Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement

Growth Mindset Psychology
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. PROCESS Instead 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. HOST I’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). PREMIUM Go Ad-Free and listen to exclusive content. Support the show and access the AMA features and community Discord. Growth Mindset Premium ARCHIVE 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 — Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets

  1. Instant Gratification and the Death of Mastery: How to Refocus Your Life

    2 DAYS AGO

    Instant Gratification and the Death of Mastery: How to Refocus Your Life

    Make time your secret weapon. Our success and happiness are often eroded by the 7 habits of highly impatient people. We are losing the ability to focus and glorify instant success. Thus we lose the ability to stick with anything and create meaningful work. This episode goes through the psychology and philosophy of taking a slower and deeper approach to life: Understand the causes behind our poor attention spans Create resilience in your work Grow lasting momentum instead of bursts of speed From ancient stoic philosophers to the latest neuroscience. The signs are all put together in the episode that will help you focus your life and make time work towards your success. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 💼 LinkedIn Jobs - The largest professional network in the world Advertise your job for free - LinkedIn.com/growth Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: Instant Gratification and the Death of Mastery: How to Refocus Your Life Chapters: 00:00 Slowing down as a key to success 01:45 The allure and pitfalls of instant gratification 03:56 Building momentum 06:40 Optionality diminishes focus and inertia 10:35 Michael Jordan vs. high school star 12:03 Modern dating and the problem with optionality 12:54 ADVERT 13:03 Social media fuels our addiction to speed 15:38 Marcus Aurelius on the power of slowing down 16:53 Evaluating daily choices that speed you up or slow you down 17:38 Slowing down for happiness and growth 20:04 Realizations of ADHD 20:45 Going "all in" builds momentum 21:26 Send off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    27 min
  2. 16 Strange But Beautiful Paradoxes in Life  (The hidden keys to fulfilment)

    6 DAYS AGO

    16 Strange But Beautiful Paradoxes in Life (The hidden keys to fulfilment)

    What If Everything You Knew About Success Was Backward? Our lives are shaped by contradictions: The harder we chase happiness, the further it seems. The more freedom we gain, the more constrained we feel. You need money to be happy, but then chasing money makes you miserable. The more we learn, the more we realize we know absolutely nothing These are some of life’s paradoxes, and they are as profound as they are puzzling. In this episode, we explore 16 of these paradoxes, breaking down their underlying logic and what they reveal about the human condition. We’ll unpack why they exist, how they shape your life without you even noticing, and how to embrace the absurdity instead of letting it drive you insane. Drawing on philosophy, psychology, and practical insights, we’ll show how embracing these paradoxes can lead to a richer, more intentional life. It’s an invitation to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and find clarity in life’s complexities. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 💼 LinkedIn Jobs - The largest professional network in the world Advertise your job for free - LinkedIn.com/growth Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: 16 Strange but Beautiful Paradoxes of Life; The hidden keys to fulfilment Chapters: 00:00 16 paradoxes of life 02:08 Advice Paradox 02:56 More can be less Paradox 03:39 Freedom Paradox 05:12 Growth Paradox 06:28 Wisdom Paradox 07:44 Intelligence Paradox 09:14 Persuasion Paradox 10:20 Insecurity screams and confidence whispers 11:47 Simple future paradox 13:33 Productivity Paradox 16:45 Stress relieves stress 17:40 Harder is easier 18:32 Unpleasant moments create pleasant memories 19:14 Failure Paradox 19:35 Control Paradox 20:17 Happiness Paradox 21:59 Death Paradox 22:53 Send off Topics: Understanding life's paradoxes psychology podcast episode Exploring paradoxes in growth mindset and self-improvement Freedom Paradox insights for personal development Growth Paradox discussion in psychology and philosophy Navigating the Wisdom Paradox in self-improvement journeys Intelligence Paradox implications for growth mindset Persuasion techniques and the Persuasion Paradox Insecurity and confidence dynamics in personal growth Simplifying complex thoughts for mental clarity Productivity strategies and the Productivity Paradox Using stress management techniques to relieve stress Approaching challenges with the Harder is Easier mindset Creating positive memories from unpleasant experiences Learning from failure with the Failure Paradox The Control Paradox in psychology and personal development Finding true happiness with the Happiness Paradox Memento Mori and the Death Paradox in life philosophy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min
  3. A Practical Guide to Clear Thinking: Socrates' Lessons on Beating Self-Deception

