Work-Life Battle: Why "Balancing" Fails & What Works Instead
The pillars of a happy life lead to increased satisfaction instead of having opposing priorities fight it out.
By treating work and life as opposing forces we inevitably end up tipping the scales the wrong way. We can't always subscribe time evenly and things get out of whack.
We find there is a much better way by examining the term itself 'Work-life balance".
This episode will not only help you find better harmony with your different life projects but also help your awareness and mindsets to the choices you make.
Advert - Cozy Earth
Luxury Bamboo sheets and Loungeware that become softer the more you use them.
35% off code 'GROWTH' - CozyEarth.com
Infinite Play - Nat Eliason
This episode was inspired an article from Nat Eliason and his brilliant newsletter Infinite Play - I highly recommend subscribing.
Growth Mindset pod
Sam Webster Harris explores 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.
Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
Insta - SamJam.zen
Chapters
00:00 Importance vs Dangers of "balancing"
01:56 The number of heartbeats in your life
03:00 Why is finding Balance so complicated
03:50 The importance of words and language
06:50 When balance creates problems
07:50 The pillars of a happy life
09:00 Our obsession with good and bad instead of priorities
11:14 Seeking long-term enjoyment
13:10 Creating satisfaction whilst minimising sacrifice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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.
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