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")
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 12 minutes
- Episodes
- 90
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
[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…
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 y…
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 bra…
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 wi…
Are You Ready to Awaken a New Version of You?
What if the change you’re craving has been inside you all along? Sam shares his personal journey from feeling stuck and frustrated to consciously choosing a new perspective—and how small, intentional…
How Opening One Door Can Change Everything for You
You’re standing in a room with 10 identical doors — which one do you open? Sam breaks down the paralysis that comes from over-planning and fear of the wrong choice. Learn why the best decision is oft…
Will you be the one that keeps going, even as everyone else quits?
You and 10 others start a 30-day content challenge, but only one of you makes it past day 30. Why do so many give up, and what separates those who succeed? Sam shares his personal stories of starting…
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 waiti…
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:
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 …
[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!
Th…
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 ov…
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 f…
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 int…
[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 m…
[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 b…
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 sa…
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, an…
[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 appropriat…
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 topi…