Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
The psychology of control - why your brain overcomplicates everything
04 Mar 2025
We all know smart people make dumb decisions. But why? Why do gamblers double down when they should walk away? Why do we check our phones 58 times a day? Why do people micromanage their partners and get confused when they become distant? We are all suckers for the illusion of control. We are convinced that our meddling is needed to achieve our desired outcome. Sadly this misses the important fact that we are causing all our problems. The episode covers all sorts of personal problems from addictions to relationships, investing to anger and how control is at the heart of our problems. Whether you are high on neuroticism or curious about how the mind works we have a tonne of good stuff: Recognize your "control triggers" – situations where your grip tightens and makes things worse Practice intentional surrendering in low-stakes situations to build your letting-go muscles Replace control with curiosity by asking "What happens if I don't try to fix this?" Learn to stop wrestling with life and start dancing with it. Upgrade to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Related Episodes 5 Science-backed ways to stop disappointing yourself - Spotify - Apple The Psychology of Mistakes - 7 types of lazy thinking - Spotify - Apple 4 Hidden fears that sabotage your life - and what to do about them - Spotify - Apple 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 psychology of control - why your brain overcomplicates everything Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Why Smart People Make Dumb Decisions 00:30 The Science of Control 02:00 Personal Story: The Quad Bike Incident 05:51 The Illusion of Control 07:02 Addiction and Control 09:03 Reactance Theory: Why We Rebel 10:14 Attachment Styles and Control in Relationships 12:32 Paradoxical Intentions: Embracing the Opposite 15:30 Understanding and Managing Anger 18:43 Quieting the Default Mode Network 20:18 The Joy of Surrender 21:09 Show Updates: Embracing Change 22:58 The New Show Concept: The Psychology of Everything 25:25 The Importance of Growth and Change 26:03 Final Thoughts on Control and Surrender Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Before the Crisis: How You and Your Relatives Can Prepare for Financial Caregiving
06 Dec 2025
Motley Fool Money
OpenAI's Code Red, Sacks vs New York Times, New Poverty Line?
06 Dec 2025
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
OpenAI's Code Red, Sacks vs New York Times, New Poverty Line?
06 Dec 2025
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
Anthropic Finds AI Answers with Interviewer
05 Dec 2025
The Daily AI Show
#2423 - John Cena
05 Dec 2025
The Joe Rogan Experience
Warehouse to wellness: Bob Mauch on modern pharmaceutical distribution
05 Dec 2025
McKinsey on Healthcare