EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 23 MIN
Life's Infinite Games: How to play by your own rules
from Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement · host Sam Webster Harris | Growth Mindset Psychology
What if the game you're playing isn't yours? Every moment of your life, something is at stake. Ignore your partner, they feel less loved. Choose status over meaning, you'll need a therapist. We inherit these games—LinkedIn profiles that read like eager cover letters, news consumption that convinces us everything's collapsing, social media that demands we perform. But there's another way. Instead of seeking approval, seek independence. Instead of doing what looks good, do what is good for us. The philosopher suggests three modes: machine (following instructions), intelligent (playing better), and zen (not playing at all). This episode will help you be more intelligent and more zen. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 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. 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 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 Introduction to the Show 00:36 The Concept of Life as a Game 01:29 The Rules of Life's Games 03:18 Playing the LinkedIn Game 04:53 Reevaluating LinkedIn's Purpose 06:35 Life Lessons from LinkedIn 08:24 The Philosophy of Fun and Success 11:42 The Game of Life 14:08 Modes of Approaching Life 15:00 Applying the Modes to Social Media and News 17:02 Final Thoughts on Playing Life's Games 18:13 Housekeeping and Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
What if the game you're playing isn't yours? Every moment of your life, something is at stake. Ignore your partner, they feel less loved. Choose status over meaning, you'll need a therapist. We inherit these games—LinkedIn profiles that read like eager cover letters, news consumption that convinces us everything's collapsing, social media that demands we perform. But there's another way. Instead of seeking approval, seek independence. Instead of doing what looks good, do what is good for us. The philosopher suggests three modes: machine (following instructions), intelligent (playing better), and zen (not playing at all). This episode will help you be more intelligent and more zen. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 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. 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 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 Introduction to the Show 00:36 The Concept of Life as a Game 01:29 The Rules of Life's Games 03:18 Playing the LinkedIn Game 04:53 Reevaluating LinkedIn's Purpose 06:35 Life Lessons from LinkedIn 08:24 The Philosophy of Fun and Success 11:42 The Game of Life 14:08 Modes of Approaching Life 15:00 Applying the Modes to Social Media and News 17:02 Final Thoughts on Playing Life's Games 18:13 Housekeeping and Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Life's Infinite Games: How to play by your own rules
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