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
Apr 11, 2025 • 59min
Nervous System Mastery: Build resilience, reduce stress and feel more yourself - w/ Esin Pinarli
Esin Pinarli, a licensed therapist and founder of Eternal Wellness Counseling, dives into the intricate connection between our nervous system and personal growth. She emphasizes that discomfort should not be feared but welcomed as a stepping stone to resilience. Pinarli introduces concepts like 'titration' and 'edge surfing' to explain how small challenges can stretch our emotional limits. She highlights that true growth stems from body experiences, urging us to embrace small, uncomfortable moments to foster a deeper relationship with ourselves.
11 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 30min
The Science Behind Changing Your Mind (and how to build better taste)
Dive into the quirks of human perception where your truths may not be as original as you think. Explore how biases shape our realities, impacting everything from taste in music to opinions on careers. Discover the hidden blind spots that govern our decisions and the importance of questioning our lens on the world. Plus, learn why enhancing your taste could be more crucial than merely chasing passion. This enlightening discussion invites you to challenge your ego and embrace a more informed perspective.
8 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 22min
How to stop worrying about small problems that don't matter (and kill your perfectionist)
Ever find yourself fixating on minor annoyances instead of celebrating the wins? The discussion highlights how our brains often overemphasize flaws, leading to missed opportunities for joy. Embracing imperfections can actually enhance relationships and overall satisfaction. The power of gratitude is explored as a remedy for perfectionism, encouraging listeners to appreciate life's complexities. By shifting focus from ideal standards to meaningful experiences, you can unlock a happier, more fulfilling life.
Apr 1, 2025 • 32min
What creates lasting willpower and resilience: the 4 types of motivation
Explore the psychology of lasting motivation and how it ties to personal values. Discover four exercises to bolster your intrinsic drive and resilience. Learn how reframing challenges can transform them into powerful expressions of your evolving identity. Uncover insights on the interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and consider your legacy with the Odyssey Plan. It’s a fascinating journey into aligning your actions with what truly matters to you!
Mar 28, 2025 • 36min
The Psychology of Hypnosis: Can it really guide your Subconscious thoughts?
Unlock the secrets of your mind through the fascinating science of hypnosis. Discover how it reshapes perceptions to boost health, manage pain, and ease anxiety. Delve into self-hypnosis with cutting-edge apps that empower personal growth. Learn about the brain's response during hypnosis and the transformative power of suggestibility. This journey reveals that your reality is flexible, offering tools to reframe challenges and achieve restorative sleep. Explore the potential of your subconscious to unlock a better you!
Mar 25, 2025 • 21min
Mental, moral and physical laziness - how to beat our modern addictions
Discover how deliberate discomfort paves the way to a meaningful life. The discussion dives into the three stages of 'flabbiness'—physical, mental, and moral—highlighting how complacency breeds stagnation. Learn the importance of taking personal responsibility and confronting moral laziness instead of blaming others. The podcast also offers strategies for transforming habits, emphasizing community support and accountability. Finally, philosophical insights from Stoicism and Buddhism help combat mental laziness, guiding listeners toward greater self-discipline and purpose.
13 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 35min
How to uncover emotional blocks holding you back, when you can't see them w/ Tracy Litt
Tracy Litt, a performance coach and author of "Worthy Human," joins the discussion to unveil emotional blocks that often stay hidden. She explains how our brains deploy clever distractions exactly when we need to feel our emotions. Sam shares his own struggles with vulnerability, highlighting personal insights on emotional avoidance. Tracy suggests practical methods like a judgment journal and guided screaming for emotional release. The conversation encourages embracing fear as a guide toward growth, revealing that confronting these invisible barriers can lead to profound transformation.
8 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 18min
Bruce Lee's 6 simple habits to build mastery, mental strength and a growth mindset
Dive into Bruce Lee's transformative habits that shaped his legendary status! Discover how he embraced failure as a teacher and captured insights in notebooks. Learn the power of daily goal recitation and the importance of reading widely across subjects. Explore how his mix of Eastern philosophy and Western techniques revolutionized martial arts. Lee's relentless dedication and adaptability serve as a blueprint for mastering anything. Get inspired to unlock your own potential by adopting these principles of growth, perseverance, and creativity!
17 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 38min
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 • 31min
Unconventional ideas on happiness that change how you feel today (and in 30 years)
Explore the intriguing notion that happiness might not lie in immediate gratification but in long-term thinking. Delve into the concept of 'now-ish' thinking, which can cloud our futures. Learn to evaluate your daily choices with a 30-year perspective and consider if your routines and relationships are what you want long-term. Discover small, actionable habits that foster gratitude and deepen connections. Shift your language from obligation to opportunity, and focus your day on one significant task to enhance happiness.
