The Forward Theory
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")
Episodes
83 episodes
Are You Waiting for Motivation to Start? Here’s What Really Works
Motivation is a blip. It gets you rolling, but it won’t carry you across the finish line. Learn why falling in love with the process—not the outcome—is the key to lasting progress.Are you stuck waiting for the perfect spark of mot...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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11:05
Welcome To The Forward Theory
Movement builds confidence. Confidence builds momentum. Momentum gives you more confidence.It all starts with action!You can find more of the show's content here:Substack New...
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0:48
What Storylines Are You Telling Yourself, and Are They Holding You Back?
What if the biggest thing standing between you and your dreams is the story you tell yourself every day? Sam dives into how self-limiting beliefs can keep us stuck and shares his personal journey of rewriting his narrative—from thinking he coul...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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13:06
[Repost] How do you make yourself unstoppable? (aka the power of mantras and why I think they work)
Happy 1st of July everyone! I'm taking this week off for the holiday, will be back soon with new episodes! Please enjoy one of the most popular episodes of the show and keep on being super awesome!This week we tackle ma...
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9:03
Are you constantly telling yourself you'll do it tomorrow?
Do you find yourself always saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow”? Sam dives into the powerful realization that the motivated, ready version of you only comes into being when you start today. Learn how to overcome procrastination born of fear, set smal...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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15:55
Are You Staying on the Journey Long Enough to See Results?
Do you ever feel like quitting because you’re not seeing progress fast enough? Sam shares a powerful metaphor about riding the same bus route from a recent book he read (4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals) where the first stops look the sa...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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13:35
What Are the 3 Pillars Behind Every Self-Help Book?
After a decade of reading countless self-help and personal development books, Sam reveals the three foundational principles that underpin them all: being present, showing up, and letting go. Dive into how mastering these pillars can...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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14:58
[Repost] Why it's so difficult to start things (and what to do about it) - a brief talk on activation energy
Hi everyone! Taking a little mid-season break for a couple of weeks. Hope you all enjoy the unofficial beginning of summer!We talk about activation energy, chemical reactions, and how it relates to motivation and your goals. We al...
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Season 3
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10:07
[Repost] Identifying as a shortcut to achieving your goal - identify as a winner long before you are
Hi everyone! Taking a little mid-season break for a couple of weeks. Hope you all enjoy the unofficial beginning of summer!This week we talk about how identifying as a champion/winner/achiever long before you reach your goal is he...
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Season 3
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10:21
Do You Ever Ask Yourself, ‘What Am I Doing?’
Have you ever paused in the middle of pursuing your dream and wondered, “What am I doing?” This week, I explore that all-too-familiar moment of self-doubt, why your brain tries so hard to keep you safe (and stuck), and how you can embrace uncer...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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16:04
Can Your Brain Actually Change at Any Age?
Ever believed you were too old or stuck in your ways to learn something new? This week, I dive deep into the fascinating science of neuroplasticity — the brain’s incredible ability to adapt, grow, and rewire itself at any stage of life. Discove...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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12:32
[Repost] Are you giving yourself enough downtime?
Life happens! Due to a jury duty summons, and some friends in town, I was unable to record a new episode this week -- so I'm choosing an audience favorite on downtime, since that felt most appropriate. See you next week!This week ...
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Season 3
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10:52
Can gratitude lead to more success?
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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14:29
Are You Ignoring Your Greatest Wins?
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 ac...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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10:20
Ever Think You’re Too Late to Start?
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 pivotin...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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10:33
[Podcast Swap] My episode from "My First Marathon Podcast" with host Taylor S
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...
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Season 3
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1:01:19
Train Your Brain to Show Up When Motivation Doesn't
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-ter...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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12:30
"She's gonna run a full within a year" -- Exploring the power of words, community, and self with Taylor from My First Marathon Podcast
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. Y...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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36:31
[Repost] What matters most when pursuing a goal
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 1...
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Season 3
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9:12
Let's talk about progress (or the seeming lack of progress) when pursuing a long-term goal
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 progr...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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14:22
Why letting go might be the best way to hit your goal / set a PR
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.
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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12:29
[Podcast Swap] Sam's 40th birthday mix tape on "Super Awesome Mix"
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.
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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31:57
How to create a practice of discipline (because motivation will *not* always be there)
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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19:42
Special Race Day Episode: Tips & Tricks for running the NYRR United Half Marathon in NYC
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 revie...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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33:01
The mental gymnastics of dealing with an injury as a runner
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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14:27