Environment Design: 3 Ways to Improve Your Thinking (without thinking)
Channel productivity or creativity on-demand - experience more progress, positivity, and freedom using the power of your environment. In this episode of the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast, we explore the significant impact of our environment on our overall mindset and actions. Delve into lesser-known productivity tips from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy and the actionable take-homes you can directly apply to your own life. Key insights explained: Cathedral Effect - for creativity or productivity The Movement Effect - For positivity and progress Intentional Laptoping - For focus and freedom Learn how your environment can be a game-changer in achieving a life well-lived, along with practical tips and personal anecdotes to build a productive and creative space around you. [Note - This archived episode was recorded two years ago while Sam was cycling around Europe - Obviously he was not on his bike at the time...] Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMA's and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off - code GROWTHMINDSET50 - FactorMeals.com/GrowthMindset50 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY - ShortForm.com/Psychology 🔗 🐷 PorkBun: .PRO domain for $1 - code BeAPro24 - PorkBun.com/GrowthMindset24 Recommended Episodes Stop Dreaming, Start Doing: How to live in reality - 19th July 2022 Remove Personal Limits: Breakdown internal barriers to success - 26th July 2022 Gratitude lessons (that don't suck): Life advice for realists - 16th May 2023 Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 Environment Design for Unblocking Ourselves 04:49 #1 Cathedral effect: Creativity vs Productivity 07:18 #2 The Movement Effect: Positivity and Progress 11:11 #3 Intentional Laptoping: Focus and Freedom 15:36 Bonus laptop and work tips 17:55 Summary of Environment Design Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
23 Aug 202422min
How to Decide What To Focus On - When you want to do everything
3 ways to stay dedicated to what is important in life, in a noisy world (and with a noisy mind). We are immersed in infinite options and distractions of alluring things we could be doing. Naturally we often find ourselves wanting to do all the things. A holiday in the Mediterranean, surfing in Bali or visiting pyramids - Why choose? Pursuing a career in finance, running a YouTube about cars, or becoming a teacher - Frustrating huh... Leaning into philosophy and the inner workings of our psychology we explore three lessons and mental models to help us calm our frenetic obsessions and build peace. We'll learn how to build an ability to focus on what matters, ignore passing surface desires and invest deeply in ourselves Some outcomes of this episode: Investing in yourself for the long term Recognise your different personalities and free them Prevent getting mentally ahead of ourselves Enjoying the journey Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMA's and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off - code GROWTHMINDSET50 - FactorMeals.com/GrowthMindset50 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY - ShortForm.com/Psychology 🔗 🐷 PorkBun: .PRO domain for $1 - code BeAPro24 - PorkBun.com/GrowthMindset24 Recommended Episodes How to build Free Will and Self-Control: Psychology of default behaviours - 6th Aug 2024 Work-Life Battle: Why balancing fails and what works instead - 11th May 2024 Do the Thing: How to stop procrastinating - 12th March 2024 Engineer Unstoppable Motivation: What really builds resilience - 12th Jan 2024 Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 The Infinite Directions and Endless Cycle of Decisions in Life 02:07 Navigating Modern Choices and the Opportunity Costs of Commitments 03:20 Cross-Pollinating Ideas and Breaking Barriers 05:08 The Impact of Clothing on Personality 09:51 The Dilemma of Choosing One Path When You Hold Multiple Interests 13:43 The Importance of Focus to Achieve Results 16:47 The Reality of Multitasking, Mental Masturbation, & Being Ahead of Ourselves 18:33 Exceptions to the Rule: Taylor Swift's Dress Changes 21:39 Embracing Change & Growth Through Our Life 27:05 Finding Creativity to Expand the Interest Potential Of Any Domain 28:28 Conclusion: Embrace Curiosity and Keep Growing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
20 Aug 202434min
The Secrets Behind Curiosity Without Worry - Building Inner-Peace w/ Stephen Porges PhD [Father of Polyvagal Theory]
