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...]
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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
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Growth Mindset Psychology:
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
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Website - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com
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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
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Om Podcasten
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.
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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