How to Defeat Your Shadow Life and Face Your Calling: Lessons from Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield,
What if the life you're living is just a metaphor for the life you're meant to live?
Pressfield kept his typewriter buried under spare parts in his truck. He knew it was there. Thought about it constantly. But he was too terrified to dig it out and write. So he drove. For years.
Shadow callings aren't about laziness—they're about proximity without risk. We fall into fixed mindset thinking this is all we can do.
We become English teachers instead of novelists, consultants instead of founders, gallery workers instead of artists. We stay close enough to feel legitimate, far enough to avoid the real work.
This episode breaks down why your brain creates these elaborate escape mechanisms, what separates amateurs from professionals, and the exact moment everything changes.
You'll learn:
How to recognize if you're living a shadow career right now
The 20 habits that separate professionals from amateurs
Why turning pro is a decision you remake every single day
SPONSORS
👨💻 NordLayer
Security across your business
28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28
http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation
Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights.
Found on all major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
---
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 Are You Living Your Dream or a shadow calling?
02:14 Steven Pressfield's Shadow Career
03:28 Examples of Shadow Careers
04:01 The Concept of Metaphor
05:54 Addiction: The Partner of the Shadow Life
08:02 Amateur vs. Professional Behavior
09:35 Characteristics of a Professional
10:46 Turning Pro: A Life-Changing Decision
11:31 The All is Lost Moment
13:20 Personal Reflections on Turning Pro
15:42 The Rewards of Turning Pro
17:34 Building habits of a professional
19:38 Closing Remarks and Recommendations
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
23:18
--------
23:18
Tips on Getting Better Today Than Yesterday - w/ Olympic Coach Frank Dick OBE
What if winning isn't a destination? What if it's the quiet act of becoming slightly better than you were when the sun rose this morning?
Frank Dick spent five decades asking "How do we help people see their own progress?"
As British Athletics' legendary Director of Coaching, he discovered something profound. We're wired to notice missing buttons but blind to the ones that are there. His Four Rs framework (Reason, Reality, Reflection, Response) is a mindset shift in how we define growth mindset psychology.
Every competition, meeting, and conversation is an invitation to ask What did I learn?
Three frameworks for transformation:
The left-side/right-side exercise: How to rewire your nervous system for positive psychology and curiosity
Strength-first philosophy: Why building on what works creates better mental models than fixing flaws (neuroscience meets self-development)
Emotional control in the arena: Simple techniques athletes use to ignore distractions and maintain mental strength
The only competition that matters is with yesterday's version of yourself—are you ready to win that game?
SPONSORS
👨💻 NordLayer
Security across your business
28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28
http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset
Frank Dick OBE
- Website - https://www.frankdick.co.uk
- Book - "Winning: Motivation for Business, Sport & Life"
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation
Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights.
Found on all major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
---
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 Haunting Feeling of Never Being Enough
00:29 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast
01:03 The Journey of Sustainable Success
01:24 Introducing Frank Dick: Coaching Legend
01:57 The Four Rs Framework for Personal Growth
02:06 Defining Winning: A Continuous Journey
02:26 Frank Dick's Insights on Winning
03:06 Practical Tips for Daily Wins
03:59 The Importance of Setting Realistic Goals
07:08 Recognizing and Celebrating Small Wins
14:26 The Role of Emotional Control in Success
16:28 The Pitfalls of Success and Complacency
17:29 Reflections and Takeaways from Frank Dick
19:38 The Four Rs: A Growth Mindset Framework
20:18 Conclusion: Embrace Your Strengths and Improve Daily
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
24:54
--------
24:54
Moments Where Character Forms: Stop being a Victim and build a Victor Mindset - w/ Olympic Coach Frank Dick OBE
Ever notice how the people who never mess up also never win big? Frank Dick, the legendary British Olympic coach who led Team GB through its golden era, calls this "the risk of winning."