Live a life well lived by exploring the depths of Psychology and Polyvagal Theory with Dr. Stephen Porges. Join host Sam Webster on the Growth Mindset Psychology Show as he engages in a deep and enlightening conversation with Dr. Stephen Porges, the renowned researcher behind polyvagal theory. This episode delves into fundamental truths about psychology, societal norms, and personal growth. Dr. Porges shares insights on the body's physiological reactions to safety and threat, how they impact our behavior, and how understanding these can help us lead fulfilling lives. Tune in to explore the science of self-improvement and the importance of curiosity, all while unravelling the complexities of human existence. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMA's and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off code GROWTHMINDSET50 🪒 🦁 ManScaped: 20% Off + Free Shipping - code GROWTH 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY 🔗 🐷 PorkBun: .PRO domain for $1 - code BeAPro24 Recommended Books Our Polyvagal World - Stephen Porges & Seth Porges Recommended Episodes The Psychology of Fear, Security & Emotional Intelligence: Neuroscience lessons from Polyvagal Theory - 13th Aug 2024 How Attachment styles affect all relationships: w/ Jessica Baum - 14th Jun 2024 The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset: Learning and behaviour change - 30th July 2024 Attachment Styles: Understanding our emotional blueprinte - 20th Feb 2024 Stephen W. Porges, PhD Website - StephenPorges.com Work - PolyvagalInstitute.org Books - Book List Wikipedia - Stephen-Porges Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Curiosity, Safety and Mindset 02:15 Basics of PolyVagal Theory and Episode Outline 05:51 The Rubik's Cube of Psychology 06:45 Primitive Organisms and Threat Response 07:31 Creating a Safe Learning Environment 08:43 Polyvagal Theory and Personal Reactions 11:06 Intuition vs. Neural Reflex 12:31 The Role of Voice and Intonation 15:50 Social Pressure and Authenticity 18:18 The Physiology of Safety and Stress 20:27 Dealing with Constant Threat - Academic and Professional Challenges 23:55 Stephen's Personal Journey and Academic Frustrations 30:10 Curiosity, Creativity, and Personal Fulfillment 41:45 The Zen of Loading the Dishwasher 41:54 The Power of Focus 43:18 Polyvagal Music: Healing Through Sound 46:11 The Importance of Physiological State and Co-Regulation 46:56 The Role of Rhythm in Well-being 48:46 Exploring the History of Psychology 50:15 The Intersection of Technology and Research 52:55 Final Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16 Aug 202458min
The Psychology of Fear, Security & Emotional Intelligence (Neuroscience lessons from Polyvagal Theory)
How to manage stress, build a calmer state of mind and create a foundation for growth and autonomy. Polyvagal Theory is an intriguing sounding term that holds a lot of answers to how the body perceives threats and gives a surprising amount of actionable take homes that we can use in our everyday lives. Join Sam Webster in this episode of the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast as he dives deep into the fascinating world of fear, security, emotional intelligence and neuroscience. There are three main states in which our nervous system operates: Sympathetic (fight or flight) Parasympathetic (rest and digest) Dorsal vagal (shutdown) They impact our reactions, mental health, and ability to engage with the world. We'll learn how the body controls itself without conscious control and how to build techniques that give us the freedom to choose our own state and outcomes. This is essential listening for anyone with experience of trauma or attachment injuries but it is also fundamental for creating the security we need to have a growth mindset. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMA's and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off code GROWTHMINDSET50 🪒 🦁 ManScaped: 20% Off + Free Shipping - code GROWTH 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY Recommended Books Our Polyvagal World - Stephen Porges & Seth Porges Also worth reading: Attached - Amir Levine & Rachel Heller The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk Recommended Episodes How Attachment styles affect all relationships: w/ Jessica Baum - 14th Jun 2024 The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset: Learning and behaviour change - 30th July 2024 Attachment Styles: Understanding our emotional blueprinte - 20th Feb 2024 Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and the Growth Mindset Connection 04:32 Understanding the Vagus Nerve 06:03 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Systems (fight and flight vs relax and digest) 09:55 