Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement

Do You Think Like a Caveman? Surprising Mindset Lessons From History


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Where does the scarcity mindset, imposter syndrome, and loss aversion come from?

Welcome to a mindset masterclass from history. Learn if the very instincts that kept humanity alive are now keeping you from truly living.

For 290,000 years, we survived by playing it safe, following the tribe, and hoarding resources. These weren't character flaws—they were survival strategies in a world where innovation could mean death.

  • The scarcity mindset that once threatened our ancestors' survival now threatens our potential.
  • The tribal conformity that once protected us now prevents breakthrough thinking.
  • The focused attention that once saved lives now creates cognitive tunnels.
  • This episode goes beyond history to recognise the invisible forces shaping your choices and breaking out of survival mode.

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          Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement


          Episode: Do You Think Like a Caveman? Surprising Mindset Lessons From History


          Chapters:

          00:00 GM - 5 Mindset Locks on Innovation

          02:58 The Hand Axe Conundrum

          04:51 Episode Goals

          06:06 #1 - SURVIVAL

          06:42 Energy requirements

          08:51 Time Scarcity

          11:20 Risk and Psychological Safety

          13:39 Survival and Scarcity Mindset

          16:15 #2 - CULTURE

          18:03 Culture in New Guinea

          19:02 Results of trying ideas

          20:46 The Grandmother Hypothesis

          21:43 Widowhood statistics

          23:07 Kaulong Tribe Widow killing

          24:49 Catalhoyuk - 1000 years of stasis

          25:59 Culture, Social Pressure, Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome

          28:47 #3 - KNOWLEDGE

          30:51 Losing knowledge

          32:14 Maths

          33:01 Communication and Language

          34:03 Ice Age Picasso Paradox

          35:16 Knowledge and Cognitive Tunnelling

          37:59 Wrap Up


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