    JAN 21

    A Practical Guide to Clear Thinking: Socrates' Lessons on Beating Self-Deception

    What if the path to true growth begins with admitting how little you actually know? The teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates tells us to use questions to expose holes in conventional thinking. If you enjoy learning about psychology, self-development, and the inner workings behind success, you’ll discover proven wisdom from ancient Greece on getting out of your own way. Hear unique Socratic tactics for: Questioning assumptions Overcoming knowledge bias Admitting what you don’t know. Learn more about the psychology of Stoicism, critical thinking, and the inner workings of progress. Socrates is the master at helping us live more thoughtfully and discover our own blindspots. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 💼 LinkedIn Jobs - The largest professional network in the world Advertise your job for free - LinkedIn.com/growth Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Chapters 00:00 Socrates: The Father of Philosophy 01:02 Wisdom in Admitting Ignorance 01:43 Who Was Socrates? 02:15 Socratic Questioning and Human Thinking 05:15 The Charity Conundrum 06:42 Socratic Questions for Self-Improvement 09:56 Failure as a Path to Learning 10:54 Living with Honor and Integrity 12:01 The Hard Work of Personal Integrity 13:53 The Philosophy of Knowledge and Ignorance 14:34 Understanding Human Behavior 17:58 Achieving Inner Peace and Happiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    24 min
  4. 24 Stoic Life Lessons To Solve 93% of Your Problems

    JAN 17

    24 Stoic Life Lessons To Solve 93% of Your Problems

    Timeless laws to focus on what matters and live free of stress and anxiety. No matter what life throws your way this year, adopting a Stoic mindset can set you up for both success and satisfaction. Join our host, Sam Webster Harris, as he walks through 24 powerful Stoic rules that are just as important today as 2000 years ago. The lessons will help you develop more mindfulness, discipline, generosity, calmness, and contentment in your life. We'll tackle big ideas like controlling what you can control, letting go of resentment, and finding joy in simple things. So tune in to learn how embracing voluntary discomfort, practising gratitude, and reviewing your actions can help you achieve equanimity and personal growth. With a little bit of Stoic philosophy in your back pocket, you'll be ready to handle whatever comes your way with grace and wisdom. Episode recommendations: Gratitude Lessons (That Don't Suck) Diagnose and Fix Your Real Problems Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 💼 LinkedIn Jobs - The largest professional network in the world Advertise your job for free - LinkedIn.com/growth Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Chapters 00:00 The answer for living a good life 01:31 Pre-roll advert 01:35 24 Rules of Stoicism 02:02 #1 02:49 #2 04:29 #3 06:47 #4 07:47 #5 09:43 #6 10:47 #7 11:46 #8 13:25 #9 14:45 #10 16:05 #11 17:27 BetterHelp ad 18:46 #12 19:42 #13 20:37 #14 21:31 #15 22:25 #16 23:25 #17 24:39 #18 25:21 #19 26:01 #20 27:01 #21 27:41 #22 28:53 #23 29:53 #24 30:33 Bonus Topics: biggest lessons of stoicism stoicism principles and mindsets ancient stoic wisdom growth mindset psychology resilience and grit cultivating generosity gratitude practices Everyday mindfulness self-discipline and growth reflection, improvement learning self-improvement podcast ancient philosophy for modern times live like a stoic boosting inner strength handling adversity overcoming challenges and setbacks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    35 min
  5. Thinking In Bets: 5 Winning Mental Models From Poker to Help Master Life

    JAN 14

    Thinking In Bets: 5 Winning Mental Models From Poker to Help Master Life

    Genius decision-making strategies to build wisdom in your everyday decisions. Annie Duke is the author of Thinking in Bets - A book full of genius psychology and poker tips to help you build mental models to make better decisions. Annie is a psychologist studying cognitive behavioural decision science and in her life as a professional poker player she won the World Series. She was even the highest-paid female player in history when she retired. Her psychology helped her poker and her poker helped her psychology. The summation of her lessons are wrapped up in the book 'thinking in bets' and in today's episode I break down my 5 favourite rules and mental models from the book that are worth using in your life. At a simple level, building wisdom is the process of making better decisions. Nothing more. so that's what we're going to learn about today Related episodes 163: Making bets that pay off - Annie Duke - 23rd March 2021 Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/163-making-bets-that-pay-off-annie-duke-author-speaker/id1273606075?i=1000514050530 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GXnNJqhPfZJtLxb7M3dCp?si=8e8a2edaa82f4ada Thinking Fast and Slow - 12th July 2024 Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 💼 LinkedIn Jobs - The largest professional network in the world Advertise your job for free - LinkedIn.com/growth Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Chapters 00:00 Thinking in Bets summary - Understanding life's chances 01:56 How Annie Got into Poker 04:24 Rule 1 - Seek Truth 05:26 Rule 2 - Do not chase losses 07:08 Mental models 07:35 Model 1 - Wisdom is good choices - (you don't know what a good choice is) 10:32 Model 2 - Question common knowledge 12:55 Model 3 - Make bets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    19 min
  6. How To Overcome Your Personal limits: Grow Out Of Your Comfort Zone

    JAN 10

    How To Overcome Your Personal limits: Grow Out Of Your Comfort Zone

    The laws of physics are the only true limits, stop letting your brain set fake limits. We accrue all sorts of limiting beliefs for different reasons. Our culture and reference points hide them from us. Or fear of failure keeps us small. This episode explores the psychology of self-limiting beliefs and fixed mindset ideas that sit hidden and unchallenged in our mind. These limiting beliefs sabotage our potential and the only way to stop them it to take ownership of your own thoughts. We explore: How mental barriers form and get accepted What ingredients make a genius Neuroplasticity and performance at any age The best strategies to grow your comfort zone As we launch into 2025 it's a great time to reflect on what has held us back and raise our bar for this year. This episode will help you set your sights higher and uncover the areas of potential you have untapped. This episode carries on the mini-series on goals and achievement: Journey vs Destination - Choosing the right goals Stop dreaming, start doing - The magic of actually doing stuff What are the top 5 Reasons we Fail to achieve our goals. Previous season on Fear: The Neuroscience of Fear: Understanding anxiety, trauma & tools to overcome fear 4 Hidden Fears that Secretly Sabotage Your Life 3 Tactics to Leave Your Comfort Zone and Overcome Fear of Failure The Psychology of Fear, Security and Emotional Intelligence (PolyVagal Theory) The Secrets Behind Curiosity Without Worry (Stephen Porges) How To Stop Catastrophising Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🌰 Acorns - Invest, earn & grow your money $5 dollar starting bonus - Acorns.com/Growth Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Chapters: 00:00 The Illusion of Limitations 02:18 Self-Efficacy Theory & The Brain's Security System 04:23 Safe Limits & Overcoming Social Anxiety 06:39 Reference Point Dependence 08:46 The Four-Minute Mile Barrier 09:52 Cultural Influences on Limitations 11:12 The Polgar Experiment: Genius is Made 13:18 Learning at Any Age 16:17 The Power of Environment 18:45 Advert Break 19:09 The Placebo Effect 20:46 Redesigning Your Environment 23:06 Strategies to Break Mental Barriers 24:08 Questioning Your Limits 26:40 Final Thoughts on Overcoming Barriers 27:19 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    34 min
  7. What Are The Top 5 Reasons People Fail To Achieve Their Goals

    JAN 7

    What Are The Top 5 Reasons People Fail To Achieve Their Goals

    The psychology of beating procrastination, inaction, and confusion that lets you systematically work towards any goal. Goal setting is easy - Goal achieving is a very different thing. We dig into the main causes and the often small but subtle tweaks we can make that keep us in check. Using ideas from psychology and ancient wisdom we see how humans have dealt with the big hairy ambitious goals over history and how you can too: Task Initiation Paralysis - Shows us how Charles Darwin overcame the most complex tasks in history. Ulysses Contracts - Teaches us how Victor Hugo wrote the timeless Hunchback of Notre Dame ahead of schedule by engineering his environment. Effective vs Fluffy Intentions - How psychologists helped heart surgery patients double their success rates through a simple sentence change. Sam also lists some of the most effective resources and tools you can access to stay on track to beat the common problems we face. This episode carries on the mini-series on goals and achievement: Journey vs Destination - Choosing the right goals Stop dreaming, start doing - The magic of actually doing stuff Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🎇 Constant Wonder - The podcast for questioning why Explorations of wonder and awe in science, art, & history Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Chapters: 00:00 How we lose track of reality and where to find it 01:21 Unrealistic expectations 02:07 Not ready for the moment 05:36 Time to adjust to new habit 06:11 Personal responsibility - No external help - No momentum 07:49 Charles Darwin and Task Initiation Paralysis 10:02 Beating Motivation with "when - Then" contracts 13:06 Ulysses contracts and Victor Hugo's writing strategy 16:47 Get it out of your head 17:43 Cohort learning 19:10 Coaching 20:02 Accountability Groups 21:45 Future letters 23:02 Bonus tips 24:07 Temporal discounting and the real Marshmallow study 26:18 Keeping promises to ourselves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min
  8. The Life-Changing Magic of Actually Doing Stuff - Start 2025 Right

    JAN 3

    The Life-Changing Magic of Actually Doing Stuff - Start 2025 Right

    Stop Dreaming, Start Doing - Action is more important than planning. We are increasingly addicted to planning yet more and more allergic to doing. Get your ducks in a row this year as we learn about the psychology behind our goals and dreams and what it takes to knuckle down, make some hard decisions and start taking action. We discuss some key concepts: What is our real work The problem with motivation and aspirations Waiting for life to blow us in the right direction 4 Burners theory Sam also shares his own results, including the failures and successes behind taking bigger leaps and focusing on your main goals. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🎇 Constant Wonder - The podcast for questioning why Explorations of wonder and awe in science, art, & history 🐏 Unbound Merino - Highest quality Merino wool clothing 10% off with code 'PSYCHOLOGY' UnboundMerino.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth 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 Mindset Chapters: 00:00 Amateur vs Professional goal-seeking 00:38 Growth Minded ambition vs Fixed Minded 01:07 The trap of 'find your calling' 02:29 The real work behind your calling 03:21 "When I feel like it" - means "never" 04:36 Writing as a hobby or a profession 06:16 Podcasting at professional quality 08:12 Making your own path 10:26 Sam's results and reflections 14:40 4 Burners Hypothesis 16:26 Questions to stop dreaming and start doing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    22 min
4.4
out of 5
266 Ratings

About

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. PROCESS Instead 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. HOST I’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). PREMIUM Go Ad-Free and listen to exclusive content. Support the show and access the AMA features and community Discord. Growth Mindset Premium ARCHIVE 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 — Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets

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