Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement

• Nervous System Mastery: Build resilience, reduce stress and feel more yourself - w/ Esin Pinarli

  There’s only so much logic you can apply to your problems, at some point you need to work with your biology. The nervous system it an incredible organ built to help you survive and it can over-ride your conscious processing at will. To stop tripping over our barriers and build true resilience, reduce stress & feel more alive we need there is a way. Working with your nervous system instead of against it. On the show we invite Esin Pinarli a licensed therapist and expert in working with our nervous system to give us a masterclass on turning discomfort into growth. Three Takeaways: Your nervous system doesn’t want you to succeed—it wants you to survive. Discomfort is a signal, not a stop sign. You grow by expanding your window of tolerance, not by breaking through it. Real personal growth doesn’t come from reading another book or “thinking positive.” It comes from your body. From doing the hard thing, just a little bit at a time. We talk about titration (small steps), edge surfing (riding discomfort), and how your brain actually rewires itself when you face fear—gracefully. Turns out, the part of your brain responsible for willpower literally grows when you push yourself. This is about learning to stretch without snapping. To build a stronger relationship with yourself—one uncomfortable moment at a time. Related Episodes Neuroscience of Fear - Spotify - Apple 4 Hidden Fears sabotaging your life - Spotify - Apple Stephen Porges: Polyvagal Theory and building inner peace - Spotify - Apple Jessica Baum: Attachment theory and relationships - Spotify - Apple Edge Surfing: How to slow down time - Spotify - Apple Feedback 🧑‍🏫 Sam is launching a workshop for building certainty in an uncertain world 💬 Opinions here - https://form.jotform.com/250963827592368 Sponsors 🧪 Magic Mind - Mental performance shot - 50% off - https://MagicMind.com/GrowthEDU - code GROWTH50 🌱 Cozy Earth - Luxury bedding and loungewear 35% off - https//CozyEarth.com - code GROWTH Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Contact Esin Practice - https://www.eternalwellnesscounseling.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esin-pinarli-73ab1722/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/esinpinarli_lcsw/ 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: Nervous System Mastery: Build resilience, reduce stress and feel more yourself - w/ Esin Pinarli Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to nervous system mastery 03:09 Defining Growth Mindset 04:16 The Science Behind Willpower 06:53 Skill Breaks and Titration 08:54 Metaphors for Growth 09:56 Understanding the Nervous System 11:47 Fear of Intimacy and Abandonment 13:49 The Duality of Human Nature 18:39 Hysterical = historical -> energy stored in body 19:36 How to discharge energy 21:16 Exercise as an antidepressant 23:30 Edge surfing and accepting growth 28:40 Magic Mind 30:14 Accepting this moment 31:46 Navigating co-dependant relationships and personal growth that affects relationships 37:17 What is Shame 38:52 The Role of Gratitude and Glimmers 44:28 The Journey of Self-Improvement 50:57 Extra content from Esin 52:22 Take homes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• The Science Behind Changing Your Mind (and how to build better taste)

  The problem with being human is that we believe our version of truth is the truth. Not because we’re bad—but because we’re wired that way. This episode is a story of blindness. Not the kind you see—but the kind you don’t even know you have. You’re not as open-minded as you think. That’s not an insult—it’s just how the brain works. We shortcut. We judge. We protect our ego like it’s a vintage vinyl. In this episode, I dive into the strange ways our own minds trick us into thinking we're rational, original, and morally superior. I walk through how prejudice isn't just about race—it's about music, anger, taste, careers, and even your opinion of running. You’ll hear about blind spots in your day-to-day that quietly shape your reality, and how to start noticing them before they run the show. Takeaways: Why your opinions probably aren’t your own Why improving your taste is more important than finding your passion A simple trick to challenge your ego without bruising it You can’t change the world if you can’t first question the lens you’re using to see it. This episode won’t change your mind—you will. Feedback Sam is launching a workshop for building certainty in an uncertain world Opinions here https://form.jotform.com/250963827592368 Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.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 Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: The Science Behind Changing Your Mind (and how to build better taste) Chapters: 00:00 You are wrong about a few things 02:19 Why is Prejudice So Hard to Notice 03:48 How Prejudice Happens 05:25 Lacking Awareness of What Change Would be Like 07:23 Communication 09:05 Where People Live 12:36 Lesson from Rick Rubin 13:22 Talent vs. Skill 16:05 The Issue of Feeling Special 17:34 3 Stories to Ground Yourself 17:48 1st - Being 1st isn't the best 20:33 2nd - other people's problems are also our problems. 22:27 3rd - Don't be A Racist 25:24 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• How to stop worrying about small problems that don't matter (and kill your perfectionist)

  Ever notice how you'll curse for days when stuck in traffic but never celebrate hitting all green lights? Your brain's flaw-detection software is working overtime. In our quest for the ideal—the perfect relationship, the flawless investment, the dream career—we often miss the opportunity to appreciate what's already working. This isn't about lowering standards; it's about recognizing diminishing returns and the opportunity costs of perfectionism. Gratitude research shows that people who accept small imperfections actually experience more satisfaction and happiness. It's not about settling—it's about optimizing for what truly matters and recognizing the diminishing returns of chasing perfection. Identify what's truly non-negotiable versus what's just a small cost of admission See where you get stuck in diminishing returns of perfectionism and break out of the cycle Reframe "tolerating flaws" as "accepting the whole, complex reality" of what you value Ready to stop obsessing over small flaws and start enjoying the ride? Your ticket to a more satisfying life is waiting. Feedback Sam is launching a workshop for building certainty in an uncertain world Opinions here https://form.jotform.com/250963827592368 Related Episodes How to stop catastrophising Psychology of Control - Why your brain overcomplicated everything How to build emotional intelligence Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com 🗣️ Feedback Form - Creating certainty in an uncertain world - https://form.jotform.com/250963827592368 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: How to stop worrying about small problems that don't matter (and kill your perfectionist) Chapters: 00:00 Hardwired for problem seeking 00:55 Concept of paying the price of admission 01:23 Relationships 04:43 Stock markets 06:02 More examples 08:42 Gratitude and Game Theory 10:41 Perfectionism and diminishing returns 12:55 Martha Nussbaum and the Descent of Love 13:58 Positive and negative flywheels of gratitude and perfectionism 15:48 Chang Chang and the Broken Vase Garden 17:17 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  23:43
• What creates lasting willpower and resilience: the 4 types of motivation