The Dorsal Vagal State (shutdown and detach) 15:07 Neuroception: Your Body's Spidey Sense 19:57 Controlling our nervous system 20:53 #1 Breathing Techniques for Calmness 24:59 #2 Managing Stress with Lifestyle Changes 27:55 The Importance of Vagal Tone 29:02 #3 Exercise and Stress Management 30:57 The Neuroscience Behind Exercise and Stress Reduction 32:34 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects on Neuroception 34:07 The Importance of Attachment in Early Development 35:09 #4 Healing from Past Trauma 37:05 #5 The Role of Pets in Co-Regulation 38:23 The Science of Human Connection and Attachment 41:40 Polyvagal Theory in Education and Fostering Growth Mindset 44:05 Applying Polyvagal Theory at Work to Build Productivity 46:57 Strengthening Relationships Through Polyvagal Theory 52:10 Personal Growth, Overcoming Challenges & Practical Tips for a Balanced Life 56:15 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
13 Aug 20241h 2min
The Lost Art of Listening to Yourself
Principles to enhance learning, independent thinking, and problem-solving, whilst reducing the feeling of being lost. Ever feel like you're constantly consuming information but losing touch with your own thoughts? This episode takes you on a journey back to the essential skill of listening to yourself. We'll explore the impact of continuous content on our ability to think independently and how it can dilute our personal insight. Hear expert advice on creating the mental space necessary for profound self-dialogue and reflection. By the end, you’ll learn how to balance input from the world with your own inner wisdom, transforming how you learn, solve problems, and engage with the world. Takeaways: Practical tools for self-dialogue How to create a healthy balance in consumption vs reflection Enhanced awareness of personal needs and feelings Slower and more independent ways of thinking Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMA's and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off code GROWTHMINDSET50 🪒 🦁 ManScaped: 20% Off + Free Shipping - code GROWTH 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY Recommended Books Why Buddhism is True - Robert Wright Slow Productivity - Cal Newport Stillness is the Key - Ryan Holiday 4000 weeks - Oliver Burkman Recommended Episodes How to Slow Down Time: Increase productivity and reduce stress - 21st Feb 2023 Old Secrets to Calm and Purposeful Progress: Speeding up by slowing down - 22nd Jan 2024 7 Wierd Life-Changing Skills that will make you happier - 5th Nov 2023 10 powerful Stoic Questions (for a full life) - 6th Feb 2024 Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 04:34 Entertainment, Edutainment and Accessibility of Content 06:26 Downside of Constant Learning, Capitalism and the Knowledge Economy 07:32 The Balance Between Learning and Thinking for yourself 08:47 Creativity, Brain Function, and Importance of Mental Downtime 09:11 The Pitfalls of Over-Optimization and Finding the Right Balance 11:08 The Value of Reflection when Adapting to Different Situations 12:51 Embracing the Unknown 13:35 Talking to Yourself and Organizing Your Thoughts 15:45 Practical Tips for Self-Dialogue 16:56 Overcoming Social Stigma and art of not giving a f### 17:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
9 Aug 202422min
How to Build Free Will & Self-Control [Psychology of Default Behaviours]
Developing the freedom to choose how you respond to situations in life is a core part of building a growth mindset. A fixed mindset approach leaves you at the mercy of events in life that will make you angry or sad and blame your circumstances with no control from you. A growth mindset allows you to build the space to determine how you react in any situation and be the person you want to be rather than the person the world pushes you to be. To achieve that we examine: The nature of Free Will and desire The role of our consciousness as an observer and actor Unconscious thought processes and behaviours How to master control of our responses in any situation How to observe physical and mental pain with curiosity This episode touches on some very important concepts deep in the fabric of our experiencing self as a human being. By understanding internal processes we can better control our actions and outcomes in life. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMA's and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off code GROWTHMINDSET50 🪒 🦁 ManScaped: 20% Off + Free Shipping - code GROWTH 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY Books Upside of Irrationality - Dan Ariely Free Will - Sam Harris Conscious - Annika Harris The Map is Mostly Water - David Foster Wallace Man's Search For Meaning - Viktor Frankl Recommended Episodes Thinking Fast and Slow: How to make better decisions - 12th July 2024 Ego Blindspots: 9 Cognitive Biases to avoid - 7th May 2024 5 Stoic Principles for Creating Happiness Now - 5th Nov 2023 10 powerful Stoic Questions (for a full life) - 6th Feb 2024 Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Personal Growth and Free Will 01:59 Understanding Fixed and Growth Mindsets 02:08 The Complexity of Psychology and Mindsets 03:34 Episode plan - Diving into Consciousness and Free Will 05:12 Habits and conscious and unconscious behaviour 06:44 Case Study: The Sleepwalking Killer + The Compulsive Gambler 11:44 Understanding the Limits of Free Will 15:35 The Role of Desires and External Influences 18:24 Conscious vs Subconscious thoughts and memories 21:50 Building Free Will and Autonomy and issues with Fixed mindset 25:38 Victor Frankl's Insights on building Free Will in everyday life 28:17 Understanding Emotional Triggers 30:25 David Foster Wallace on Thinking and Free Will 33:10 The Psychology of Revenge 38:33 Pain and Free Will - How meditation helps us control our reactions 45:29 Applying Free Will in Daily Life 47:02 Conclusion and Further Reading Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
6 Aug 202454min
3 Tactics to Leave Your Comfort Zone and Overcome Fear of Failure
Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone. Learn to expand your mental horizons and build a healthy relationship with the fear of failure. To build new connections in the brain and learn we need to fail. Becoming an expert in anything requires being comfortable with being a crappy amateur. A great paradox of success is that it is built on a foundation of failure. Perfection is actually a common cause of fixed mindset attitudes and can block growth. Learn practical strategies to embrace the lessons hidden in setbacks and turn fear into a stepping stone for success: The failure rates of real success How to determine what a healthy failure rate is Build deliberate practice routines Create an enjoyment of the journey - mishaps and difficulty included It’s time to change how you view challenges and start celebrating the growth that comes from every misstep. Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off code GROWTHMINDSET50 🪒 🦁 ManScaped: 20% Off + Free Shipping - code GROWTH 🛏️ 😇 Cozy Earth: 35% off code GROWTH 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Failure 02:13 #1 Increasing Your Failure Rate for Success 04:19 Jobs, Startups, Investing and High Failure Rates 06:04 #2 Deliberate Practice and Personal Growth 07:09 Pushing Comfort Zones in Skiing and anything 09:30 Learning Faster Through Deliberate Failure 10:25 Books on Deliberate Practice 10:51 #3 Enjoying the Ride: Embracing Failure 16:22 Conclusion: Living an Interesting Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2 Aug 202420min
The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset, Learning and Behaviour Change
How our brain chemistry and architecture works are fascinating. It can also help us embrace challenges, learn faster and reconfigure our mindsets. Today we are diving deep into how the brain lays down its wiring and builds beliefs and behaviour patterns. We can then better understand how our mindsets are formed, how they shape our outcomes and what we can do about them. This is core knowledge for anyone wanting to invest in their personal journey and influence their outcomes in life. Instead of talking about opinions we are going straight to the source of the real science of self-improvement. Sponsors: 🥙 😋 Factor: 50% off code GROWTHMINDSET50 🪒 🦁 ManScaped: 20% Off + Free Shipping - code GROWTH 🛏️ 😇 Cozy Earth: 35% off code GROWTH 📚 🤓 ShortForm: Free trial + 20% off - code PSYCHOLOGY Meet Sam Free Call - Schedule Link 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 - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Expansive Thinking Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Personal Limitations 01:44 Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset 04:39 Growth and Fixed Mindset Explained 06:05 The Science Behind Brain Development 10:25 The Role of Nurture in Human Development 13:19 Mindsets and Their Impact 15:08 Learning Through Mistakes 19:29 How Mindsets Are Built 24:28 The Importance of Failure 27:52 Reframing Failure for Growth 29:19 The Problem with School and Mistakes 30:10 Celebrating Mistakes and Effort 31:03 The Root of Fixed Mindset Beliefs 32:29 Final Thoughts on Growth and Learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
30 Juli 202435min
