The Forward Theory

Hosted by Super Awesome Mix

Business Entrepreneurship Education Health Fitness

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Latest episode

Oct 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Season 3 is over, thanks for listening! For more of The Forward Theory, please subscribe to my Substack at https://theforwardtheory.substack.com . -------- Confidence doesn’t come first—movement does. The Forward Theory is a podcast about building self-belief through action. Hosted by writer, runner, and mindset geek Sam Abousalbi, each episode explores the feedback loop that changed everything: Movement → Confidence → Momentum → More Confidence → Movement. If you’re feeling stuck, stalled, or like you’re always starting over, this show will help you shift your mindset, rebuild trust in yourself, and start creating real momentum one step at a time. You don’t need to be ready. You just need to move. (Formerly "Super Awesome You" and "Super Awesome Runner")

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 14, 202510 min

[Repost] Have you heard the phrase 'things that fire together, wire together'?

Another repost week! Enjoy this favorite.This week we talk about the meaning of the phrase 'things that fire together, wire together' and how it relates to habit formation (or habit removal). Coming soon we'll discuss the 3 parts of a habit, and how to use the science of habits to change your life!This week's song of the week is Clubbed to Death by Rob Dougan (the remixed version off the Matrix soundtrack.)Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

October 7, 20259 min

[Repost] Are you giving up too early on your goals?

Hi everyone! A repost this week as I still find my bearings! 😄 Another audience favorite:This week we talk about the problem of invisible progress, and late rewards when you're working towards a long-term goal (and what to do about it!)This week's song of the week is Believer by Imagine Dragons.Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

September 30, 2025Episode 3313 min

How do you overcome the doubt at the beginning of a new challenge?

Starting something new—whether it’s becoming a parent, launching a business, running a marathon, or stepping into a new role—can feel overwhelming. Doubt creeps in and whispers, “Can I really do this?” In this episode, Sam shares three powerful reminders to help you face those moments. If you’ve ever felt stuck at the base of a mountain, this conversation will remind you that you have what it takes to keep climbing.Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

September 23, 20258 min

[Season Break] Do you hang out with the right people to help you achieve your goals?

Hi everyone! At least one more season break episode this week -- another listener favorite. hope everyone is having a wonderful season transition!This week we talk a bit about mirroring, and how hanging out with people who are positive/happy/hopeful tends to make us feel more positive/happy and hopeful.Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

September 16, 202510 min

[Season Break] How do you find the motivation to change your habits? Part 3 of 3 on habits

Mid-season break for the next 1 week! Please enjoy this audience favorite, a 3 part series on the science of habits.We tackle the final piece of the habit puzzle: finding the motivation to stick with it, and to make important changes. Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

September 9, 202510 min

[Season Break] What are you getting out of your existing habits? Part 2 of 3 on habits

Mid-season break for the next 2 weeks! Please enjoy this audience favorite, a 3 part series on the science of habits.This week we're talking about how to make a plan to change existing habits or create new ones.Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

September 2, 202510 min

[Season Break] Is your environment helping or hurting you start or stop a habit? Part 1 of 3 on the science of habits.

Mid-season break for the next 3 weeks! Please enjoy this audience favorite, a 3 part series on the science of habits.This week we tackle part 1 of 3 on the science of habits -- the cue or the trigger! And how to hack this system to help you start or stop a habit.This week's song of the week is Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park.Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

August 26, 2025Episode 3214 min

Are you allowing yourself to be you?

It’s easy to model yourself after others—following their routines, copying their strategies, and trying to replicate their success. But what if the real turning point is when you start listening to yourself? In this episode, Sam shares why blindly copying others holds you back, how to check in with what actually works for you, and why the answers you’re searching for are already inside you. This is your reminder to stop forcing someone else’s blueprint and start building your own.Ready to take your growth to the next level?Visit learn.theforwardtheory.com to explore courses and digital products designed to help you build confidence, create momentum, and move your life forward—one step at a time. Start today and thank yourself tomorrow!Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

August 19, 2025Episode 3115 min

Can Small Commitments Really Change Everything?

Your brain doesn’t care if a habit helps you or harms you—it just loves the loop. In this episode, Sam dives into why we stay stuck in patterns that don’t serve us, and how to begin rewiring your brain to create better ones. From taking out the trash to building new neural pathways, discover how small commitments build confidence, momentum, and self-respect. If you’ve ever struggled to keep promises to yourself, this episode will show you how to start changing that today.https://learn.theforwardtheory.comTT/IG/Threads: @theforwardtheorySupport the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

August 12, 2025Episode 3016 min

The Power of an Open Mindset in Uncertain Times

In this episode, Sam explores the transformative power of keeping your mind open to whatever the future holds. It’s not about ignoring challenges or forcing positivity—it’s about embracing reality with curiosity and optimism. Discover how an open mindset helps you see opportunities where others see obstacles, stay resilient through uncertainty, and create space for growth without the pressure of “toxic positivity.” If you want to learn how to balance hope with honesty and unlock a future full of possibility, this episode is for you.Ready to take your growth to the next level?Visit learn.theforwardtheory.com to explore courses and digital products designed to help you build confidence, create momentum, and move your life forward—one step at a time. Start today and thank yourself tomorrow!Support the showIf today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/