For over 50 years, Frank coached Olympic champions like Daley Thompson and Sebastian Coe. His growth mindset framework reveals a counterintuitive truth about mental strength: failure isn't falling off your bike—it's refusing to get back on. This episode unpacks the hidden psychology behind mistakes, character formation, and why vulnerability might be your greatest competitive advantage in self-improvement.
You'll discover:
Why making zero mistakes means you're not dreaming big enough (the science behind mental models for personal development)
The exact moment your character forms—hint: it's before you act (behavioural psychology meets emotional intelligence)
Frank's "Four Rs" framework for extracting wisdom from both wins and losses (cool psychology for mindset improvement)
Listen now to master the mental health strategies Olympic athletes use to build unshakeable self-discipline.
SPONSORS - 👨💻 NordLayer
Security across your business
28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28
http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation
Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights.
Found on all major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
---
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
Episode: Victim vs Victor Mentality
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Growth Mindset Psychology
00:25 Overcoming the Fear of Failure
00:59 Meet Frank Dick, OBE
01:15 The Risk of Winning
01:43 Victim Mindset vs. Winning Mindset
02:38 Embracing Mistakes and Stumbles
03:52 Reflection and Learning from Mistakes
08:05 The Importance of Asking for Help
08:49 Courage and Vulnerability
10:01 Cheating and Character Flaw
14:31 Learning Through Experience
15:22 The Art and Science of Coaching
17:15 Frank Dick's Key Insights
17:19 Episode Highlights and Takeaways
18:42 Conclusion and Next Steps
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
22:30
--------
22:30
What is a MINDSET Exactly? (and how do you spot a bad one)
Ever said "you just need the right mindset" without knowing what that actually means? You're not alone. Most people use mindset like a magic word—vague, fluffy, and completely useless.
This episode breaks down what mindset really is through psychology, not wellness guru nonsense. You'll learn the difference between growth mindset (seeing failure as learning) and fixed mindset (believing ability is static), why abundance mindset beats scarcity thinking, and how open-mindedness isn't about accepting everything. The fisherman story reveals how we all fake understanding of concepts we never properly learned.
You'll discover:
Why specificity transforms mindset from buzzword to breakthrough
How Carol Dweck's research differs from manifestation myths
Three mindset pairs that actually impact your decisions
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation
Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights.
Found on all major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
---
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 What is a mindset - REALLY?
01:16 Understanding Mindset: Core Concepts
02:08 The Psychology Behind Mindset
03:50 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
04:44 The Evolution and Misuse of Mindset
12:38 Open vs. Closed Mindset
17:37 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset
20:31 Applying Mindset Correctly
23:08 Future Content Plans and Listener Engagement
27:24 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Staying Positive
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
31:10
--------
31:10
Make Time Your Friend: Build a positive mindset with a little existential psychology (and stoicism)
Panic less, enjoy more - treat time well and it will treat you well.
Humans have a difficult relationship with time. Sometimes just a birthday can lead to spiralling mental health.
Yet time is the medium of existence that gives us all the experiences that make life so great.
Of course, time also ages us and ultimately robs us of everything we ever have and ever loved.
With the right mindset we can enjoy it and use it wisely.
We cover:
How to think differently about time itself
Learn how to be less frustrated by things we can't control
Questions to diagnose your relationship with time
Experience deeper awareness
Life is short but we can be the pilot of our experiences or dragged along in a rush feeling crushed by the weight of everything.
This episode should help reduce the storm and increase the calm.
Influence the Show
Meet me - Free call
Feedback - Request and Ideas Form
Growth Mindset pod
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
Insta - SamJam.zen
Newsletter - Explosive Thinking
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Philosophy of Play
00:19 Embracing Aging and Happiness
00:48 A Personal Reflection on Turning 30
02:39 The Fear of Aging: Breaking It Down
03:52 Confronting the Fear of Death
05:20 Accepting Physical Changes
07:08 Managing Expectations in Life
07:50 The Power of Storytelling
08:19 Living as an Artist of Your Life
09:43 Conclusion: Seize the Day
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
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
Listen to Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement, SOLVED with Mark Manson and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand