Environment Design: 3 Ways to Improve Your Thinking (without thinking)

The ego often stands as a formidable barrier to cultivating a growth mindset. It can cause us to stray from learning and strive for recognition and develop fixed mindset attitudes. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve deep into the fascinating realm of ego and its profound influence on our personal and professional growth. We'll share real-life stories of individuals and organizations who have grappled with the challenges of ego, from the towering successes to the unexpected failures. Through these captivating narratives, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how ego-driven behavior can derail even the most promising journeys. Discover the dangers of ego in the early stages of your endeavors, where the desire for instant success can blind you to valuable opportunities for learning and improvement. Explore how ego can cast a shadow over your achievements, making you more susceptible to complacency and resistance to change when success is at hand. In the face of failure, we'll uncover how ego can be an anchor, preventing you from bouncing back and turning setbacks into stepping stones. Learn how embracing humility, self-awareness, and a commitment to lifelong learning can lead to greater resilience and personal development. - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: Ancient Greek Philosophy to Reduce Modern Anxiety Chapters: 00:00 Ego as a blocker for growth 08:51 Lesson from George Washington 09:36 5 problems of ego when starting new things 10:05 Resisting constructive feedback 10:21 Overpromising and underdelivering 10:42 Ignoring market research 11:32 Ego and success 13:34 5 areas where ego can block you 13:41 Arrogance and hubris 14:00 Resistance to change 14:17 Lack of accountability 14:48 Ignoring feedback 15:17 Resting on our laurels 19:11 Ego and Failure 22:06 5 areas that ego can blind us 22:15 Blaming external factors 22:36 Not learning from failure 23:18 Fear of reputational damage 23:51 Panic and desperation 24:05 Fixing things by making the same mistake 25:04 Accept and learn from your failures 26:13 Sendoff Topics: Elusive Ego Growth mindset Self-awareness Personal development Overcoming ego Success and ego Failure and ego Humility Learning from failure Resilience Ryan Holiday "Ego Is the Enemy" Ego-driven behavior Embracing humility Continuous learning Complacency Success stories Real-life examples Podcast discussion Lessons from Literature Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Des 202329min

Grow Your Mindset and Happiness, the Ancient Stoic Ways. Are modern self-help gurus just repackaging ancient wisdom? Learn the timeless psychological insights from legendary philosopher Epicurus that can help you achieve happiness, overcome fear, and live fully. In this psychology and personal growth-focused episode, we decode the dense 2000+ year old teachings of Epicurus, founder of Epicureanism. Understand the common misconceptions about what Epicurus stood for and what it means to live an Epicurean lifestyle of prudence and contentment. - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: Ancient Greek Philosophy to Reduce Modern Anxiety Chapters: 00:00 Choosing Happiness 02:33 The Principal Doctrines of Epicurus 03:57 Epicureanism and Stoicism 05:10 4 Keys to Happiness 05:39 Don't Fear Death 07:09 Lessons from a dying podcast guest  07:43 What is good is easy to get 08:56 Epicurus' Hierarchy of Desires 11:02 Epicurus' Lifestyle and Values 12:15 Epicurus on God 13:57 2 Framework from Epicurus 15:25 Send Off Relevant keywords Growth mindset podcast Epicurus Epicureanism Ancient Greek Philosophy Hedonism Pursuit of Pleasure Epicurean Paradox The Garden (Epicurus' school) Philosophy of Happiness Stoicism vs Epicureanism Ataraxia (Tranquility) Simple Living Desire Theory Death and Fearlessness Rational Pleasure Friendship and Community Hellenistic Philosophy Materialism (Philosophical Context) Epicurean Ethics The Nature of the Gods (Epicurean View) Legacy of Epicurus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 Des 202318min

What if Seneca, the great Roman Stoic philosopher, suddenly appeared in modern times? He'd be horrified by our constant distractions and time-wasting on pointless status symbols and luxury goods.  In this psychology and self-improvement podcast,, learn Seneca's profound and practical wisdom on overcoming fear, not postponing happiness, using time wisely in pursuit of wisdom, and truly living rather than merely existing. Discover ancient life lessons on what matters when your days are limited. - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: Live Before You Die Chapters: 00:00 Seneca's quote on fearing death yet craving immortality 01:08 How Fear and Desire limits growth and potential 04:35 The Shortness of Life 07:27 Increasing Distractions around us 10:56 Lessons on Chasing Leisure, Luxury, Legacy  12:16 Leisure: You Should Not Postpone Happiness 12:59 Luxury 14:59 Legacy 16:49 Living Fully Through Wisdom 18:04 Gaining Knowledge from other people 20:30 Parallels of Stoicism and Buddhism  22:46 Podcast Hosts' Ratings for the book - On The Shortness of Life 22:46 Send Off Relevant keywords Growth Mindset Self-improvement Seneca Stoicism Philosophy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 Des 202326min

Socrates questioned everything in pursuit of growth and wisdom - but seeking truth in ancient Athens would lead to his untimely death. We explore the incredible life, lessons and the trial of the most impactful philosophers of all time. Join Sam and Nico in this crossover episode as they mine timeless insights from the trial and final days of the great teacher. You'll reflect on conviction versus compromise, the roots of cognitive dissonance, and what it really means to live an examined life alongside one of history’s greatest thinkers.  Whether you want to argue better, stand firmer in your truths, or simply see how profound an impact one defiant man had on philosophy and religion itself - this episode delivers. - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: The Last Days of Socrates: An Unexamined Life Worth Living Chapters: 0:00 Socrates as an Advocate of Growth Mindset 02:14 Book review of The Final Days of Socrates 04:51 The Apology 11:21 The Phaedo 19:11 Sam's takeaways of the book 22:02 Nico's takeaways of the book 26:29 Send off Relevant keywords Growth mindset podcast Self-improvement Socrates Stoicism Philosophy Learning from history The last days of Socrates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 Des 202330min

What if the path to true growth begins with admitting how little you actually know? Dive into the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who used cunning questions to expose holes in conventional thinking - holes that still trip us up today around self-improvement. 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, and admitting what you don’t know. If you enjoy learning about Stoicism, critical thinking, and the inner workings of progress, discover how this Greek master teacher's paradigm-shifting methods from antiquity can reveal blindspots of conventional thinking - even today. Become inspired to live more thoughtfully. - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: The Socratic Method: Questioning Your Way to Growth Chapters: 00:00 - The value of uncovering assumptions and misconceptions 01:55 - Who Socrates Was 04:57 - The importance of examining your beliefs and assumptions 07:14 - Actionable Socratic questioning strategies for growth 09:46 - Mistakes and failure as integral to the growth process 11:03 - Living honorably by being what you pretend to be 11:33 - Growth requires brutal honesty about yourself 13:27 - Why knowledge is the one good & ignorance is the one evil 14:54 - Wrong actions stem from intellectual errors, not malice 17:27 - Responding peacefully by giving your brain time and space 18:21 - Knowledge and awareness as the path to freedom 19:41 - Send Off Relevant keywords Growth mindset Socrates Socratic method Self-improvement Psychology Self-awareness Critical Thinking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 Des 202322min

Stoicism provides ancient answers for life in any era. As relevant today as ever. Do modern-day stresses have you feeling overwhelmed and stuck? These philosophical teachings of Stoicism provide timeless principles to develop wisdom, inner peace, and emotional resilience no matter the external chaos. This season is all about adopting the practices to increase growth and resilience even through uncertainty and adversity. Discover Ancient Stoic Ways to Build Growth Mindset Resilience. We’ll be going through 5 Principles for creating happiness - from reducing anxiety to focusing on self-mastery. Get to understand how emulating thinkers like philosopher Epictetus or the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius can seriously upgrade your mindset.  Whether you want to boost happiness, develop more courage or stop complaining so much – the stoics have got you covered!  Tune in to learn how embracing challenges, controlling your reactions, and getting comfortable with discomfort can help you enjoy life’s unpredictable journey. - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: 5 Stoic Principles for Creating Happiness Now Chapters: 0:00 Parallels and Lessons from the Stoics 02:42 5 Stoic Principles for Creating Happiness 03:29 1st concept - The dichotomy of control 06:03 2nd concept - Love of fate 09:39 3rd concept - Negative visualization 11:26 4th concept - Virtue is the soul good 14:23 5th concept - Mindful acceptance 18:17 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Nov 202321min

Do you ever feel like happiness is something just out of reach? Like you'll be happier once you get that promotion, move into your dream home, or reach some other milestone? What if you could unlock more joy, optimism, and contentment right now, today? In this practical episode of The Growth Mindset Podcast, our host Sam Webster Harris dives into the psychology of happiness and shares six simple phrases you can start using immediately to reframe your thinking and boost your mood. Discover how small tweaks to your self-talk and conversations with others can create genuine shifts in your mindset and emotional state. Stop waiting for happiness - you have the power to create it! - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: 6 Phrases for Genuine Happiness  Chapters: 00:00  Happiness is A Choice and Within Our Control 01:18 Reframing Your Thinking to Be More Happy 01:53 "I Get To" 04:12 "What Was Your Rose" 06:33 "Tell Me More" 08:02 "Yet" 09:43 "Will This Thing Matter A Year From Now" 12:01 "I Will Focus on X" 14:46 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Nov 202317min

The day you stop racing, is the day you win the race. Sick of the 9-5 grind and trying to fit society’s mold? Our guest, Alex Dunsdon of Potential.co, felt the same until he broke free. After feeling stuck in advertising for 10 years, Alex realized he needed to stop pleasing people and trying to meet society's expectations. He shares his unconventional path to finding his passion in impact investing and living life on his own terms. We dive into powerful mindset shifts like embracing your quirks, turning off your brain to find your true self, managing ADD, and adopting a “generosity strategy” where you give energy to help others. Alex believes this allows life to work its magic! He also started the company Potential VC to fund projects and people making a difference in areas like climate, finance, and education. We explore embracing uncertainty rather than rigid plans, exposing yourself to opportunities, and accepting the world as chaos. If you want to gain perspective, surround yourself with your tribe, and trust in life’s possibilities, join us for an inspiring conversation on breaking free and living with purpose. Unlock your potential today! - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: Escaping the Rat Race to Find Your Passion Chapters: 00:00 Choosing Which Waves to Ride 03:24 Alex's Experience in Advertising 04:40 Sam's first job experience 05:35 What Made Alex Realise He was Heading the Wrong Path 07:42 Importance of Finding Your Tribe 11:47 Alex's Resolution in Life  12:43 Life as a Game 14:46 Sam's Vipassana Experience 16:31 How Alex Came Up With The Concept of Potential VC 22:49 Take Aways from Vipassana Experience 24:46 What It's like Running A Business with an ADD Brain 26:03 How Alex Realized He Had ADD 27:33 Alex's Version of Vipassana 32:16 Alex's Imparting Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Nov 202339min