The Forward Theory

Think gratitude is just about feeling good? What if it’s actually your key to success? Discover how daily thankfulness can rewire your brain for happiness and opportunity. This week I dive into a topic near and dear to my heart: gratitude. And specifically how I think it helps us be more successful in our endeavors, and how it helps us feel happier and more content with life. Support the show If t...

You’ve done hard things before, and you can do them again. It's so easy to look past all the work we've put into our lives, and to keep moving the goal post...but if we do that all the time, we tend to strip away any and all the joy of achievement.  This week includes a small homework assignment for all of us to reflect on! Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my we...

Do you feel like you’ve missed your chance to pursue your dreams? In this episode, Sam shares why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, chase your goals, and find clarity in life’s constraints. Whether you’re starting fresh at 20 or pivoting at 50, it’s time to believe you’re right on time. Tune in for the motivation to take the next step—today. Support the show If today’s episode resonated, y...

Hi everyone! This week I'm doing a podcast episode swap with Taylor S from My First Marathon podcast (you can find it here: https://www.myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/ )  I had such a fun time talking with Taylor about my experience running the NYC marathon for the first time, and my journey with running overall. Hope you enjoy, and please be sure to check out her awesome podcast!!  a Support the...

What happens when your motivation runs dry but your goals remain unchanged? That's the central question explored in this relatable episode of the Super Awesome You podcast, where host Sam delves into the challenging reality of pursuing long-term goals amid fluctuating motivation levels. The truth is uncomfortable but liberating: you simply do the work anyway. Sam shares personal experiences f...

This week I sit down with Taylor S from My First Marathon Podcast, and we talk about motivation, drive, overcoming challenges during those long training blocks, and the power of words and community in helping us get over the hump.  You can find Taylor's podcast here: https://www.myfirstmarathonpodcast.com/ As well find her on Instagram/Threads here: https://www.instagram.com/myfirstmarathonpo...

Hi everyone, Sam here! As promised, this week I'm off (but will be back next week with a new exciting episode!!) so here's a favorite on the podcast, "What matters most when pursuing a goal". This was the S1 season finale if you missed it the 1st go round. Hope you all have a super awesome week as always! See you next week! Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll...

Less than a week away from the NYC Half, and I'm reminded of my experience running the FDR highway, looking at the UN building, and feeling like I'm never actually getting closer to it. This ends up being a good segue for me to talk about progress towards long-term goals, and how difficult it can be when what you want is months/years away-- and a helpful tip on how to deal with that mome...

Has this ever happened to you? You let go of your goal, and then not only hit it, but exceed it? In this week's episode, I dive into some of the science of why I think this happens. Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

Since it's my birthday (week!) and I'm off, I'm going to post an episode from my other podcast on the Super Awesome Mix podcast network! Hope you enjoy these 12 songs that are helping me reflect on 40 wonderful years. Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

Motivation vs. discipline gets thrown around a lot online. Let's break that down, and talk about what it really means when someone says "discipline over motivation". P.S. Next week I'll be off celebrating my 40th birthday, so I'll instead be publishing an episode from my Super Awesome Mix podcast episode with Matt on my 12 songs that help me reflect on my 4 decades so far!...

I'm joined this week by special guest Indy, a long-time marathoner and NYC runner, as we break down the upcoming 2025 United Half Marathon in New York City! We both ran the race last year, and will be running it this year, so we wanted to review our memories of each parts of the race, and offer up any tips/tricks/guidance if you're a first time runner there (or if it's been a while)...

Being injured as a runner can be painful -- and can challenge our sense of identity. This week I talk about my struggle of having a 2 month injury time out, and returning back to my first race (the Manhattan 10K) and dealing with some cognitive dissonance along the way!  Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheo...

Gatekeeping is a topic that seems to come up a lot on Runners Threads! I wanted to dive into some of the sociology / psychology and science behind it, and some quick tips on how to deal with it. Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

This last week I suffered from vertigo, and had to stay off screens for a while. It ended up being a really positive experience. This week we cover: How social media is designed to keep you on there Why our brains struggle to find balance with reels/tiktok/etc Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack...

This episode explores the transformative power of the two-minute rule for managing everyday tasks and building effective habits. By tackling small tasks immediately and gradually incorporating new habits, listeners can experience mental clarity and enhanced satisfaction in their daily lives.  • Overview of the two-minute rule and its benefits  • The mental weight of uncompleted tasks  • Strategies...

This episode is a brief introduction to me, Sam! it's great to meet you! We also spend some time in the end talking about a habit hack I have for getting me out the door to run on those days when I don't want to (which does happen, for sure. Looking at you, hot humid days in summer). Want to connect with me directly? Follow me at @superawesomerunner on insta and threads ! Support the sho...

This episode focuses on the transformative power of journaling as a tool for effective goal setting. By envisioning future successes and immersing oneself in the emotions related to achievements, listeners can engage their subconscious and create a roadmap to their aspirations.  Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://thefor...

This week, since I’m off for the holiday, please enjoy this episode from a sister show on our network: What are you listening to? with host Jenn. I’m on the show with Matt from the mixtape podcast, and we all enjoy some laughs talking about our favorite Christmas music!  stay safe and warm everyone! will be back next week with a new episode! Happy holidays! Support the show If today’s episode reso...

Hi, Sam here, I'm fighting a cold this week, hope you can excuse my stuffed up voice! Join me this week as I tackle the difficulty of long term goals, and why in the moment, we tend to make the poor choice (vs the choice we actually want to make). Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/

What if the fear of trying something new is just your brain's way of keeping you safe? Join me as I unravel how our evolutionary instincts can hold us back, sharing my own experience of taking that first brave step into the unknown. Our brains are hardwired to seek safety and acceptance within social groups, which often makes venturing into unfamiliar territories daunting. Yet, by understandi...

Ever wondered what it takes to transform a simple decision into an extraordinary achievement? Join me, Sam, as I recount my journey of running the New York City Marathon for the first time. You'll hear about the rigorous two-year preparation, the shift in diet and lifestyle, and the unwavering commitment to a goal that seemed daunting at first. It’s a tale that underscores the power of taking...

Hi all! Another repost this week as I work on new content and some exciting news coming soon! Enjoy another popular episode from the archive. --- This week we cover the feeling of having two different versions of yourself vying for control on whether or not you stick with a new habit. I certainly feel like I argue with myself constantly when I'm trying to introduce change into my life, and I&...

I’ll be back real soon with a new episode, but for now here is a fan favorite / all time best episode! —  This week we cover the benefit of journaling positive experiences in your life, and how it can retrain your brain and expand what you see! The song of the week is Good Old Days by Macklemore and Kesha. Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe h...

This week we tackle the Central Governor theory (aka mind over matter). Support the show If today’s episode resonated, you’ll love my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for free: https://theforwardtheory.substack.com/