  The psychology of mental strength and how to achieve your goals. The path to extraordinary achievement isn't paved with enjoyment. It's built on something far more powerful: alignment with our deepest values. Sustainable motivation comes not from the pleasure of the journey but from how we connect our actions to what matters most to us. This isn't about willpower or discipline—it's about meaning-making. When we frame our challenges within the context of our personal values, we transform mundane or difficult tasks into meaningful steps toward who we wish to become. The student studying for exams, the entrepreneur facing rejection, the artist pushing through creative blocks—all can tap into this deeper well of motivation by connecting present struggles to future purpose. Topics: The real source of mental strength 4 exercises to build the right type of motivation How to live closer to your values What if your next challenge became not a test of endurance but an expression of who you are becoming? Feedback Sam is launching a workshop for building certainty in an uncertain world Opinions here https://form.jotform.com/250963827592368 Related Episodes 3 habits of mental strength Psychology of Fear How to build emotional intelligence Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.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 Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: What creates lasting willpower and resilience: the 4 types of motivation Chapters: 00:00 Hiking through the coastal path of UK 01:58 Building a stronger mindset and unstoppable motivation 02:37 Nuances of human motivation 04:43 Extrinsic motivation examples 07:20 What drives people to continue 08:20 4 types of motivation 13:36 Identifying personal values 14:04 Eulogy method 15:30 Odyssey plan 16:49 Radical Path 17:53 Wheel of life 19:59 Aligning your actions with your values 24:33 Celebrate small wins 25:48 Seek feedback and reflect on it 27:03 Send off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  34:28
• The Psychology of Hypnosis: It's not what you think

  What if the key to unlocking your potential was already within you, nestled within the folds of your own mind? Today we're diving into the science and psychology of hypnosis. It isn't about stage tricks or loss of control. It's about accessing a state of focused attention where the critical mind steps aside, allowing for profound change. Not only do we learn about how the subconscious mind can be accessed but the techniques and ways that work, backed by science. It's the difference between forcing yourself to diet and naturally craving healthier foods. Between lying awake, anxious, and drifting effortlessly into restorative sleep. It's not about what you do, but how you perceive. In this state, pain can become bearable, fears can dissolve, and long-held patterns can shift. Understanding hypnosis is a reminder that our experience of reality is malleable, shaped by the lens through which we view it. What is going on in the brain during hypnosis Explore self-hypnosis as a tool for personal growth Reframe challenges using hypnotic visualization Ads - Hypnozio A revolutionary self-hypnosis app. Hypnozio.com - Code GROWTH15 Related Episodes Loud Thoughts: Anxierty, Depression, ADHD & the Default Mode Network Psychology of Fear How to stop catastophising Fun videos: Kenny Craig's hypnosis dinner date Ellen Degeneres being hypnotised to stop smoking Tim Ferris interviewing Dr David Spiegel about hypnosis - Sources: To see sources, please scroll to the bottom because there are many... Feedback Sam is launching a workshop for building certainty in an uncertain world Opinions here https://form.jotform.com/250963827592368 Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.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 The Power of Hypnosis in Surgery 00:43 Common Misconceptions About Hypnosis 03:28 Hypnosis in European Hospitals 04:46 What Hypnosis Can't Do 05:42 How Hypnosis Works in the Brain 08:57 Hypnosis for Sleep Improvement 12:07 Hypnosis and Eating Habits 14:11 Hypnosis for Exercise Motivation 15:30 Hypnosis for Addiction 19:28 Hypnosis for Anxiety and Phobias 20:29 The Science Behind Hypnosis 21:30 Practical Tips for Anxiety Relief 22:33 Hypnozio: A Self-Hypnosis App 23:53 Pros and Cons of Self-Hypnosis Apps 26:45 Who Benefits Most from Hypnosis? 31:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 33:11 Definitely not Sam pretending to hypnotize listeners to leave good reviews because he is a responsible host who would never try such ridiculous things 33:42 Outro Sources: Under the knife with hypnosis - https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18725111-800-under-the-knife-under-hypnosis/ Heroin addiction - https://theriversource.org/blog/how-hypnosis-is-used-to-treat-addiction/ Hypnosurgery - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnosurgery Switzerland trials - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17728216/ Copenhagen Hypnosis murders - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen_hypnosis_murders Hypnosis and sleep - https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/full/10.5664/jcsm.6952 Hypnosis and insomnia - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hypnosis-for-insomnia Weight loss meta-analysis - https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-006X.64.3.517 Hypnosis and addiction - https://theriversource.org/blog/how-hypnosis-is-used-to-treat-addiction/ Befreinding your vagus nerve - https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1089&context=mindfulness_theses Celebs and hypnosis - https://www.hipnose.com.br/en/blog/hypnosis/matt-damon-and-hypnosis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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