and find them)
Discover how shifting your mindset from scarcity to abundance can transform your search for love. The discussion challenges common dating advice and emphasizes the importance of shared values over similar interests. Learn about the optimal search theory and how personal growth attracts better relationships. Authenticity is key; embrace who you truly are when looking for partners. Finally, assess potential matches by focusing on their family history and emotional qualities rather than just chemistry.
